Tauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand's North Island.
Tauranga is located around a large harbour that extends along the western Bay of Plenty, and is protected by Matakana Island and the extinct volcano of Mauao (Mount Maunganui).
Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s main centres for business, international trade, culture, fashion and horticultural science. The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest export port in terms of gross export tonnage and efficiency. It is a regular stop for both container ships and luxury cruise liners.
The city hosts five major head offices – Port of Tauranga, Zespri International, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, Trustpower and Craigs Investment Partners (formerly, ABN AMRO Craigs).
Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities. Tauranga has been growing by an average of 2.3 per cent, or 2810 people, each year since 2013.
This sudden population growth has made Tauranga New Zealand’s 5th largest city with a population of 137,900 residents.
Situated along a faultline, Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty experience infrequent seismic activity, and there are a few volcanoes around the area (mainly dormant). The most notable of these are White Island which is accessible by helicopter or boat and Mauao, nicknamed “The Mount” by locals.
Must See In CBD
The Arts
Tauranga’s growing arts scene is evident right across the city. You are sure to notice renowned local street artist Owen Dippie’s major works which span several stories high on the side of many buildings.
TAURANGA ART GALLERY
Situated on the corner of Wharf and Willow Streets, in the heart of the CBD, is Tauranga’s Art Gallery which houses national and international exhibitions. Opened in October 2007 The Tauranga Art Gallery is one of New Zealand’s newest and most respected regional public galleries and was designed to meet modern art gallery standards.
The gallery also has a range of education and visitor programmes developed around the exhibitions to enhance the visitors’ experience. Education is a key focus for Tauranga Art Gallery. Visitor programmes include debates, floor talks, guided tours, seminars, screenings, performances and artist residencies.
BAYCOURT
Located in the heart of Tauranga Baycourt Community and Arts Centre is Tauranga’s premier performing arts facility. It is extensively used by local, regional, national and international performances and exhibitions.
WATERFRONT PLAYGROUND
Across the road from the hospitality you will find yourself surrounded by and drawn to Tauranga’s harbour which is sheltered from the open ocean by Matakana Island and Mount Maunganui and on the water’s edge, your children will have a ball on the local playground. Let their imaginations run wild as they clamber over the Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures – a story-book scene featuring the beloved characters from Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous children’s books.
(Hairy Maclary is a fictional dog, the hero of a series of children’s picture books created by the New Zealand author Dame Lynley Dodd, and making his first appearance in 1983 with the publication of Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy).
THE ELMS | TE PAPA TAURANGA
The Elms, one of the oldest heritage sites in New Zealand, is an essential stop for all visitors to Tauranga.It hosts historic buildings like the Elms Mission Station, an 1847 Georgian-style home.
As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a
diverse and tranquil garden setting – this one hectare property is a must-see destination for visitors to gather and learn or take a guided tour of the historic house and library to get a rare glimpse into the past of this now bustling city.
The Elms is a short 10 minutes stroll from the Tauranga city centre, past the historic Monmouth Redoubt.
MEMORIAL PARK
Memorial Park is the central city’s premier park. The park makes up 11 hectares of land sitting next to the harbour between 11th and 7th avenues.
Situated within Memorial Park is Memorial Pool a favourite for many locals with the fresh outdoor facilities and heated pools that are great for families with children and swimmers of all ages and abilities.
An on-site barbecue makes this the ideal location for family and group get-togethers.
It’s central location in Tauranga City makes it an easy meeting point, add to that all of the other attractions found in Memorial Park and you have a great day out!
Features of the park include:
- two very popular playgrounds
- a water fountain
- Humpty Dumpty! (He’s 50 years old.)
- a skate ramp (half pipe)
- free barbeques
- memorial cenotaph
- Memorial Pools
- miniature railway and mini golf
- Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre and Memorial Hall
FERNLAND SPA THERMAL MINERAL SPRINGS
Truly one of Tauranga’s best attractions, with a superb setting, fantastic service and the ultimate in geothermal water quality to bathe in (100% pure soda, crystal clear non-chlorinated mineral water flowing constantly in all 8 pools – public or private)
All pools are emptied and cleaned each evening so you can be sure of a beneficial experience.
You can also treat yourself by booking a Qualified Massage Therapists.
Spacious grounds allow those travelling in motor homes to enjoy the natural beauty and ample space Fernland Spa provides.
HISTORIC VILLAGE ON 17TH
Experience the charm of yesteryear at the Village on 17th a collection of original and replica buildings taken from early Tauranga and set in a unique setting of gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds.
Experience the charm of yesteryear as you stroll the cobbled streets of the Village. See the grand buildings and shop for a great selection of local art and gifts. These wonderful character buildings are home to over 50 businesses including shops and community organisations.
There are several unique venues available for hire for meeting and functions; and the grounds can be hired for special festival events.
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Downtown Tauranga
If you love to shop, you’ll love downtown Tauranga.
The shopping precinct is right beside Tauranga’s beautiful waterfront and has more than 300 different stores for you to choose from.
Fashionable boutiques, beautiful giftware and all professional services are within easy walking distance.
A wide mix of boutique and department stores; small independent retailers and large national chains, are spread over a 1km radius and several city blocks.
If you’re looking for designer men’s and women’s fashion, casual clothes, new footwear, on-trend homeware, eye-catching artwork or gifts for family and friends, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
Devonport Rd is where you’ll find many clothing retailers, giftware and homeware stores. Don’t forget to explore the Goddards Centre and Piccadilly Arcade, both of which conveniently link Devonport Rd to the city’s other main shopping strip on Grey St.
If you’re looking for a special piece of jewellery or a New Zealand-made souvenir, there’s a multitude of expert jewellers and gift stores for you to browse through downtown.
Several books and stationery shops are available, plus a wide range of professional and everyday services including banking, pharmacies, hair salons, beauty spas and travel agents.
‘Red Square’ is a focal point of downtown Tauranga – a wide-opened space with plenty of seating. The waterfront is right in front of you here and several key shopping streets intersect at this point.
Affordable car park buildings and metered parking are available.
HOSPITALITY
The city’s main hospitality area is right on the waterfront. Choose from a wide range of bars and pubs, restaurants, cafes and delis along The Strand or the nearby Wharf St Dining Precinct where fine dining and international cuisine is served alongside bar snacks and tapas platters. This is where locals come to share after-work drinks, celebrate big events and socialise with friends.
CLOSE TO MOUNT MANUGANUI
A bridge over the Tauranga harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, the well liked beach town with hot saltwater pools and an extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths. Take a leisurely easy walk from downtown Tauranga over the bridge to the Tauranga Bridge Marina or if you prefer a longer walk you will end up at The Mount. There is a shared cycle/pedestrian walkway as far as the Marina, but cycling to downtown The Mount is another option.
Whether you want to dine, shop, explore the fascinating culture and history, or simply kick off your shoes and relax on the green grass under blue skies, Tauranga is waiting for you.
First-rate medical and service facilities can be found right across this safe and friendly city.
Our city centre is well-served by public transport, with Bay Hopper buses arriving and departing from all suburbs around Tauranga. There are also two sign-posted car parking buildings (on Elizabeth St and on the corner of Spring St and Durham St). Pay and display parking is available on all main streets if you prefer to park right outside the door.
Come and explore downtown Tauranga and fall in love with our city centre.
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