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Tauranga may be one of the largest cities in New Zealand, but that means little in a country as small and charming as this. Found in the north of the North Island, the city is located in the beautiful surroundings of the Bay of Plenty, and there are many great things to do in Tauranga and the surrounding area.

With quick connections to Auckland and other popular New Zealand destinations, Tauranga is quickly becoming a big travel spot.

There are spectacular beaches, pleasant coastal villages and local rural communities to explore nearby, fiery sunsets over the harbor and plenty of adventure activities in great New Zealand outdoors.

To help inspire your trip to the Bay of Plenty, here are our favorite things to do in Tauranga.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet New Zealand (Country Guide)

15 Things to do in Tauranga, New Zealand

 1. Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui comprises the most beautiful and stunning suburb of the city and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Tauranga. Rising above the otherwise flat coastline, Mount Maunganui is only 200 meters in height, but it stands out dramatically against the skyline and has long been a local landmark.

You can hike the trail to the top, which leads from the beach at the base of the mountain to the summit. It’s not far, just a half-hour if you are in even fairly decent shape, and you’ll find waiting at the top of the best views in Tauranga. You’ll be able to see far along the coast of the Bay of Plenty and across all of the city.

Want to see little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, orcas, and dolphins? Book this scenic cruise around Tauranga Harbour. Departing from Mt. Maunganui, this boat trip explores the inner harbor and delivers you to Matakana Island where you’re welcome to hop off to explore the sandy beach on your own.

2. Shop the Local Markets

Tauranga might be a large city, at least in relative New Zealand terms, but it still very much retains that small-town vibe, which is one of the reasons it’s become such a popular holiday destination. 

One of the best things to do in Tauranga to soak up that small-town life and to meet some of the locals is to visit one of the many markets that held here throughout the week.

There are farmers’ markets selling local produce from the countryside, including fresh fruit, preserves, and a few local delicacies. There are handicraft markets, second-hand markets and car boot sales, and more in Tauranga.

3. Mount Maunganui Beach

At the base of Mount Maunganui, you can find the beautiful, soft sands of the Mount Maunganui Beach. Consistently labeled as one of the best beaches, not just in New Zealand, but anywhere in the world, this is one of the best things to do in Tauranga.

With a long stretch of white sand, despite its popularity, you’re always likely to find a secluded spot here, just take heed of the warnings when entering the water, particularly in more isolated areas. The waves here are great for surfing, or you can just kick back on the sand in summer and enjoy the beach.

4. Tauranga Art Gallery

Soak up the local art and culture at the excellent Tauranga Art Gallery. Here you can find an intriguing mix of contemporary work from local artists, as well as historical pieces from the Bay of Plenty and wider New Zealand.

Admission is completely free, so there’s really no excuse not to at least pop in, and check out the local art scene.

5. The Strand Waterfront

The Strand is the main boulevard in the city that runs along the waterfront, and it’s the perfect place to visit if you are looking to eat out or enjoy a bit of nightlife. After walking along the sea-facing footpaths that follow the harbor here, pop into one of the many restaurants or cafes for refreshment.

Of course, this being New Zealand and with Tauranga being located firmly on the coast, you can expect to find some exceptional fish and chips along the Strand.

6. Helicopter Tours

With such spectacular scenery surrounding it, one of the best ways to really experience Tauranga is from the air. Scenic helicopter flights will whisk you up into the skies, over the city, and along the coastline, before heading out into the Bay of Plenty to soar over islands and inlets.

You might even be lucky enough to spot a few whales or a pod of dolphins in the water below while you are enjoying the helicopter flight.

Take to the sky in a helicopter and get incredible bird’s-eye view photos of Mount Maunganui and the Papamoa Hills. On this short aerial tour of the Bay of Plenty, enjoy grand views of the Tauranga and Omokoroa coastlines before heading inland to see the deep valleys and historic sites.

