Inner City
Tauranga is a fast-growing city that’s become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. And the face of the CBD has been transformed with the development of up market commercial accommodation merged with private apartments. Devonport Towers led the charge, blending apartments and a boutique hotel. Kingsview Resort and Towers came next, with a mix of accommodation and private apartments – from small studio units to upper level penthouses for nearly $3 million. The trend toward apartment living is continuing apace.
One of Tauranga’s newest developments – The Sebel Trinity Wharf – occupies a prime harbourside site. Tauranga’s first five star hotel, it included 15 luxury apartments that were priced from $850,000 to $1.75 million.
Another first for Tauranga was the innovative Fort Nautilus project at Sulphur Point - a harbourside development incorporating luxury apartments, boat storage in an adjoining ‘dry stack’ building and a canal to give access to the harbour.
Amenities: You name it! Tauranga has long held a reputation as one of the leading lifestyle capitals of New Zealand, The revamped Strand —Tauranga’s colourful waterfront — has become the city’s social hub littered with bars, cafes and eateries. There are movie theatres and Baycourt Theatre remains the cultural heart of the city. Parks are handy, along with sport clubs including bowls, tennis, and rugby. The beaches of Mount Maunganui are a 15 minute drive across the harbour bridge.
The Avenues
This sought-after area with a U.S. - style numbering system, runs from 1st Ave, near the CBD, to 22nd Ave in Gate Pa. Many of the older homes dating back to the 1900’s when Tauranga was first settled, are giving way to townhouse developments. Other homes have received big facelifts, with their capital value soaring. The ‘gentrification’ process has been full steam in recent years, with lots of older residential houses closer to the city also turned into office accommodation. The Avenues appeal lies in easy living – quick access to work, schools, cafes, restaurants and entertainment. Many buyers with young families aim to get into the ‘school zones’ near Tauranga Boy’s College in 13th Ave, or Tauranga Girl’s at 22nd Ave.
It’s hard to buy much in the Avenues for less than $300,000, and larger, well appointed homes fetch well over the $1m mark. Homes with harbour views are found at both eastern and western ends of the Avenues, and sell for a premium.
Amenities: Cameron Road, one of Tauranga’s main routes to the city, slices through the middle of the Avenues – a busy road flanked by shopping centres like Gate Pa and Fraser Cove, and a huge variety of other businesses and services. Wherever you live in the Avenues it’s an easy walk or short drive to supermarkets, schools, sports grounds, etc. Greeton – the southern gateway to Tauranga and traditionally among Tauranga’s cheaper areas – is now on the rise, as buyers have recognized its comparative affordability and advantages. Greerton has been popular with active retirees and young families, and retains a ‘village’ feel. It is home to Tauranga’s race course, and the Tauranga Golf Club, and Tauranga Hospital is nearby.
Where else to live? Tauranga has lots of suburban areas with quite different characters, too many to go into in depth here. Some of the closers ones include Maungatapu, Pillans Point, Otumoetai and Matua – to name only a few. Surf the websites to get a feel for each.
