Unforgettable Things To Do in Your Tauranga Trip

When looking for things to do in Tauranga, one must explore the island's famous hikes, magical evening paddles, marine animal excursions, cultural treasures, and lively harborside eateries.  Tauranga is a great place to go if you're looking for adventure, relaxation, and local flavor.  

Key Takeaways:

• Tauranga is full of unforgettable things to do on your trip.

• Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour offers a magical paddle through Mangapapa Canyon.

• Mount Maunganui Hike rewards walkers with panoramic views of the sea and the ranges.

• Relax at Fernland Spa, a natural geothermal pool loved by locals and visitors.

• Dolphin and wildlife cruises let you spot dolphins, penguins, and whales.

Top 7 Unmissable Things To Do in Tauranga

Here are some of the most memorable activities you can experience in Tauranga.

Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

Photo by My Guide Rotorua

As the evening sets at Lake McLaren, the Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour will welcome you with “Te Reka O Te Whenue - The Taste of the Land,” a tasting session featuring New Zealand cheese, honey, kombucha, and mulled wine. By sunset, tour guides will accompany you through the magical evening paddle around Mangapapa Canyon where thousands of glowworms illuminate the night.

• Price: from NZ$ 260

• Duration: 3 hours

• Best for: adventure seekers, couples

• Season: year-round, except on Christmas Day

Tour Tip

Bring comfortable clothing and shoewear fit for water adventures. Avoid wearing jeans.

Mount Maunganui Hike

Mount Maunganui, or Mauao, is one of Tauranga’s most iconic destinations. With two scenic tracks to choose from, you can experience the 232-metre summit’s panoramic views of the Kaimāī Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. For an unforgettable trip, hike during sunrise or sunset. Scenic views like these are a big reason why Tauranga is a hotspot for real estate investment

• Price: free

• Duration: 40-60 minutes

• Best for: hikers, photographers, nature lovers

• Season: year-round; best in the morning or evening in summer

Tour Tip

The tracks may not be casual strolls for many, so you’ll need to pace yourself with the right level of fitness and effort to get to the top. Bring sunscreen, water, and appropriate wear.

Relax at Fernland Spa

Photo by Fernland Spa

After a tiring day of itineraries and adventures, relax at Fernland Spa, a natural geothermal hot pool and a favourite among both locals and travellers. The bath’s pure soda, non-chlorinated, and clear mineral water is known to soothe muscles and capture a comforting nature experience.

• Price: from NZ $18 for adults and NZ $8 for children (main pool access) 

• Duration: at least 1-2 hours

• Best for: wellness seekers, families, couples

• Season: year-round

Tour Tip

Visit in the evening for a more relaxing and quiet soak under the stars. Fernland spa is open until 10 PM daily.

Classic Flyers Museum

Photo by Flyers Museum

If you’re looking for a quick break from outdoor adventures, this hidden gem is for you. Classic Flyers Museum is home to vintage aircraft and stories of New Zealand’s aviation history. Aside from an interactive display area, it also includes flight simulators, engine demonstrations, and cockpit experiences. Visitors can also buy unique souvenirs and enjoy a meal at the themed cafe.

• Price: from NZ $17.50 for adults and NZ $10 for children

• Duration: at least 1-2 hours

• Best for: history buffs, families, aviation enthusiasts

• Season: year-round

Tour Tip

If you can’t get enough of their aviation offers, check out their available adventure flights with pre-recorded footage of your experience.

Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise

Photo by Trip Advisor

A Tauranga trip is not complete with a dolphin and wildlife cruise. These 18-meter vessels bring you closer to dolphins, seabirds, penguins, and whales in their natural habitat. It’s a magical chance to witness NZ’s diverse marine life while enjoying the coastal view.

• Price: from NZ $175

• Duration: half-day (4-5 hours)

• Best for: families, couples, animal lovers

• Season: year-round, more preferable during summer and autumn

Tour Tip

Bring a camera and seasickness remedies if needed.

Kwizine Foodie Tour

Photo by Trip Advisor

This food tour drives you from the Port of Tauranga to a kiwifruit orchard where you tag along a “walk & talk” tour, a food tasting session at the avocado orchard, and a fish & chip lunch by the seaside. After which, the Kwizine tour lets you experience a honey tasting presentation at BeeNZ or dessert at an awarded ice cream venue.

• Price: from NZ $195

• Duration: whole day (approximately 6-7 hours)

• Best for: foodies, friend groups, families

• Season: year-round

Tour Tip

Save your appetite for the trip and bring a camera for the perfect orchard and food pictures.

A City of Endless Adventures

Tauranga is more than just a place that will pass you by, it is a coastal stop where every visitor encounters a special discovery of their own, and lives up to the experience of being in the Bay of Plenty. In a city full of adventures and things to do in Tauranga, your trip is sure to leave a lasting impression long after you return home.

Looking to make Tauranga not just a trip but your home? Contact us today to learn how our property management team can help you settle in and find the perfect place.