Stay and Play in the Bay- Bay of plenty
Sightseeing
A walk around the base of this dormant volcano will take you approximately 45 minutes-one hour (3.8 kms around the base) look out for the stone jetty, In the late 1800s there were many landing points around Tauranga Harbour. Archaeological remnants of some of these port facilities remain. An important one is the stone pilot jetty on the inside of Mauao, Mount Maunganui. At the end of your walk grab an ice cream at Copenhagen Cones or a coffee at any one of the the cafes at the base.
571 recommandé par les habitants
Mount Maunganui
A walk around the base of this dormant volcano will take you approximately 45 minutes-one hour (3.8 kms around the base) look out for the stone jetty, In the late 1800s there were many landing points around Tauranga Harbour. Archaeological remnants of some of these port facilities remain. An important one is the stone pilot jetty on the inside of Mauao, Mount Maunganui. At the end of your walk grab an ice cream at Copenhagen Cones or a coffee at any one of the the cafes at the base.
If you're in Tauranga and would like a slice of history, take a walk through the historic Elms Mission Station.
Completed in 1847, the Elms Mission House is one of New Zealand's finest Georgian houses and one of the oldest historic buildings in the country. It was built for the Reverend Alfred Nesbit Brown, who came to New Zealand with his first wife Charlotte in 1829 as a missionary for the Church Missionary Society of England.
The house is constructed from kauri logs that were rafted down from the Coromandel Peninsula to be pit sawn on site. The building is in original condition except for the roof, which was originally shingled but is now clad in corrugated iron. An interesting collection of items used in the early days of the mission is also on display.
Next to the house is New Zealand's oldest free-standing library. The library contains more than 1,000 books which belonged to Reverend Brown. Many are on religious topics; others contain practical information related to survival in an isolated settlement.
The Elms Mission Station grounds are open daily, free of charge. Volunteer guides open the house and library to visitors from 9am to 4pm daily. There is a small entry fee.
30 recommandé par les habitants
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga
15 Mission StIf you're in Tauranga and would like a slice of history, take a walk through the historic Elms Mission Station.
Completed in 1847, the Elms Mission House is one of New Zealand's finest Georgian houses and one of the oldest historic buildings in the country. It was built for the Reverend Alfred Nesbit Brown, who came to New Zealand with his first wife Charlotte in 1829 as a missionary for the Church Missionary Society of England.
The house is constructed from kauri logs that were rafted down from the Coromandel Peninsula to be pit sawn on site. The building is in original condition except for the roof, which was originally shingled but is now clad in corrugated iron. An interesting collection of items used in the early days of the mission is also on display.
Next to the house is New Zealand's oldest free-standing library. The library contains more than 1,000 books which belonged to Reverend Brown. Many are on religious topics; others contain practical information related to survival in an isolated settlement.
The Elms Mission Station grounds are open daily, free of charge. Volunteer guides open the house and library to visitors from 9am to 4pm daily. There is a small entry fee.
The Karangahake Rail Tunnel Walk is an easy 3.3km walk that will take you around 1 hour 20 mins to complete. The tunnel is quite exciting to walk through and has lighting. Most of the walk follows along a sometimes narrow path along the Ohinemuri River with great views. To get there form our house is approx 40 minutes.
Karangahake Tunnel
The Karangahake Rail Tunnel Walk is an easy 3.3km walk that will take you around 1 hour 20 mins to complete. The tunnel is quite exciting to walk through and has lighting. Most of the walk follows along a sometimes narrow path along the Ohinemuri River with great views. To get there form our house is approx 40 minutes.
Located in the Western Bay of Plenty, near Te Puke, Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park is a 135 hectare property explored and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each month.
The summit is 224 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views of the Bay of Plenty coastline. There are several tracks through the park which can be used to enjoy the views and explore the numerous archaeological features, including seven pa sites.
127 recommandé par les habitants
Papamoa Hills Regional Park
Poplar LaneLocated in the Western Bay of Plenty, near Te Puke, Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park is a 135 hectare property explored and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each month.
The summit is 224 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views of the Bay of Plenty coastline. There are several tracks through the park which can be used to enjoy the views and explore the numerous archaeological features, including seven pa sites.
Tauranga's nearby forest reserve makes for a great destination for nature-lovers that's got plenty of walking tracks to explore and take in the greenery, however the reserve's undoubted highlight is the tumbling Kaiate Falls which are well within reach from the city itself.
