Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach has been crowned the ‘Best Beach in New Zealand’ by TripAdvisor, and ranks among the top 25 best beaches in the world. Often referred to as the Mount by locals.

Perhaps most iconic is Mount Maunganui, Mauao, which rises 232 meters from the sea. The walking tracks to the top of this extinct volcano provide 360 degree views which span the entire length of the Bay of Plenty.

Relax on white sand beaches, surf in the warm ocean waves, or swim in the relaxing waters of Pilot Bay. This is a great place to kick back and people watch. Numerous beach, ocean and multisport events are held here utilising the natural features of the Mount and people of all ages enjoy the Main Beach year-round.

Stroll across the road and choose a table at any number of beachside cafes and restaurants. This relaxed beach town can be likened to Southern California and Australia’s Gold Coast with the charm of New Zealand.

There is a Gourmet Night Market with an incredible selection of food and fresh produce straight from local farms. You'll also find plenty to keep you occupied in the outdoors too - big game fishing, dolphin tours, blokarting and dive trips are easy to organise. Accommodation options range from private holiday homes to sophisticated serviced apartments and hotels.

McLaren Falls Park is one of Tauranga’s most treasured spots. A 190 hectre parkland situated alongside Lake McLaren. A wonderfully popular place where people can simply relax and enjoy themselves. Here at McLaren Falls you are able to camp, kayak, go fishing, swimming, have a picnic or treat yourself to to the many walking tracks.

One track in particular, offers a delightful experience. The Waterfall Track, where you can spot the glow worms at night sparking wonder and excitement. Just head along the Waterfall Track after dusk to not only see the pretty waterfalls but to spot the glow worms.

There is also a cave accessible by kayak during the night to see glow worms.

Camping is available for a maximum stay of three nights. All the grassed area is available to campers except Cherry Bay. Camping at McLaren Falls is based on first in first serve.

With so many things to do, people often find themselves coming back and exploring more and more.

Moturiki Island, also known as Leisure Island, is a popular island located off Mount Maunganui Main Beach. This is a walk that is enjoyed by locals and holiday goers for its beautiful walk, alternative views and much more.

If you’re in Mount Maunganui and are looking for a short, exciting walk somewhere unique… Leisure Island may be just the walk you are looking for.

Accessed from a man-made land bridge, off of Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach, this island is well known for its blow hole on the far end of the island. The views are sought after both as a scenic walk and for photographers. The views you will get to enjoy overlook the Pacific Ocean, Mauao, Mount maunganui Beach and back along the coast toward Papamoa.

This short walk from Mount Main, taking 10-20 minutes to reach the blowhole, is widely accessed by people all over. Simply follow the well-marked track on Leisure Island, which is easily walked. At the end of the track, you will find yourself reaching a whole bunch of rocks protruding out from the ground. If you wish, you can scramble over them to enjoy one of the best vantage points.

You will also see people fishing from the rocks from time to time. Leisure Island has become over the years a popular land based fishing spot in Tauranga. It is well known to produce some great fishing experiences if you’re keen. Your catch will most likely consist of Kahawai, Snapper, John Dory & Kingfish.

Once upon a time, Moturiki Island was used as a quarry. During this time, the face of the island was changed forever.

The rocks that currently surround Leisure Island have come to exist as a result of the quarry and the constant weathering creating lots of odd shapes and sizes. You will find among all the rocks many rock pools. These pools consist of barnacles, limpets, seashell creatures and more that thrive in the rock pools.

Situated in the Tauranga CBD, the Tauranga Art Gallery has consistently delivered high-quality exhibitions within its contemporary gallery space. Visiting the art gallery will stimulate your imagination as you look upon a fantastic array of art such as paintings, music, literature, film, photography and sculpture.

This great Art Gallery presents historic and contemporary art, also housing a permanent collection along with frequently changing local and visiting exhibitions. If you are a keen viewer of art, the local Art Gallery will provide you with the stimulation that you wouldn’t otherwise have if not for this beautiful art gallery.

As much as people can talk about art and such things, words are never enough to showcase and enlighten people on what they will experience at art galleries. Upon which visiting yourself, you are guaranteed a much more lively experience of the art gallery as a whole.

You’ll find the Tauranga Art Gallery on the corner of Wharf and Willow streets in the heart of the CBD. Across the road from the Tauranga Library and information centre.

FREE admission. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Papamoa is the perfect location for swimming, surfing, fishing and strolling along miles of white sandy beach. Staying with us means relaxing and enjoying the spectacular panoramic sea views in the best possible way.

Located within walking distance is a range of cafes, restaurants, shopping & supermarkets. Life couldn't be easier!

Wherever you look, there is magic to discover. From ponds, tree ferns, and cymbidium orchids by the thousand, to native tree plantings and an artistic feast of sculptures, Te Puna Quarry Park offers a day out in nature like no other!

A dedicated band of volunteers have transformed a disused quarry into a world class park that is waiting for you to explore. The gardens are filled to the brim with special areas of all varieties, including irises, cacti and succulents, a palm grove, bonsai corner, butterfly garden and much more. You can even travel to countries afar with our Australian area and South African area. 

Ready for a magical day out? Visit us today - we're open all day, every day, with FREE admission!

Walk through the forest to Kaiate Falls, where water tumbles down a ravine in a series of cascades. The swimming hole is located at the base of the lower 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.

Kaiate Falls is a beautiful spot to cool down on those hot summer days. And after extensive rainfall across the region, the falls come alive and are a spectacle to behold.

The Falls are an ideal setting for explorers young and old.

Whether you want to buy art, attend a workshop, see a movie, get a haircut, host a meeting, get married, use a community service or get in some retail therapy from one of our boutique shops, you need to experience what is on offer at one of Tauranga’s best kept secrets.
You will find an amazing collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga, nestled in amongst gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds.
Five rooms are available for hire as well as outdoor spaces to accommodate meetings, functions and special events.
The Historic Village grounds are open seven days a week and entry is free. Shops and community organisations have individual opening hours available on their Facebook or websites.

At the northern tip of the Bay of Plenty coastline lies Waihī Beach, home to boutique shops, eateries, and stunning white sandy beaches. A short drive or cycle down the coast, and you'll find the beautiful calm waters of Bowentown and Anzac Bay. Try your luck at catching some fish, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.

To the north of Waihī Beach is the picturesque Orokawa Bay, only accessible by foot or boat, where you can walk the coastal headlands and enjoy a picnic on the beach. If you tread deeper inland, you'll find William Wright Falls. Another hike near the north end is the Trig Walk near the reservoir, where after a steady climb, you'll be rewarded with stunning views over the beach.  In addition, there are lots of cycle pathways in and around the beach for all ages.

Otanewainuku Trig Track is a 2.9 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking.

Ōtanewainuku is covered in virgin unlogged forest and is home to a variety of native birds and animals. Large emergent rimu trees are common. Tawa, kamahi and rewarewa form a high canopy and bird species such as robin and bell bird are readily seen and heard.

Since 2002 a volunteer trust, Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust, has helped conserve the precious wildlife of Ōtanewainuku. Kiwi, whiteheads and forest gecko are all found here. Recent releases of kiwi and kōkako have proved successful.

The wonderful calm waters of Lake McLaren are where serenity
takes a new name. Enjoy this easy, peaceful tour as you glide past a multitude
of birdlife, and watch the winding streams enter the lake's edge. Learn about
the history of the land from the comfort of your kayak as you paddle towards
the head of the lake. Follow your guide into the stunning Mangapapa canyon,
where the native bush appears to touch and form a cave.