7. McLaren Falls Park

Head inland to visit McLaren Falls Park, one of the best things to do in the Tauranga region. Just a short drive from the city will bring you to the veritable wilderness of this nature reserve, which is set around McLaren Lake.

It’s incredibly popular – especially in summer – with holidaymakers and locals looking to fish or take to the water for a spot of kayaking. It’s a beautiful place, and there are some great short hikes into the forest, and a short walk to McLaren Falls, a fantastic waterfall.

At night time, the area is renowned for the glow worms that are found here, and you can even kayak along the water in the evenings to see them lit up.

8. The Elms

To discover a little gem of local history then head to The Elms, in central Tauranga, a place of immense local cultural importance. The Elms is a pleasant house, surrounded by green gardens, that was originally set up by missionaries.

It became an important center of cultural exchange and local Maoris would meet here with the newly arrived Europeans. Today, it continues to function in this sense, as visitors can learn about the unique Tauranga culture and heritage on guided tours through The Elms.

9. Moturiki Island

Also known as Leisure Island, Moturiki Island is located just off the coast by Mount Maunganui. The island is connected to the beach opposite by a man-made causeway, meaning you can simply stroll across as you please.

The island gets its English name from the fact that a few decades back, it was turned into a water park, complete with slides and other activities. That was since removed, but today you can enjoy nature and perhaps go looking for the blowholes at the far end.

10. The Historic Village

Take a step back in time at The Historic Village, one of the best things to do in Tauranga. Found to the south of the Strand, the village is a recreation of what the early European settlement at Tauranga would have looked like back in the 19th century.

Many replica houses and shops have been set up, offering visitors a look at what life would have been like in the early days of the city. They are all faithful reconstructions, with many buildings even being restored originals too.

As well as offering historical value, many of the buildings have been turned into unique shops, run by small business owners, and offering souvenirs in the form of local goods and crafts, unique gifts you won’t find in many other places.

11. Matakana Island

Found out in the Bay of Plenty, the long, thin Matakana Island is well worth a trip over to from the mainland. You can catch the local ferry out here for the short crossing from Tauranga, and you’ll be quickly surprised by the pleasant surroundings you find yourself in.

The island sits in the natural harbor of Tauranga, and it’s long been home for local Maori, many of whom continue to live here on small farms and in communities. You’ll find several miles of untouched beaches, rugged coastline and plenty of marine life off the shores.

12. Kaiate Falls

One of the best things to do in Tauranga is to take a trip out to Kaiate Falls. After a short car ride from the city, you’ll have to take on a short hike to the falls themselves, where you will be greeted by the sight of tumbling, crashing water hurtling down the rock face.

It’s a green paradise, and in summer, you can even take a dip in the swimming hole at the base of the waterfall to cool off.

13. Go Dolphin Watching

The Bay of Plenty attracts all manner of marine life, including whales and dolphins throughout the year. One of the best things to do in Tauranga is definitely to join a dolphin safari, where you can even get up close and swim amongst these amazing marine mammals.

It isn’t very often that you get an opportunity to see dolphins in the wild. The Bay of Plenty has several pods of dolphins that frequent the waters near Tauranga, so getting out on the water is an absolute must.

Occasionally you can see a whale or other sea life, such as sea lions. We were lucky to spot an albatross scanning the waters. We didn’t see any whales, but the activity of the dolphin pod we found definitely made up for it.

As well as enjoying a beautiful boat ride along the coast and through the islands, you’ll be able to jump in with a local pod of dolphins – if they make an appearance – and snorkel with these playful, intelligent animals.

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a 5-hour dolphin cruise from Tauranga. You can watch from the boat or interact with these playful dolphins as you swim and snorkel alongside them in the water. Listen to live informative commentary and enjoy hot drinks and muffins on board.

14. Kayaking

The Bay of Plenty and the long coastline of Tauranga is perfect for kayaking, and you can join many tours in the city or hire your own equipment and take to the waters for a spot of paddling.

