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TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND – Tauranga is the main center in the Bay of Plenty region and is one of the fastest growing cities in New Zealand. Meaning ,,safe anchorage,, Tauranga is centered on its spectacular harbor, which provides the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting.
Where is Tauranga?
Tauranga is a coastal town located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, at the southeastern end of Tauranga Harbour in the Bay of Plenty region. It is approximately an hour’s drive north of Rotorua and two and a half hours south of Auckland.
Mount Maunganui
Across the Tauranga Harbour bridge seats the coastal resort town Mount Maunganui considered one of New Zealand’s favorite beaches. The extinct volcano cone, Mauao, is the focal point of the town, and offers huge views of the harbor, the long white sand beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Further down the coast is the vast stretch of Papamoa Beach, a white sand surf beach baked by large dunes, renowned for its fishing surfing and Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park.
The name of the mountain in Mount Maunganui as you enter Tauranga Harbor is Mauao, which means ‘’caught by the light of dawn’’. Locally it is just referred to as ‘’The Mount’’.
Papamoa’s walking tracks offer outstanding views over the Bay of Plenty coastline, and on a clear day you can see Maketu and Whakatane to the South and all the way to the Coromandel Peninsula in the North.
Waihi beach, Katikati and Bowentown
Waihi beach is coastal town in the western Bay of Plenty offering 9 km of sweeping white sand with the historic village of Bowentown at its southern end.
There are magnificent views from Bowntown Heads of the Tauranga Harbor and you can also take the steep track down to Cave Bay, sheltered from the westerly wind and a popular fishing spot. Across the harbor from Bowentown lies Athenthree, separated from the Ocean by a small peninsula.
This is a peaceful area with local hot springs, bush walks and beautiful beaches nearby. Head inland to the small town of Katikati, where inhabitants have portrayed their history with large murals on walls around the town depicting the events and people that have influenced the area.
Despite not landing in the region captain James Cook named it The Bay of plenty as from the Endeavor he could see many Maori villages with well-tended gardens.
Te Puke and Maketu
Te Puke is located southeast of Tauranga and is known as the kiwifruit capital of the world. Disaster struck the area with the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, when ash and mud forced the people of Te Puke to relocate to Tauranga.
Today, hundreds of growers produce millions of kiwifruit that are exported worldwide and the towns main attractions include a kiwi fruit theme park and an adventure park.
The small town of Maketu, famous for the Maketu Pie Factory is about 15 minutes from Te Puke and located on Okurei Point on the coast. The Rocky shoreline of Okurei Point is ideal for walking with wildlife to discover and great rock pools to explore.
Whakatane and Ohope beach
In the Eastern Bay of plenty you’ll find the main center of Whakatane. Ohoope Beach, the unspoiled Ohiwa Harbor, the forestry town of Kawerau, and New Zealand’s only marine volcano.
White Island Whakatane’s many attractions can’t fail to impress, from wonderful river and bush walks to the main recreational opportunities on and in the surrounding waters. An interesting historic trail winds through the town and has many significant points important to the early Maori population.
Just over this Hill from Whakatane is one of the New Zealand’s favorite beaches, Ohope. Ohope beach stretches 11 kilometers between the Whakatane Heads and the entrance to Ohiwa. To the east of Ohope is the township of Opotiki, and beyond that the unspoiled coastline of East Cape.
Offshore, the smoldering active volcano of White Island lies in wait with its acid Lake offering insight to nature’s primal creativity.Located 49 km of the coast of Whakatane, White island is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano.
Tour Highlights in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
- Climb Mount Maunganui and watch the sunset of the beach, then relax in the warm salt-water hot pools,
- Explore the Katikati Heritage Museum, which represents the pioneering days when Irish immigrants first settled in Katikati,
- Take a tour at kiwi360 and get a photo taken with the famous giant kiwi fruit slice,
- Enjoy a day on the water aboard one of Tauranga’s purpose built fishing and scuba diving boats on a private charter and enjoy your days catch for dinner. Then head out to Lake McLaren for a gentle pedal into the night to discover the enchanting glowworm Canyon,
- Take a guided walk around Maketu to learn about the people and landing of the Te Arawa Waka and don’t leave without sampling a famous Maketu pie,
- Head along the Pacific Coast Highway to Te Puke and Paengaroa. The Te Puke Heritage Walkway is full of popo Maori carvings,
- Learn how to surf at the safe beaches of The Mount and Papamoa, relax in salt water hot pools, or whiz around a track on a blok-art,
- Discover everything the Hobbiton film set has to offer at your own pace. See how “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” came to be and visit one of the few film sets that is still in use, long after production has been completed.
Our Favorite Tauranga Tour
Vana_C, Mar 2026
Hobbiton Movie Set Shore Excursion from Tauranga (6 Hours)
”What a brilliant day out! Honestly, such a smooth experience from start to finish. Finding the meeting point was super easy and we actually left right on time, which is always a plus. Our guide, Russell, was awesome—really knowledgeable and helpful the whole way. I loved getting a bit of history about Mount Maunganui and the quick stop at McLaren Falls before we arrived at the farm. Once we hit the Hobbiton set, I completely lost track of time; I couldn’t believe we’d been walking around for two hours by the time we finished! If you’re looking for a stress-free way to see the Movie Set, I’d definitely recommend booking with these guys.”
Read more about – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour – Departs Tauranga
Booking hotel in Tauranga
Tauranga’s hotels are distinguished by their beachfront location, proximity to the beaches of Mount Maunganui, and a mix of modern luxury hotels and boutique hotels. Prices are typically higher during the summer season, from December to February, when demand for beach activities is high.
Great location – Friendly staff – Excellent stay – Booking hotel in Tauranga by Trivago
👉For latest holiday best hotel offers in Tauranga visit our Partner booking links here⤵️
🌐 HOTELS IN TAURANGA BY TRIVAGO
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