Tauranga : Get a Taste of Diverse Cultures

In North Island, New Zealand lies a city by the side of the harbor known as Tauranga. It is among the main centers of New Zealand business, trade across borders and cultural exchanges take place. The town has the largest port regarding its efficiency and numbers of tonnes in export. From old historic buildings to the beach town and mountainous scenes, it offers the right mix for a perfect holiday. Let’s indulge in the beauty of this town.

1. Waiotapu (Thermal wonderland)

Are you looking for that great experience? Waiotapu is one of Tauranga’s attractions you don’t want to miss! It is part of an active geothermal park, 18 square kilometres in size, with spectacular, unique, and colorful elements formed as a result of years and years of volcanic activity. It has colorful natural pools of bubbling water that is heated by the active volcanoes. Known as the Thermal Wonderland, it provides an artistic splendour that will drown you into the marvel of nature. There are cycling and picnic areas for physical activities suitable for all ages, a gift shop where souvenirs and sentimental gifts can be bought, and gifted to family and friends. The visitor’s centre, different kinds of drinks, snack foods and a variety of Ice creams native to New Zealand are served.

2. Raparapahoe Falls

This is a popular tourist destination on Raparapahoe Stream. The waterfall is three meters high and plunges into a large pool at the bottom of a steep valley. A rough, steep track near Te Puke leads to this site, offering a great nature walk. You can enjoy a deep dive and swim into the freezing waters as you listen to the sound of the water as it bubbles and gushes over the rocks.

3. Classic Flyers Museum

This museum was started in 2000 by some businessmen and aviation enthusiasts who had the desire to refurbish an existing hangar at Tauranga Airfield dating back to the era the World War 11. Their efforts bore no fruit. Instead, they build a new flying museum that was opened in 2005. Today, the museum has three hangars, adjacent to each other. One of the hangars has a visitor’s center, museum exhibits showcasing classic and vintage aircraft and a display of over 5000 aviation memorabilia. It offers guided educational tours for school children and flight training lectures. You can get gifts for your loved ones at the aviation-themed souvenir shop, enjoy coffee and fabulous food as you get lost into the magnificent sound of the antique engines that roar into an epic era of the aviation industry of New Zealand.

4. Historic Village

A community hub with Vintage-inspired shopping building complex that provides visitors with the charm of historic village from the past years as you walk down the cobblestone streets. The shops and buildings, some of which retain their historical age while others are maintained with recent upgrades offer an array of local gifts and arts. The village has beautiful gardens and natural bushes with several venues that can be hired for functions such as meetings, seminars, workshops and other private parties such as weddings and birthday parties. Within the village are an amphitheatre, a schoolhouse, and a chapel, It is an interesting place to visit and get immersed in the livelihoods of the locals.

5. Mount Maunganui (The Mount)

This is an extinct volcanic mountain. The locals also call it The Mount, and it is so important and sacred to them that it is featured in almost all of their local myths. It rises 232 meters above sea level. At the base of the mountain is a white sandy beach stretching to as far as the human eye can get offering a spectacular scenic beauty. It offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Tauranga’s harbor, and port Beach sports such as surfing, skydiving, Jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in. As evening sets in, you can relax and beat the day’s heat by soaking in the hot salty water pools whose warm water relieves aches and pains or take a stroll down the summit walk as you watch the sun get enveloped by the horizon.

6. Moturiki Island (Leisure Island)

As you walk 500m from the hustles and bustles of the Mt Maunganui’s beach town, the majestic Moturiki Island awaits you to partake in all its splendor. The short walk to the island is through a bridge that connects it to the mainland. Though only 350m long, it offers more than you can ever get enough of.
It is currently a protected reserve with a variety of wildlife where you can spot local native birds and a colony of little blue penguins.
The little island (approximately 2.5ha in area) is worth your time and fantastic to explore

7. The Elms (Te Papa Tauranga)

Among the heritage sites of New Zealand, you cannot miss the Elms, a center for identity and history of Tauranga. The one-hectare garden hosts collections of national significance and heritage buildings, a destination so beautiful you can’t afford to miss. Locals and visitors gather here to learn through a guided tour of the historic house and library. It has earned a name as a venue for special private events in the Tauranga area such as weddings. It is owned, maintained and operated by The Elms Foundation which is a charitable trust whose mission is to preserve and promote the historic site. While here, you can participate in the guided educational tours, native tree walks, meditate on lush green gardens or at the chapel.

8. Waimarino Adventure Park

The park is situated at the River Wairoa banks about ten minutes from the city of Tauranga. The adventure and water park is mainly for the kayaking sport and has been the city’s premier kayaking and recreational hub since the year 1975. It provides a perfect outing for the entire family as you can picnic here and get access to all activities in the park including wall climbing, water trampoline, swimming, beach volleyball, kayaking, swimming, etc. It also caters to corporate needs as team building facilities and options are available, conference facilities and other functions of corporate nature. As you enjoy the day in this magical place, you can indulge in some great treats specially made by the resident barbeque cooks.

9. Robbins Park

The park, named after a former mayor, is located in the central area of Tauranga, adjacent to Monmouth Redoubt and overlooking the harbor. It was opened in 1960.
Within this park is a 28 bed rose garden recently nominated among the best in New Zealand, memorial trees and a tropical display house with orchids and begonias.
A camellia shrub is planted nearby to honor Kate Sheppard, the first person to introduce voting for women in New Zealand. Admission is free with the tropical display house opening daily during hours of daylight. The well maintained lovely garden, the go-to spot for picnics.

10. Te Urunga

Also known as the shelter for the Te Awanui, this is a Historical landmark shelter that houses a local war canoe preserved for purposes of local special celebrating the history of Tauranga. Its origin dates back to 1970 when plans for Queen Elizabeth the II’s visit to Tauranga City were underway. Construction of a suitable Waka to escort the queen was fruitless, and as such, it was decided that one, belonging to the city’s people be constructed. It was a project for the people, and in 1972, a master carver carved the canoe from a kauri tree which was 300 years old.
It was later opened in 1975.

◎ Closing

Tauranga is a collection of the most charming and impressive historical sites and centers that blend into a magical story of the long history of the area.
There’s so much to learn, do and get lost in.
Simply put, a paradise of sorts.

Search

Customer Support

Tauranga : Get a Taste of Diverse Cultures