Enjoy the sandy beaches from the peace and calm of the water, explore small islands and hidden inlets, and perhaps even kayak alongside dolphins or whales.

Experience the magic of New Zealand’s North Island on this evening glow-worm kayak tour in Tauranga. Begin your tour with refreshments including wine from Mills Reef Winery and delicious New Zealand cheeses on the banks of Lake McLaren. As day turns to night, hop into your kayak and paddle with your guide to the glow-worm canyon at the head of Lake McLaren. Marvel at the millions of bright green glow-worms clinging to the towering cliff sides.

 15. Sunsets

Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty are particularly famed for their fiery, dramatic sunsets over the waterfront. There are some excellent spots for watching the sunset, including the famous Mount Maunganui or while enjoying a beverage along the Strand.

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We spent one of our longest days traveling between Westport and Wanaka. It was a long-distance to cover, however, our day was made longer with some pretty awesome stops. One of our favorites is the Blue Pools at Haast Pass. The water here is so clear you can see straight through to the bottom.

The Blue Pools are a great 30-minute return walk from the main highway car park. The path is easy and takes you through a beautiful ancient forest to a swing bridge over the Makarora River. Suspended platforms then take you the final short distance to the crystal clear pools and it’s at this point their name becomes very obvious.

Besides more stunning New Zealand scenery, the highlight of this stop is the high hanging swing bridge, about 14 meters above the water, where you can be adventurous and take a leap into the cold water. It wasn’t for me, but David was up for the challenge.

After watching several others jump into the cold rushing water below, he decided it was his turn. He headed out onto the bridge, climbed over the rope rail and then jumped.  Watching from the side, it seemed to take forever for him to hit the water. He was suspended between the bridge and the icy colored water below.

When he finally hit the water, he came up quickly and looked straight at me to exclaim how cold it was. The water in this area moves constantly creating a refreshing temperature for anyone who dares to set foot off the shore.  It’s worth stopping here to stretch your legs and take in some more amazing views.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet New Zealand (Travel Guide)

How to Visit the Blue Pools

Blue Pools New Zealand might be one of the country’s best-kept secrets, but they are still surprisingly easy to travel to; if you know where you are looking that is!

These stunning blue pools are located in the South Island, on the Haast Pass Makarora Road, which is part of Highway 6. Blue Pools New Zealand is part of the wider – and equally beautiful – Mount Aspiring National Park, which stretches roughly from the highway, all the way across to the western coastline.

This is a fairly isolated location, despite its position just off the highway, and to travel to Blue Pools New Zealand you will ideally need to have your own transport, whether you have your own car locally, or rent a vehicle or campervan. If you are driving, then you can easily incorporate this into a South Island itinerary, and particularly a west coast itinerary.

You’ll find the town of Westport to the north along the coast, around 6 hours drive away. The iconic Franz Josef Glacier and Mount Cook are just under 3 hours to the north, while heading south, Wanaka is just one hour away and Queenstown 2 hours. As you can see, some of New Zealand’s most incredible natural spots are found in the same region, making Blue Pools a must for anyone traveling through the region.

You will see a turn off on the main highway, and a small carpark at the start of the walking trail that takes you to the Blue Pools themselves. If you need any help or direction in the area, then just a few kilometers down the road from Blue Pools, you’ll find a Visitors Centre at the small town of Makarora, where you can ask for directions or suggestions.

Best Hikes to Access the Blue Pools

Crossing the Makarora River 

From the car park, it’s a simple half-hour walk to the Blue Pools. The Blue Pools are renowned for their unbelievably clear water, cleanliness that gives the pools their vibrant hue. As you first cross the Makarora River, which feeds the pools, you’ll begin to realize before you are even at your destination just how clear that water really is.

The Makarora River has its source high in the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park, ensuring that the water is fresh and clean as it flows downhill, before continuing all the way to Lake Wanaka in the south. Where the Makarora River joins with the Blue River – named for its vibrant blue water – you have the Blue Pools.

