Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga is a charming coastal city in New Zealand, known for its stunning beach scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and vibrant culture. From world-class surfing and hiking to local wineries and art galleries, Tauranga offers something for everyone.
Trip to Tauranga, New Zealand
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Welcome to Tauranga, New Zealand! On your first day, I recommend spending some time getting familiar with the city. Take a walk around the city center and explore some of the unique stores and cafes. Later in the day, you can take a sunset walk along the beach and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Maunganui. For dinner, grab some fish and chips from one of the local shops and relax by the ocean.
Day 2: Te Puna Quarry Park
Located on State Highway 2, just 10km from Tauranga, Te Puna Quarry Park is a stunning 32-acre park set in an abandoned quarry. The park provides a great opportunity for a refreshing walk and taking in the scenic beauty of the area. The park features stunning gardens, geysers, ponds, and several walking tracks through the forest. You can also take a picnic basket and relax in any of the numerous picnic areas within the park.
Day 3: Mount Maunganui Summit Walk
Take on the Mount Maunganui Summit Walk on Day 3. The walk takes you up the 232-meter-high volcanic cone and rewards you with stunning views of the harbor, ocean, and surrounding areas. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes to ascend and about 20 minutes to come down. At the base of the mount, you will find a range of lively cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Day 4: White Island Tour by helicopter
Day 4 calls for a thrilling adventure with a helicopter tour of White Island. This active volcano is located 48 km off the coast of Tauranga soars up to 1,600 meters. The tour gives you an up-close look at an active volcano and the opportunity to see rare wildlife such as dolphins, whales and fur seals. This tour is an absolute must-do while you are in Tauranga.
Day 5: Tauranga Art Gallery
Today spend some time soaking in some of the local culture by visiting the Tauranga Art Gallery. The gallery is located in the heart of the city and features an exceptional collection of artwork from local and international artists.
Day 6: Bay Wave Aquatic Centre
Day 6 calls for a bit of relaxation; head over to Bay Wave Aquatic Centre for a day of fun in the sun. The center provides an opportunity to ride the high-speed aquatic slide rides with twists and turns guaranteed to make anyone scream with joy. There’s a wave pool, a children’s area as well as a lazy river. To get a quick snack you can head over to their onsite café.
Day 7: Fishing Charter
On day 7 end your trip on a high note by spending the day on a fishing charter. Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s top fishing destinations, so don’t miss the opportunity to throw a line in the water. Several fishing charters offer a wide range of fishing experiences, such as deep-sea fishing and big game fishing. You can also fish for delicious species such as snapper, tarakihi, kingfish and more.
