Discover Tauranga City
Find awesome places to visit, sleep, eat, drink and shop near you.
The Sunny City of Tauranga
Tauranga City is nestled within the Kaimai Ranges, located in the Bay Of Plenty region on the North Island of New Zealand. Originally settled by Maori during the 13th century with Europeans following in the late 19th century. It was not until 1963 that Tauranga was constituted as a city.
Keeping South of the city, tucked in behind the Kaimai Ranges are the suburbs of Pyes Pa and Tauriko. Sweeping West around the ranges, Bethleham through to Otumoetai and Matua. North of the city sits the iconic Mount Maunganui suburb and Papamoa, the city’s largest suburb. Laying East is Welcome Bay and Ohauiti. This is a general outline of the city as a whole.
Through time, the city has flourished and has become one of the leading business hubs of New Zealand. This factor and many others have contributed to why it’s become an increasingly desirable city to live in. Business and international trade have surged throughout recent years, contributing to the city’s growth. Equally, the people of Tauranga and tourists alike have found the culture, fashion and lifestyle wonderfully attractive.
About Explore Tauranga
Tauranga's Leading Web Directory & Local Guide
Explore Tauranga developed from the inability to discover all the right information that simply was not available. The internet contains so much info about Tauranga but lacks in the right way. Through the lack of real grassroots knowledge of the city, we’ve decided to change that. We’re creating the best local guide for Tauranga, as well as a limited but solid business directory.
So here at Explore Tauranga, we have gathered all we can about our city for tourists, holidaymakers and locals who are yet to discover what makes our city great. Not only have we worked to provide an extensive guide of the many local attractions, but our web-based directory for local Tauranga businesses will be sure to please all site users.
While we have much info here, we still continue to grow and expand Explore Tauranga.
This is only the beginning.
We will grow just as quickly as Tauranga continues to grow, as it has been now for a while, one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities!
We have so much planned as to what we wish to make available to you. Stay tuned.
What is Tauranga Famous For?
Tauranga is one of the fastest growing cities in New Zealand. Located on the east coast of the North Island, it is known for its beaches, including the famous Mount Maunganui. The Mount/Mauao is an iconic volcanic cone. The city has a warm climate and is ideal for swimming and surfing.
Tauranga is home to a variety of unique attractions. The city’s renowned Mount Maunganui is a popular landmark, offering stunning views of the Bay of Plenty. The area also boasts many art galleries and interesting historical tourist attractions. Many of the suburbs are full of great shopping, restaurants, and bars. The coastline is also perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The region is also home to several markets. The largest of these are on the weekends, and most are farmers’ or produce markets. Local farmers sell their fresh produce directly to customers. Many of these markets also feature stalls selling freshly brewed coffee and breakfast foods. What’s more, visitors to Tauranga can sample the wide range of wines produced locally.
The region was originally populated by Maori. The first European ship, the Herald, arrived in the bay in December 1826. The missionaries brought potatoes, flax, and pigs with them. In 1830, the region became a centre of trading, with a flourishing flax trade. Some of the traders stayed and married the local women.
Does Tauranga have an English name?
Tauranga is a Maori name and the city does not have an English name. However, Tauranga does have an English meaning of safe anchorage or resting place.
The earliest known settlers of Tauranga were Māoris who arrived in Tauranga from the historical Takitimu and Mataatua waka. These famous waka arrived in the 12th century.
Tauranga has many historical and cultural roots. It is now a major business and international trading center in New Zealand, and is also a hub for fashion, horticultural science, and culture. The city has a port that ranks as the nation’s largest in terms of efficiency and gross export tonnage.
The city is also rich in New Zealand history, having been the site of several battles that occurred during the country’s colonial history.
However, even before the Europeans began their stay, Tauranga was home to many Pa sites with Otumoetai Pa being the largest.
Is Tauranga Worth Visiting?
Whether you’re a native to New Zealand or you’re just visiting on holiday, Tauranga has a lot to offer. It’s home to a thriving arts scene, and the city’s art galleries are an excellent way to spend a day. Visitors can take in exhibitions and learn about the history of local artists.