All it takes is a short walk from the reserve carpark (which can be reached after roughly a 20 minute drive from Tauranga city and comes complete with toilets and some well-kept picnic tables) and you'll soon be at the first of three main tiers of the falls, with the upper of the three often being labeled the most beautiful while the lower are the largest. The walk to the falls itself is scenic and ripe with greenery, and there are various pools along the way that are popular with locals and visitors alike for taking a dip during the warmer months.
It's a common sight to see local kids jumping from the rocks into the main pool, which can seem dangerous to observers but is generally safe as the waters of the pool are quite deep.
81 recommandé par les habitants
Chutes de Kaiate
Kaiate Falls RoadTauranga's nearby forest reserve makes for a great destination for nature-lovers that's got plenty of walking tracks to explore and take in the greenery, however the reserve's undoubted highlight is the tumbling Kaiate Falls which are well within reach from the city itself.
All it takes is a short walk from the reserve carpark (which can be reached after roughly a 20 minute drive from Tauranga city and comes complete with toilets and some well-kept picnic tables) and you'll soon be at the first of three main tiers of the falls, with the upper of the three often being labeled the most beautiful while the lower are the largest. The walk to the falls itself is scenic and ripe with greenery, and there are various pools along the way that are popular with locals and visitors alike for taking a dip during the warmer months.
It's a common sight to see local kids jumping from the rocks into the main pool, which can seem dangerous to observers but is generally safe as the waters of the pool are quite deep.
Tantalise your taste buds with the most delicious food from across all the continents. Whatever you fancy, from the freshest fish and chips on the waterfront to a gourmet Asian fusion banquet, refreshing cocktail over happy hour or award-winning fine dining experience, we have it all in our dining mecca Downtown Tauranga. Also from the Strand you can pick up Kewpie cruise.
The waters of the Bay of Plenty have a famously pretty blue-turquoise colour and are full of various kinds of marine life, and with a number of impressive geographical formations and nearby islands – all of which take on an entirely different life when viewed from the sea.
Cruises are thus a great way to get a fresh vantage point on the coast line and the Mercury Islands (as well as stunning White Island), and the sheltered waters of the Bay of Plenty typically offer calm sea conditions and make taking a cruise a relatively pain-free experience.
The waters of the Bay of Plenty are a haven for whales, dolphins and numerous species of fish that can make for great sightseeing opportunities while out on the ocean, with local colonies of Gannets rounding out the spectacle.
Various cruise itineraries put on by different companies who offer a range of vessel types – leisurely sailing yachts and purpose-built dolphin-seeking boats among them – offer everything from wildlife viewing adventures to shorter harbour cruises to day sails with beach picnics, so which cruise you'll most enjoy is entirely up to you. Kewpie Cruises are the region's most prominent cruise operator, offering a cruise aboard a historic, split-level vessel that offers an overview of both Tauranga Harbour as well as its surrounding islands.
The Strand
The Strand Tantalise your taste buds with the most delicious food from across all the continents. Whatever you fancy, from the freshest fish and chips on the waterfront to a gourmet Asian fusion banquet, refreshing cocktail over happy hour or award-winning fine dining experience, we have it all in our dining mecca Downtown Tauranga. Also from the Strand you can pick up Kewpie cruise.
The waters of the Bay of Plenty have a famously pretty blue-turquoise colour and are full of various kinds of marine life, and with a number of impressive geographical formations and nearby islands – all of which take on an entirely different life when viewed from the sea.
Cruises are thus a great way to get a fresh vantage point on the coast line and the Mercury Islands (as well as stunning White Island), and the sheltered waters of the Bay of Plenty typically offer calm sea conditions and make taking a cruise a relatively pain-free experience.
The waters of the Bay of Plenty are a haven for whales, dolphins and numerous species of fish that can make for great sightseeing opportunities while out on the ocean, with local colonies of Gannets rounding out the spectacle.
Various cruise itineraries put on by different companies who offer a range of vessel types – leisurely sailing yachts and purpose-built dolphin-seeking boats among them – offer everything from wildlife viewing adventures to shorter harbour cruises to day sails with beach picnics, so which cruise you'll most enjoy is entirely up to you. Kewpie Cruises are the region's most prominent cruise operator, offering a cruise aboard a historic, split-level vessel that offers an overview of both Tauranga Harbour as well as its surrounding islands.
