Explore ideas and inspiration with Tauranga tourism
Located in the Bay of Plenty region of North Island, Tauranga is a beautiful harbourside city with rich history and plenty of unique attractions. You’ll have no shortage of things to do in Tauranga, from strawberry picking with the kids to surfing the big breaks to relaxing in geothermal hot pools. Tauranga is an adventure playground for enthusiasts as well, offering fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking and more. Whether you’re bringing the kids, having a romantic holiday, or looking for adventure and sightseeing on your own, Tauranga has it all. Find out all about accommodation in Tauranga and the best things to see and do with inspiration for Tauranga tourism.
Accommodation in Tauranga
From beachfront baches to luxury hotels to practical family homes, you’ll find it all in Tauranga. Check out the best options for accommodation in Tauranga for families, couples, and solo travellers.
Family holiday homes
Family holiday homes are the most versatile option for a holiday with the kids. You’ll find plenty of holiday homes that offer all the familiar comforts, including extra bedrooms with bunk beds for the kids, toys and games, entertainment systems, and additional bathrooms. Some homes offer luxurious amenities like hot tubs, pools, and backyards for the kids to play. Holiday homes range in options from practical to luxurious, so you’ll have the perfect atmosphere for your trip.
Beach baches
Beach baches are the best way to stay in Tauranga if you want to spend your time by the sea. You can book beach baches within steps of the sand for early days on the water with surfing or kayaking. When you’re so close, you can head out to the beach whenever you want without packing a lot of gear for the trip. Having the beach at your doorstep is also nice for family trips to let the kids play on the sand while you relax on the deck.
Hotels
If you prefer a conventional holiday experience, Tauranga has many hotels with exciting amenities. You’ll have well-appointed rooms with space for yourself or a couple, along with onsite amenities like community pools and spas, fitness centres, onsite dining and bars, organised tours, and family activities. You’ll find a range of hotel options for affordable or decadent stays, all within reach of the best attractions in the area.
Things to do in Tauranga for family, couples, and solo travellers
From exciting waterparks to thriving night markets to adventures on the water, Tauranga offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for all types of travellers. Find out more about the best things to do in Tauranga for families, couples, and solo travellers.
Family activities
Tauranga is a great destination for a family trip with unique experiences for the kids. You can pick strawberries at Somerfield’s Berryfruit Farm, watch a film under the stars in an outdoor cinema, or sample the flavours at a gourmet food market. Kids will also like the Lakes Water Playground in Pakanga Grove, a water playground with a watering hole, river channels, and traditional playground equipment like swings and bridges. For more thrills, take the kids to Waimarino Adventure Park to try activities like kayak slides, beach volleyball, rock climbing, and slip ‘n’ slides. You’ll also find thermal pools, ropes courses, and other attractions.
Outdoor adventure
Tauranga has an abundance of coastline with white-sand beaches for all kinds of watersports and adventure. You’ll find a lot of prime surfing beaches, such as Mt Maunganui and Papamoa. If you like to fish, much of the Bay of Plenty is filled with kingfish, albacore tuna, bluefin tuna, mahi-mahi, spearfish marlin and snapper. You can book charter boats for fishing trips in the best fishing spots. For outdoor exploration near the shore, the best place is the Maketu Estuary, an unspoilt wilderness with excellent surfing and kayaking, as well as nature and historic trails.
Romantic retreats
If you’re planning a romantic experience, Tauranga has an array of couple’s activities with arts, culture, and adventure. You could explore the Tauranga Art Gallery to see masterpieces spanning nearly every style from local and international artists. The gallery also has rotating exhibitions that bring new artists to the public eye. You’ll also find plenty of farmers’ markets in Tauranga where you can pick up excellent artisan foods and unique gifts. One of the best romantic experiences in Tauranga is relaxing in one of the many hot pools in the area. The iconic attraction gives you a chance to relax in the healing waters of geothermal mineral pools surrounded by beautiful spa environments or natural ferns and botanical gardens for a romantic couple’s retreat.