The city’s beautiful beaches and glistening coastlines are perfect for a day out in the sun. The surrounding waters feature a range of marine life, and the volcanic White Island is a popular spot for scuba divers. You can even go on a dolphin-watching cruise for a laid-back day. If you’re looking for a little more adrenaline, ocean-based kayaking is another great option.
One of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities, Tauranga boasts world-class beaches and a bustling fish market. It also has an impressive culinary scene and is situated close to Rotorua, one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. There are also a number of free attractions and tours to make your trip a complete success.
Tauranga has something to offer everyone. Its coastal location means you can fish, sail, or take a boat trip. There are also plenty of great hiking trails and scenic waterfalls.
Is Tauranga a Good Place to Live?
Tauranga is a coastal city in New Zealand. It has one of the largest ports in the country, making it a primary export and business hub. As a result, the city has a high quality of life and relatively low unemployment rate. There are plenty of job opportunities, though the winter months can make it difficult to find a position. There is an abundance of leisure activities in Tauranga, especially in the hospitality industry.
Aside from the city’s many beaches and parks, Tauranga also offers a lot of outdoor activities. The city is home to some beautiful suburbs, which are full of parks and recreational areas. If you love nature, you can spend your free time hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking.
Tauranga is also home to many neighborhoods and suburbs, each with its own character and features. There are many options for housing, with everything from single-family houses on large sections on the outskirts to high-rise apartments in the inner suburbs. If you are planning to buy a house in Tauranga, make sure to check out the schools in the suburb.
While you may not be able to afford the house of your dreams in Tauranga, it is still a great place to live and raise a family. Compared to other parts of New Zealand, Tauranga has a low cost of living.
What are free but fabulous things to do in Tauranga?
The Greatest Business Listings In Tauranga
All the information you need: Facts & Information About Tauranga
An Introduction to Tauranga, in the North Island of New Zealand
Located on New Zealand’s North Island, the harbour-side city of Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. With a population of over 136,000, it is the largest populous city in the coastal Bay of Plenty region.
The Tauranga region is nestled within the Kaimai Ranges, surrounded by harbour waters and the Pacific Ocean. The ranges serve naturally as a barrier for many weather storms. This has helped Tauranga become one of New Zealand’s sunniest cities creating an environment to enjoy watersports in the Tauranga harbour.
With its vast coastline and temperate climate, it is an ideal location for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Residents enjoy swimming, diving, and fishing. Visiting Tauranga is a great idea whether you are going on holiday or simply passing through. The city centre has a lot to offer!
You can go on many different adventures while visiting. This city is filled with outdoor activities, including the famous National Jazz Festival held within the CBD along with many popular bars, pubs and clubs. You could also give kayaking a go, whether out in the harbour or out at McLaren Falls, both are just as fun!
What about horseback riding? There are many other fun activities worth exploring. You can also visit the famous Tauranga Art Gallery, which often has several world-class exhibitions on display.
The Tauranga City Council website also has plenty of alternative information about Tauranga that we may not display here at Explore Tauranga. If you wish to check out other information, such as the city’s future, council plans and projects, etc, then make sure to check out the local Tauranga City Council Website. The Council is also in a joint controlled effort with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council in contributing to Tourism Bay of Plenty.
Read on to discover more about this rapidly growing city. You might be surprised at how much you’ve missed! But don’t worry, you can always come back for more information if you are new to the area! This website provides an introduction to the city’s history and culture, attractions, and so much more.
Tauranga is New Zealand's fastest growing city
Tauranga is the fastest-growing city in New Zealand. This city serves as the economic hub of the Bay of Plenty region and supports a wide range of industries. However, despite its rapid growth, the city is still relatively undeveloped.
There are now many main shopping centres located throughout the city. This has caused Tauranga’s CBD to slowly quiet down over the years as the residents do not need to travel so much. We’ve now got Tauranga Crossing at The Lakes, Bethlehem Town Centre, Gate Pa Shopping Centre, Tauranga CBD or Downtown Tauranga, Mount Main, Bay Fair, Papamoa Plaza, Welcome Bay as well as others.
With the wider suburbs taking off and being able to support themselves, the need for more accommodation options shows up. There are many awesome places to stay around Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. Be sure to check out what we have listed here on our website.
Due to the growth, traffic throughout the city has increased causing congestion issues. Many local residents believe this is due to the lack of foresight and horrible planning.
