The 5 Top Things to Do in Tauranga

The city of Tauranga, on the east coast of the North Island, is a convenient place to add to the North Island travel itinerary - it's only a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland, about an hour from Rotorua, and south of the Coromandel Peninsula.

These are some of the main attractions of Tauranga

Travelers especially love the Tauranga area for its beaches, Mount Maunganui.

There are many other natural and cultural attractions in and around the city, including an active volcano off the coast, waterfalls, and lakes, and beautiful hiking trails.

And it is one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand (although the greatest tribute is usually to Nelson, at the top of the South Island).

1. Climb Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is the name of a 761-foot suburb, beach, and hill north of central Tauranga.

Walking to the top of the hill, called Mauao, is a great way to combine exercise with sightseeing.

The hike requires a reasonable level of fitness and takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast you walk and how many photo stops you make.

The views from the top are spectacular on a clear day, as you can see in the western Bay of Plenty area.

Bring water, and in summer it is best to do this hike early in the morning or at the end of the day.

2. Walk and swim in Kaiate Falls

Kaiate Falls, also called Te Rerekawau Falls, is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and is a half-hour drive from Tauranga.

From the parking lot, hiking trails lead to the falls.

There are picnic areas and you can swim in the deep pools, which is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day in Tauranga.

For more outdoor adventures and waterfalls, you can also visit McLaren Falls Park, about a 15-minute drive from Tauranga.

There are many hiking trails around beautiful Lake McLaren and McLaren Falls are near the park entrance. You can also see fireflies if you visit the park at dusk.

3. Soak in the warm saltwater pools of Mt. Maunganui

If you're in Tauranga in the colder months and don't want to bravely swim in the sea, Mount Hot Pools is a great alternative.

While hot pools are a feature throughout New Zealand thanks to the country's geothermal geology, these pools are different because they contain heated saltwater.

So bathing here is like bathing in the warm sea! There are several outdoor pools with varying temperatures, as well as a few hot tubs (including private ones that can be reserved).

The pools also offer massage services.

4. Walk to Moturiki and check the hole

Moturiki (also called Leisure Island) is connected to the main beach on Mount Maunganui by a walkway.

It is a nature reserve and a pleasant place to walk. Follow the hiking trail to the north end of the small island and you will find a breathing hole.

Wait for an ocean wave or high tide and you will see what the water rising into the sky is all about.

5. Take a dolphin-watching cruise

Tauranga is protected by a sheltered harbor, but if you go out to the open sea, there are many chances to see dolphins and even whales at certain times of the year.

You are more likely to see common dolphins, but you can also see killer whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, blue penguins, seals, and a variety of birds.

Several Tauranga-based tour operators offer boat trips to spot dolphins, and while seeing the creatures is never guaranteed, it is highly likely.

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