Tauranga
Nestled on one of the country's largest natural harbors, Tauranga shines as the vibrant heart of the Bay of Plenty region. Just a quick 10-minute drive down the highway lands you on the iconic shores of Mount Maunganui beach. With its prime location in a region buzzing with marine activity, don't miss out on the thrilling fishing, sailing, and dolphin tours. For those craving inland adventures, Tauranga's lush rainforests beckon, boasting hidden gems like McLaren Falls and the beloved local's favourite Kaiate Falls, complete with its refreshing swimming hole. Scale the heights of Papamoa Hills Cultural Regional Park for breathtaking views stretching from the coast all the way to Mount Maunganui. Looking to explore the city on foot? Take a leisurely 9km stroll along the Waikareao Estuary loop, winding through marine reserves and scenic boardwalks. And of course, no trip to Tauranga is complete without a jaunt to the sun-kissed strand. In summer, it's buzzing with energy – perfect for a pit stop at Bobby's Fresh Fish Market to savor some of the day's catch in delicious fish and chips. For a dose of culture and creativity, wander over to the Historic Village, where a treasure trove of art awaits, from tattoo studios and record stores to artist galleries and traditional Māori showcases. And when hunger strikes, Tauranga's culinary scene delivers. Start your day right with breakfast delights at cozy spots like You & Me or Elizabeth Cafe & Larder, and come evening, indulge in the flavors of Italy at the ever-popular Sugo. Tauranga invites you to savor every moment of its coastal charm, cultural richness, and culinary delights – an adventure waiting to be savored at every turn.
Big Kanu Glowworm tour with Waimarino
Take a trip to one of Tauranga's hidden gems, taking place at Lake McLaren, a short 25-minute drive from the CBD. Launch the big Kanu from the shore as the sun is setting and the night sky is approaching, and paddle with your crew along the calm waters heading for the top of the lake. As you are paddling along appreciate the amazing abundance of birdlife, scenery, and glowworms before reaching the canyon. As you paddle into the high-sided canyon, your guide will teach you about the glowworm's home and fun facts about these interesting worms. Admire the worms and their full luminescent glow as they light up the night, before heading back to the land and being led back to the shore by the light of the moon and stars.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please click here.
Waimarino Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Relax on the edge of tranquil Lake McLaren, enjoy locally produced refreshments while watching the ducks and swans go about their evenings preparations. At dusk your guide will lead you onto the lake to watch the sun set over the rolling hills. Gently paddle on your kayak into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glow worm canyon.
This is a truly unique experience; while you can see glow worms elsewhere in New Zealand, and you can paddle a sea kayak in many places around the world, this is the only place when the two combine for a magical and truly unique experience. Enjoy wine from the award winning Mills Reef winery, delicate New Zealand cheeses and refreshments on the edge of Lake McLaren. The glow worms are situated in a narrow, high-sided canyon at the top of the lake, not in a cave, so this tour only departs once a day before sunset. By the time you get to the glow worm canyon it’s completely dark, as required to see the glow worms to the best effect.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please click here.
Walking tracks in and around Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Tauranga city and Mount Maunganui cover a large area and is well set up for walkers. Explore the many parks and reserves that are easily accessible throughout the city, many of these tracks and trails are connected which makes it easy to take in the sights of Tauranga. Choose from coastal walks with sweeping views of the harbour and nearby islands, or take a trip inland to check out our waterfalls, scenic lakes and parks.
Mauao (Mount Maunganui) Summit Walk
This walk takes about 40-minutes and requires a good level of fitness. Choose from two scenic tracks to reach the 232-metre high summit. The view at the top is worth the effort.
You can see Mount Maunganui’s iconic mountain, Mauao, for miles around – and when you’re standing at its summit, the view is even more impressive.
Mauao (Mount Maunganui) Base Track
Mauao is an iconic landmark and traversing its 3.4-kilometres base track is New Zealand’s single most popular walk. Allow 45-minutes and plenty of time to enjoy the crashing ocean waves and views across to Tauranga and Matakana Island.
The famous “base track” around Mauao in Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s most popular scenic walks.
The 3.4-kilometres route will take you full circle around this extinct volcano and can be walked in either direction – from the white sand beach beside the ocean right around to the sheltered waters of Pilot Bay and vice versa.
Moturiki (Leisure Island)
This small island sits just off Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach. In the past, it’s been a Māori pā, a quarry, a marine aquarium and a tourist attraction called Leisure Island. Now it’s a protected reserve and a great place to enjoy a walk. This iconic landmark is connected to Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach by a man-made land bridge. A popular walking track will lead you to the northern tip of the island where you’ll find a blowhole which spectacularly shoots water skyward during high tides and large ocean swells. It’ll take you between 5 and 10 minutes to reach the blowhole from Mount Maunganui’s main beach. Follow the well-marked track up the gentle slopes and scramble over the rocks at the top for the best vantage point.
McLaren Falls Park
McLaren Falls Park is 190-hectares of parkland set alongside Lake McLaren and is just 10-minutes by car from Tauranga. The park is popular for camping, kayaking, its disc golf course, bush walks and summertime concerts. It is also home to one of the best botanical collections of trees in New Zealand.
One of the highlights of the park is the waterfall track where you can see glow worms after dusk. Enjoy a short, easy stroll to the picturesque waterfall and spot the glow worms on either side of the track. Part of the waterfall track is also wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly.
Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls (also known as Te Rerekawau Falls) is a 30-minute drive from Tauranga. The walking tracks are well-formed, although quite steep in some places. The main track leads to the top, and then to the base of the upper series of falls before continuing downhill to the lower falls. Another track, just below the car park, follows the stream back to the road bridge. Track junctions are well sign-posted.
Check out our travel blogs here
Get inspired with stories and advice on visiting New Zealand.
Our team of New Zealand specialists can help you create the perfect touring itinerary. Whether you want to explore the South Island on a self drive holiday or the North Island on an escorted coach tour package we can design or recommend the best options. We have a huge range of accommodation ideas to suit everyone and our first hand experience of destinations and activities means that we can give the best, most up to date honest advice.
Discover New Zealand is part of the New Zealand Fine Touring Group of companies. It specialises in self drive, seat in coach and guided coach touring holidays across New Zealand's North & South Islands. We have hundreds of tour ideas listed to inspire you or give you an indication of what is possible to achieve on your New Zealand adventure. Whether it is a luxury fully guided coach tour or a self driven off the beaten track adventure, we have something suitable for everyone. Our wide range of tour lengths and tour prices give you options and are tailor-made so we can build the itinerary to suit your interests and needs.
Our team of consultants are all 100% Pure New Zealand Certified specialists and are passionate about designing your New Zealand holiday. Our consultation service is free and our quotes are provided with no obligation. Based in the heart of Wanaka you can be assured you will get the best local advice when planning your dream holiday to New Zealand. Contact one of our experienced team today.
Discover New Zealand is also Qualmark Gold Certified. This is Tourism New Zealand's official measure of how our business impacts the environment and our team are proud to have achieved the highest level of quality.