The city is located on the sunny upper North Island, about two to three hours’ drive from the country’s largest city, Auckland. Despite the city’s rapid growth, residents can still enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in Tauranga. The city has one of the country’s most temperate climates and is home to plenty of sunny days to enjoy the great outdoors.
For these reasons, Tauranga is a perfect location for international visitors and local holidaymakers.
The city surrounded by the Tauranga harbour
The western end of Tauranga is surrounded by the waters of the harbour, including the city centre or CBD. This area is mostly shallow, with approximately 60 per cent of its bed exposed at low tide. Our harbour is a haven for many types of wildlife, including a number of species of birds, young fish, and a variety of marine animals.
Every incoming and outgoing tide allows a large amount of water to enter and exit the harbour, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as fishing.
The opportunity for fishing in Tauranga is wide and varied in so many places experience the fun of going out for a fish. Whether it’s offshore, in the harbour near the Port of Tauranga, on a boat or within rivers.
Within our great harbour is also New Zealand’s largest port! The Port of Tauranga. Many ships travel into and out of the harbour making for awesome scenic views. These include the enormous cruise ships, which are certainly a sight to see.
The glistening shorelines of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are lined with islands and reefs. The volcano, White Island, is located nearby off the coast of Whakatane. Scuba divers and marine wildlife lovers love this city for its marine life. For a laid-back day, a dolphin-watching cruise may be just the thing for you. Alternatively, if you want an adrenaline rush, you could try ocean-based kayaking.
There are simply so many options within the Bay of Plenty region to pick from as far as water-based activities! Particularly in and around Tauranga. Let alone all the stunning attractions worth visiting within BOP (Bay of Plenty)! Including both Whakatane and Rotorua as nearby tourist destinations. All are a part of the wider Tourism Bay of Plenty.
The city has a harbour located almost everywhere, providing a waterfront setting that’s perfect for water-based activities. A couple of popular activities are sailing and fishing, it is also the site of dolphin tours and special boat trips that attract visitors. Particularly in Mount Maunganui.
In addition to the Tauranga harbour, the city also has other attractions and natural wonders within the area, including McLaren Falls and Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. Here, among other places, are awesome places for mountain biking too. These are some of the many reasons people from all over New Zealand visit the sunny city of Tauranga.
The Tauranga City Council are doing an awesome job keeping the waters clean, swimmable and fishable. Tauranga city has become an awesome urban area worth visiting.
The city’s waterfront in Tauranga Central is also home to several historical areas and cultural attractions. The Bay of Plenty region really does simply, have plenty to offer! It’s all about Tourism Bay of Plenty!
If you wish to get involved and see more of the Tauranga Harbour and waterfront, check it out below!
Tauranga City has a long local history of Māori occupation
Tauranga is a Māori name which carries the meaning, of safe anchorage or resting place.
The Māori who arrived in Tauranga, New Zealand, from the Takitimu and the Mataatua waka, is known as the earliest settlers here. Māori first arrived in the 12th century.
Tauranga is known for its rich history within New Zealand; it is home to many sites of the New Zealand Wars between the British Empire, British forces and the local Māori tribes. Many wars were also fought between the local tribes themselves.
It was during one of these wars that many Māori and the Māori defenders were forced to leave their Pa when overcome with death and casualties. But even though, the Māori still came out victorious and won many battles.
One of the larger battles was the Battle of Gate Pa (Pukehinahina). A disastrous war for the British Army. It was during this time the Māori defenders were hugely outnumbered but still managed to win a victory. There were many other sites or Pa’s involved in these wars.
Many of the Māori traded their flax for muskets and other items. As the trade continued, tensions between tribes grew and full-scale wars broke out. Warring Māori began to move to more fertile areas near flax production, and Tauranga City became one of these places.
Māori have long been present within the city. This adds to one of the reasons why many historic Māori sites exist here. The region was first settled by Māori around 800 to 900 years ago from Hawaiki. The local Māori communities have been in the area since that time.
Captain Cook named the region, ‘Bay of Plenty,’ after its abundance of fish and the friendliness of the Māori who met his crew.
If you wish to learn more about local Maori History In Tauranga, check it out below.