The trail leads you over the Makarora River, as you walk across an epic suspension bridge that seems to dangle effortlessly between the rocks and ledges, with the water shimmering blue below. This is a great viewpoint over the river, and you are surrounded by forest and rocks and crags, making it a truly serene spot.

If you fancy, you can even jump from the bridge into the river below. The water is more than deep enough, just make sure there is no one below you when you launch yourself over the railings. As beautiful as this spot is though, you’ll have to drag yourself away to reach the Blue Pools.

The Blue Pools Track

From the car park, the total walking distance of the Blue Pools Track is just 1.5 kilometers each way, meaning that you can reach your destination in less than half an hour if you are in a rush. The trail is easy to follow, well marked out and incredibly safe.

It takes you through the forest, through centuries-old trees, and through a wonderful ecosystem that the national park helps to preserve. It’s New Zealand at its best but contained in a small section of the walking track.

Once you are over the first swing bridge – if you haven’t decided to jump in! – turn left and you’ll continue along the Blue Pools Track as you follow a boardwalk that leads through the rocky, forested terrain towards a spectacular viewing platform above the pools. Here you have marvelous views over the river and the clear, blue water below you.

Long Distance Walking Trails

Blue Pools New Zealand is truly an epic spot, but your journey doesn’t have to stop there. If the short Blue Pools Track isn’t enough for you – and at only 1.5 kilometers each way, it’s hardly that challenging if you’re the adventurous type – then are several longer trails that pass through this way too.

The Blue-Young Link Track

The Blue-Young Link Track is a great way to see the Blue Pools New Zealand and to explore more of this beautiful part of Mount Aspiring National Park. The trail is 7 kilometers return and will take you a few hours with all the stops you’ll taking for photographs along the way, so you’ll need at least half a day at the Blue Pools to tackle this one.

It’s not too strenuous, and after completing the Blue Pools Track above, you’ll carry on along the river and then further into the forest, until you reach the Young River a few kilometers away. From there, you turn back the way you came, past Blue Pools and back to the car park again.

The trail is fairly well marked, but despite being so close to Blue Pools, it really isn’t used as much as the start of the track and you’ll find it a lot quieter out here.  

Blue Valley Track

If you are looking to turn this into an overnight hiking trip, then you can consider walking the Blue Valley Track. Again, this trail starts at the car park and makes use of the Blue Pools Track for the first section of its route, before continuing into the forest and out into the wide Blue Valley.

It’s actually only a few kilometers to the valley, where you can stay the night at Camp Flat if you have gear with you to support yourself. From Camp Flat, there are endless hiking opportunities into the Blue Valley, and you’ll quickly realize that despite the popularity of Blue Pools, there’s almost no one at all just a few kilometers into the bush.

It’s a great way to explore more of Mount Aspiring National Park and the great outdoors of this part of New Zealand.

Best Time to Visit Blue Pools New Zealand

If you are looking to swim in the Blue Pools New Zealand, then undoubtedly the best time of the year to visit is in summer. The water is icy cold at the best of times, and in the sweltering heat of the New Zealand summer, jumping off the suspension bridge into the blue water below is totally refreshing. In winter, perhaps not so much.

Although it’s long been a secret spot in New Zealand, Blue Pools have recently become much more popular as a stop on road trip itineraries, and if you are visiting in summer, you’ll find it to be quite busy, particularly as the bridge and viewing areas are quite narrow.

You may want to consider traveling here at the start or end of summer, in the transition period, before it’s too cold of course when things will be quieter, but you’ll still be able to brave the water.

If you are combining this with a long road trip or tour around New Zealand’s South Island, then summer will allow you to experience the best of this part of the country, including the beaches, hiking trails and mountains that the region is so famous for.

Where to Stay When Visiting Blue Pools New Zealand

The nearest town is Makarora, just a few minute’s drive down the road to the south of Blue Pools New Zealand. It’s a small, rural place, but here you can find a tourist park with basic chalets and cabins, and plenty of camping spots if you are road tripping.

