WELCOME TO TAURANGA
Tauranga means ‘place of rest or anchorage’ in Māori and while the sparkling harbour and magnificent views make it a great place to relax and recharge, there’s also plenty to keep you busy. Tauranga is the largest city in the Coastal Bay of Plenty and is home to approximately 140,000 people. The sprawling city is virtually surrounded by water - locals’ lives consist of fishing, diving, swimming and simply enjoying the stunning views from almost every corner.
Venture to the downtown waterfront precinct to enjoy a meal or drink at one of the lively bars or restaurants, take the children to the waterfront playground and splash pad (watch the locals doing bombs from the wharf and if you’re keen, join them!), or indulge in some retail therapy in the vibrant shops and boutiques. Tauranga also hosts a wide range of impressive events and festivals, including the National Jazz Festival every year at Easter and the Tauranga Arts Festival every two years.
Explore some of the history and culture that makes Tauranga unique. Located only a few minutes’ walk from Downtown Tauranga is The Elms | Te Papā Tauranga, one of the most historically significant sites in Tauranga. This significant historical place documents some of the early contact between Māori and Pākehā. Near The Elms are other sites of significance, including Mission Cemetery, Durham Redoubt and Monmouth Redoubt.
There are historic pā sites (fortified settlements) located throughout Tauranga. The most significant is Gate Pā (Pukehinahina) where a major battle took place during the New Zealand Wars (1845-1872) where Māori and British fought over land ownership and sovereignty. At the Battle of Gate Pā, Māori defenders were hugely outnumbered by British forces but still managed a victory - one of the biggest military disasters for the British Army during the New Zealand Wars. For more in-depth information about the Battle of Gate Pā, click here.
If you venture outside of the city centre, you will find bustling suburbs with their own micro-communities. Most of the outer suburbs in Tauranga have shopping precincts (some with large shopping malls), walking tracks, golf courses and plenty of options for eating, drinking and relaxing.
Eco-conscious locals lovingly work to keep our beaches and communities clean so you can enjoy them at their best. Do your bit while visiting the Coastal Bay of Plenty by making sure you leave it as you found it.
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