Tauranga

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Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty region, in the North Island of New Zealand. Tauranga is nestled beside Mount Maunganui and is the home to the New Zealand's biggest export port, Port of Tauranga.

Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities as it's one of the nation's main tourist locations. Locals also love it, as Tauranga flourishes in business, international trade, culture, fashion and horticultural science.

In Tauranga there is so many things to see and do such as: dolphin watching, visiting the thermal pools, taking a scenic walk or bike ride, fishing and heaps more.

It's the perfect region to own a boat or vessel, whether you're a fisherman, a recreational boaty, a watersports enthusiast or a sailor. Surfing is another popular summer water sport in the area, many tourists visit Tauranga just to surf because Mount Maunganui is regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in New Zealand.

It is very easy to play a round of golf in this great city, there are seven well-known 18 hole courses in the city and in the region. Another great activity all year round is going for a scenic walk or bike ride. Tauranga has 16 different walkways which are open to the public, around the coastal areas, estuary and inland reserves.

Some must-see places for visitors to see are the parks, reserves, art galleries and musuems. Tauranga also has around 30 significant parks and reserves, but some of the finest are those occupying the best spots on the harbour, with sea views and safe paddling for children. Tauranga offers a great selection of museums and art galleries to suit all interests and tastes, including the Tauranga Art Gallery which displays historical, modern and contemporary art.

Tauranga is a year-round destination with an average high of 18°C, and summer temperatures in the mid to high 20's. It is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, it gets colder by Autumn, but blue skies are seen even in the coldest months of Winter.

The busiest time for Tauranga is from December to April, as people flock to the beaches of Mount Maunganui. The population explodes with tourists over the Christmas holidays from mid December to the end of January.

History

Three tribes make up what local Maori call Tauranga Moana (the seas of Tauranga): Ngatiranganui, Ngaiterangi and Ngati Pukenga. Their traditional lands extend from Bowentown, at the northern end of Tauranga Harbour, down to Papamoa south of Mount Maunganui, and inland along the Kaimai Ranges.

Local Maori trace their descent from three canoes that arrived from Polynesia: Takitumu, Mataatua, and Te Arawa. The Takitimu canoe is said to have come from Hawaiki in 1290, it landed at the base of Mount Maunganui the landmark mountain at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Tamatea was the captain who named the sacred mountain.

Today evidence of early Maori settlement and habitation is mostly confined to the hilltops and promontories around the harbour and its hinterland.

Captain Cook rounded East Cape aboard the Endeavour in 1769, and entered a wide, open bay with its coastline curving into the distance. The local populations seemed so large and prosperous, he named it the ‘Bay of Plenty.’

Main Towns in the Bay of Plenty Region

Other Towns in the Bay of Plenty Region