If you’d like to see the Blue Pools New Zealand without the crowds, then this will be a great place to stay, as you’ll be able to get up early and hike the walking trail before anyone else even gets close.

Just a few kilometers to the north of the Blue Pools, there’s also a campsite that is part of the Mount Aspiring National Park. The Cameron Flat Campsite is a great place to stay too if you are looking to get in early to the Blue Pools.

If you aren’t into camping though, then realistically it’s easy to see the Blue Pools without staying nearby, and you’ll find that most people simply stop off here while driving along the highway. To the south, you can stay in Wanaka, or even from Queenstown, where there is a huge array of accommodation, this is a place that’s easily visited on a day trip.

If you are driving north from Blue Pools New Zealand, then there are fewer options, as there are few larger towns until you reach Haast a few hours drive away, and then the touristy areas around the Franz Josef Glacier.

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A visit to New Zealand is hard to say as complete without taking a moment to geek out and visit Hobbiton. I don’t mean that in an offensive way at all. I was actually really excited to visit the iconic movie site. So much so, that I forced a room full of guys to watch Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in the TV room at the hostel in Kaikoura a couple of nights before our visit.

Our trip started from Rotorua and it was a long bus ride to get us out to the farm that the movie set is on. Once we arrived at headquarters, we checked in and loaded back onto the bus for the drive out into the field. Our driver did a nice job of telling us the history of the site, how it came to be and all the little stories that surround the moment when Peter Jackson decided that this farm was going to be the site.

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The road into the movie site is very impressive, built by the military it is very industrial and is not something that was built to go away when the movies are complete. It will be there forever.

As we wound our way through the rolling fields we paused occasionally for the herds of sheep to disperse while we made our way. The driver pointed out various locations where certain actors or important Hollywood people had their motor homes and setups during the filming of all the movies.

Arriving outside the movie set, we were told how the original movie set for the Lord of the Rings series was actually temporary and was destroyed after the first set of movies were done. Upon agreements to film the Hobbit, the Shire was rebuilt to the permanent form we would visit that day and because the Hobbit is still being completed, it is still considered an active movie set.

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Our guide for the tour of the movie set took over the narration once we reached the entrance to the set.  She explained to us the rules for our visit, which included not walking on top of the Hobbit holes and following the directions on any posted signs. After making our way into the first part of the scene, she gave us good narration on what part of the set we were looking at and what films it appeared in.

It was extremely interesting to see the setup in person and learn how the director used the scale of each part of the set to manipulate the heights of the Hobbits versus Gandalf. We meandered through the lanes where the opening shire scenes were shot in the Fellowship of the ring, the field where Bilbo Baggins celebrated his birthday and the infamous Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo live. The place is beautiful and all the way we learned about the little intricacy of the site and the filming.

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Our tour concluded with a visit to the Green Dragon pub. This is the only part of the site that has been built as an exact replica of the movie set. Yes, that’s right, those Hobbit holes have only about 4 feet behind them. They were used for the exterior scene only, the rest was filmed in the studio in Wellington. I sipped my ginger beer and contemplated the tour that we had just taken of Hobbiton.

Having the opportunity to visit this site was a cool experience and I had been pretty excited about it. But for some reason, we were left feeling a little incomplete with the visit. In the end, both David and I decided that the whole place just lacked the magic you get from the big screen.

It is rather a dry and dull tour. Yes, it is awesome to say we have been there and to be able to now watch the movies and see the places where we stood, but that magic you feel when watching the movies is most certainly missing from the tour.

We both would love to see Hobbiton come to life with people dressed as characters from the movie, infusing a little bit of life into the whole set. Maybe they aren’t allowed to do this yet, but it is something that would be really neat for the future of the set.  Do we regret our visit, not at all. Should you or shouldn’t you check it out on your next trip to New Zealand, well that is up to you to decide.

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