Tauranga is the place to go if you’re looking for amazing beaches, cooling waterfalls and swimming holes and fun waterparks, then relax at the pools or wind down with a nice walk amongst nature before bed.
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Tours / attractions
White Island Tour – because of the tragic event that happened in 2019, there are currently no on-land tours of the island. The only way to check out the island is by air. White Island is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. Learn about the island’s first and only inhabitants which were 10 miners in 1914. They lived on one side of the island and rowed around to the other each day to mine sulphur but one day, they all died in a lahar, only their cat survived. To learn more about its fascinating history visit the Whakatane i-Site. The surrounding waters have great visibility and offer world-class dive sites with an abundance of marine life. It’s also great for fishing, charter boats offer multi-day game fishing adventures.
Kiwifruit Country Tour – take a look into the kiwifruit industry and sample some of the stuff itself.
Kewpie Harbour Cruises – go on a one-hour harbour cruise, children under 12 go free!
Tuhua (Mayor Island) – a wildlife and marine sanctuary.
Dolphin Seafaris – get up close to the dolphins. Whether you watch from the boat or swim and snorkel alongside them, you’ll have a wonderful experience. Children must be at least 7 years old to swim and be confident in the water. Tours operate from November to May.
Bay Explorer Island and Wildlife Cruise – go on a cruise in search of marine wildlife and get on the water on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Whale Island (Moutohora) – Whale Island has two distinct peaks which look like the outline of a whale. Abundant marine life surrounds the island, with dolphins and fur seals often seen. Whale Island is only accessible by guided tour only. Dig your own hot pool at Whale Island’s Sulphur Bay – a geothermal hot water beach. The island also offers great diving and snorkelling, especially around Seafire, a sunken ship. Go on a guided nature walk. Kayak.
Rocktopia – indoor rock climbing. Great for a rainy day.
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Art
Tauranga Art Gallery – artwork and exhibitions in a contemporary gallery space.
Street Art – download a map and check out the amazing street art by well known local and international street artists. You can also get a free map from the Tauranga i-Site or Tauranga Art Gallery.
Statue of Wairaka, Whakatane – a bronze statue on top of the Turuturu Rock, reminding us of the bravery of Wairaka and the daughter of Toroa, captain-navigator of the Mataatua waka. You can easily view it from Muriwai Drive in Whakatāne.
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Playground / Skatepark
The Lakes Water Playground – let the kids splash around and have a run around at the playground.
Waterfront Playground – they’ll love this playground. While they’re here, check out the Hairy Maclary sculptures that are next to the playground.
Gordon Spratt Reserve Skate Park – if you’ve brought your bike, don’t forget to check out the pump track.
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Pools
Mount Hot Pools – relax and rejuvenate in these saltwater hot pools. They also have a children’s pool.
Baywave – they’ve got a 25m lap pool, a wave pool, hydro slide, spa, steam and sauna.
Fernland Spa Mineral Springs – relax in geothermal mineral water. Private pools and an ambient main pool surrounded by tree ferns. Hear bird song during the day or see the pools light up at night.
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Water parks
Waterworld – this is New Zealand’s best inflatable floating waterpark. The whole family can join in and enjoy a day of play. See how long you can go without falling into the water! Kids must be confident swimmers and must be able to pass their swimming test of swimming the ten metres from the entry point to the water park with a lifejacket. Open over the summer months, check their website for details.
Waimarino Adventure Park – water trampoline, kayak slide, Tarzan swing, warm thermal pool, canoes and a slip n’ slide – this place entertains!
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Gardens
Te Puna Quarry Park – what used to be a quarry has now been turned into a beautiful place full of gardens, sculptures, picnic spots, bush walks and a butterfly house.
Katikati Bird Gardens – see birds in the aviaries and gardens.
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Waterfalls
McLaren Falls Park – the stunning waterfalls can be seen right from the carpark but the rest of the park is worth checking out also. McLaren Falls Park is popular for camping, fishing, kayaking, bush walks and its also a great spot to get some family photos. Experience McLaren Falls Park at night and go on a guided kayak glowworm tour or do the short walk to the waterfall to see the banks along the stream light up – don’t forget your torch. There are BBQ areas and picnic spots. See the park map here. The Marshall’s Animal Park is also located within McLaren Falls Park. Go say hello to the animals!
Pori Pori Waterhole – such a beautiful little spot, nestled between trees you’ll find many different sized waterholes, some big, some small – there’s something for everyone. You’ll be able to see them from the road but for a more family-friendly environment, head through the bush to some other waterholes.
Kaiate Falls – a beautiful waterfall with a swimming hole at the base, you can view the waterfalls from the top and the base. A great spot for a swim on a hot summers day and it’s even more spectacular after heavy rainfall.
William Wright Falls – just over an hour walk you’ll find yourself at the 28m high waterfalls. The track should not be accessed during and after heavy rain as it follows a stream most of the way.
Walks
Orokawa Bay Walk – north of Waihi Beach. Walk along the coast that connects two of the most beautiful bays in the area – Orokawa Bay and Homunga Bay, both with crystal clear water. Find a shady spot under one of the Pohutukawa trees. There are rocky cliffs and fantastic ocean views. Look out to White Island in the distance and see the William Wright Falls, at 28m high. At Homunga Bay there are small streams that drop off the cliff, making a great shower after you’ve had a swim. Location: north end of Waihi Beach. Time: Waihi – Orokawa Bay: 45 min. To Homunga Bay: 2hrs.
Wairere Falls, Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park – 153m falls. The track runs along a stream, there are big boulders and lovely bush. Lots of steps. Location: end of Goodwin Road, off Te Aroha-Okauia Road. Time: 1.5hr.
Omanawa Falls – spectacular waterfalls but the track has been closed for some time now with only the daredevils entering and their stunning images showing up on Instagram. Glad to hear that progress is happening and they are upgrading the tracks, though there is no estimated date of when it will be completed yet.
Otanewainuku Lookout Track – rising 640m, stunning panoramic views can be seen from the summit. 1 hour and 30 min return walk.
Kaimai Ranges – 360kms of walking and hiking tracks, ranging from single or multiday walks.
Papamoa Hills Regional Park – there are several walking tracks, many with views.
Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay – an easy 45-minute walk through native bush and with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Mount Maunganui – walk to the top of the summit for amazing views over Tauranga and the Pacific Ocean or walk around the base for ocean views.
Leisure Island (Moturiki) – you can easily access this island from the main beach by the man-made land bridge. Leisure island has a long history and has gone from being used by Maori settlers to quarry, then as an aquarium and lastly as ‘Leisure Island’ which had hydro slides and bumper boats. It has now been reverted back to its natural state and you can walk to the end of the island where you’ll find a blowhole that’s pretty impressive during high tide and wild surf.
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Beaches
Mount Maunganui Main Beach – perfect for swimming, surfing and snorkelling.
Papamoa Beach – beach, hikes, mountain bike trails
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Entertainment
Baypark Speedway – action-packed racing. Safe and secure kidz zone at each event.
Marshalls Animal Park – 35 acres of friendly animals and fun. Large range of animals including giant African ostriches and Texas longhorns.
Adrenalin Forest – lots of great, fun-filled challenges, swinging up to 20 metres up in the air.
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