Discover Tauranga City
Find awesome places to visit, sleep, eat, drink and shop near you.
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, holiday makers 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 awhile, 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 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, Bay of Plenty, 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 city 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 a 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.
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. 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 cities 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 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, and 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 show 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 congestive issues. Many local residents believe this is due to the lack of foresight and horrible planning.
The city is located in the sunny upper North Island, about two to three hours drive from the countries 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 holiday makers.
The city surrounded by the Tauranga harbour
The western end of Tauranga City is surrounded by the waters of the harbour. This area is mostly shallow, with approximately 60 percent of its bed exposed at low tide. This 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 tide allows a large amount of water to enter and exit the harbour, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities.
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. In addition to 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
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!
Tauranga City has a long local history of Māori occupation
Tauranga is a Māori name which carries the meaning, safe anchorage or resting place. The Māori who arrived in Tauranga, New Zealand, from the Takitimu and the Mataatua waka, are 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’s, British forces and the local Māori tribes. Many wars were also fought between the local tribes themselves.
It was during one of these wars where 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 as to 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.
