Shopping off the Ship

For the shoppers

With a full day in port there’s plenty of time to hit the shops and enjoy some retail therapy.

Mount Maunganui is right on your ship’s doorstep and is home to hundreds of fashion boutiques, retail stores, gift shops and art galleries – all within easy walking distance.

Head to Maunganui Rd (a 5 minute walk away) to begin exploring this retail area. This main street is lined with phoenix palm trees and is a relaxed place to browse the shops. You will find clothing to suit all ages and budgets here, including some of New Zealand’s top fashion designers. Try on a new bathing suit or look for fabrics and designs you won’t see anywhere else.

Souvenirs, beauty services, health stores, pharmacies, bookstores, banks and foreign currency exchange services can all be found here. Galleries showcasing local art and photography will also intrigue and inspire you. There are plenty of cafes to grab a coffee and a bite to eat while you re-charge your batteries.

Across the harbour is downtown Tauranga where you will find the region’s biggest shopping precinct. Catch a bus or 10 minute taxi ride over the Tauranga Harbour Bridge and you will have over 300 boutique and department stores to choose from. This is a great place to shop for New Zealand-made souvenirs – whether you’re looking for art, jewellery or just a special gift to take home.

If you prefer an indoor shopping mall, Bayfair is just a five minute drive away via our local bus service. This is Tauranga’s flagship retail mall and has a full range of national retail chains and services available. Further down the coast at Papamoa you will find Palm Beach Plaza and Fashion Island where you can pick up a bargain at the discount fashion stores.

The Bay of Plenty is home to one of the world’s leading manuka honey producers – Comvita. Look for their products in local health stores or visit their production plant in Paengaroa (a 30 minute drive away). At Experience Comvita’s retail shop you will find a complete range of their health, wellness and beauty products featuring manuka honey, propolis, olive leaf extract and omega 3.

If your ship happens to be in port on the first Saturday of each month, Mount Maunganui’s Little Big Markets is a must-see. This artisan craft and food market is brimming with gorgeous gift ideas and hand-made works of art. You can walk or catch a taxi to the corner of Maunganui Rd and Matai St between 9am – 2pm. A great way to shop and experience a slice of our region’s culture and lifestyle while you’re at it.