Welcome to Tauranga, and the Bay of Plenty

Welcome to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty Region - Stretching from Waihi Beach in the North, through Tauranga and Mount Maunganui to Te Puke in the South-East.

Long famed for its sun, sand, surf, and game fishing, the Western Bay is now known for much more, providing arguably the "ultimate holiday" experience: Adventure pursuits such as kayaking, land yachting, kite surfng, and white-water rafting, leisurely walks and golf, or challenging hikes through magnificent native bush. Check out our extensive things to do in Tauranga section.

Looking to stay? Our extensive Tauranga accommodation section has booking details for Tauranga Hotels. We have accommodation listings for properties located in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati and Papamoa, such as bed and breakfasts, apartments, camping grounds, backpackers and Tauranga motels.

The district has a growing array of art and cultural attractions and a programme of top-class events, and indulgence for everyone —from seaside cafés, wineries, funky bars and restaurants of every kind, plus plenty of speciality stores to keep you shopping till you drop.

Our Where to Eat in Tauranga Section has a large collection of information on Tauranga Restaurants from family friendly, to fine dining. The revamped Strand —Tauranga’s colourful waterfront — is the city’s social hub. And all this is set against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty (with a live island volcano an hour away!). How apt that Captain Cook should name this the Bay of ‘Plenty’.

There’s a burgeoning range of art and cultural activities, and long-running icons include the Garden & Artfest, and the the Easter Jazz festival. We have a big database of upcoming Tauranga Events so be sure to check them out.

Located across the harbour, Mount Maunganui is commonly known as ‘the Mount’. It’s famous for 20 kilometres of brilliant beach and fabulous surf. The town sits on a sandy peninsula (a tombolo), with the inner harbour on one side, surf beach on the other. At the end of the peninsula is Mauao, the iconic, 232-metre ex-volcanic peak that forms part of the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Mauao is a crucial cultural and spiritual anchor for local Maori, and offers one of New Zealand’s most stunning short walks.

The Mount’s satellite town of Papamoa is on the way to becoming a coastal city in its own right. It’s more laid back than the Mount, with miles of beach and not-yet-extinct Kiwi campgrounds.

The Port of Tauranga located at Mount Manganui is the Bay of Plenty region’s economic engine-room —New Zealand’s biggest export port. The port is also home to a big fishing fleet, and plays host to a procession of cruise ships in the summer.

The Western Bay is also a veritable fruit bowl. Te Puke is known as the Kiwifruit capital of the world. Tauranga City is well known as one of the leading lifestyle capitals of New Zealand: a place where you can participate in a booming economy but still nip down to the beach after work. ‘Terrifc Tauranga’ remains pretty laid back and unspoilt. If you love the Bay of Plenty so much you want to live here then search for employment in our Tauranga Jobs section.

Welcome to Tauranga, New Zealand!