Waimarino Adventure Park is a tranquil paradise situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from our house. The Park provides the perfect day out for the entire family. Bring your togs, barbeque supplies or picnic and make a day of it with friends and family.
50 recommandé par les habitants
Waimarino Adventure Park
36 Taniwha PlWaimarino Adventure Park is a tranquil paradise situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from our house. The Park provides the perfect day out for the entire family. Bring your togs, barbeque supplies or picnic and make a day of it with friends and family.
Neighbourhoods
This stylish outdoor shopping complex on Tauranga’s northern city fringe is open seven days a week and features a range of boutique stores, large retail chains, popular cafes and professional service providers. Free parking is available.
This upmarket retail development on the northern fringe of Tauranga has expanded rapidly in recent years and is now the largest outdoor shopping centre in the Western Bay of Plenty.
It takes about 10 minutes to drive to Bethlehem Town Centre from Omokoroa, or you can catch a Bay Hopper bus which will deliver you right outside the door on Bethlehem Rd.
There’s over 40 quality stores here offering everything from boutique fashion and footwear, to health and beauty, home and living, and everyday service providers. A Countdown supermarket can be found at one end, while leading discount giant Kmart and also the Chemist warehouse. 10 minute drive from our house.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Bethlehem
This stylish outdoor shopping complex on Tauranga’s northern city fringe is open seven days a week and features a range of boutique stores, large retail chains, popular cafes and professional service providers. Free parking is available.
This upmarket retail development on the northern fringe of Tauranga has expanded rapidly in recent years and is now the largest outdoor shopping centre in the Western Bay of Plenty.
It takes about 10 minutes to drive to Bethlehem Town Centre from Omokoroa, or you can catch a Bay Hopper bus which will deliver you right outside the door on Bethlehem Rd.
There’s over 40 quality stores here offering everything from boutique fashion and footwear, to health and beauty, home and living, and everyday service providers. A Countdown supermarket can be found at one end, while leading discount giant Kmart and also the Chemist warehouse. 10 minute drive from our house.
Puketoki Reserve is only a short distance from Tauranga, accessible from Leyland Rd, off Whakamarama Rd.
Tramways for transporting logs passed through the reserve, and in a few places the location of the tramways can still be seen.There is a parking area and picnic area on Leyland Rd, across from the reserve entrance. The Te Puna stream runs past the picnic area. There are toilet facilities near the reserve entrance. It is one of the oldest reserves in the Western Bay of Plenty, and dogs on a leash are permitted in the reserve. The reserve is not managed by DoC, so there is no reference to it on their web site. Also the tracks are not shown on the latest NZ Topographic maps.
There are two loop tracks, a short loop and a long loop. Most of the short loop is shared with the long loop nearest to the reserve entrance. The long loop is posted as a 1-hour walk, with the short loop at 20 minutes. However, both loops together are about 3.2 km in length and can be walked in about 1 hour, while taking time for photos and reading the information panels.
The short loop is an easy walk with no steps and only gentle slopes. The long loop has a few steps in various locations, but there are no steep inclines. Both tracks are well marked and well formed. This is about 10 minute drive from us and is dog friendly (dog on lead)
Whakamarama Road
Whakamarama RoadPuketoki Reserve is only a short distance from Tauranga, accessible from Leyland Rd, off Whakamarama Rd.
Tramways for transporting logs passed through the reserve, and in a few places the location of the tramways can still be seen.There is a parking area and picnic area on Leyland Rd, across from the reserve entrance. The Te Puna stream runs past the picnic area. There are toilet facilities near the reserve entrance. It is one of the oldest reserves in the Western Bay of Plenty, and dogs on a leash are permitted in the reserve. The reserve is not managed by DoC, so there is no reference to it on their web site. Also the tracks are not shown on the latest NZ Topographic maps.
There are two loop tracks, a short loop and a long loop. Most of the short loop is shared with the long loop nearest to the reserve entrance. The long loop is posted as a 1-hour walk, with the short loop at 20 minutes. However, both loops together are about 3.2 km in length and can be walked in about 1 hour, while taking time for photos and reading the information panels.
The short loop is an easy walk with no steps and only gentle slopes. The long loop has a few steps in various locations, but there are no steep inclines. Both tracks are well marked and well formed. This is about 10 minute drive from us and is dog friendly (dog on lead)
The bay's flagship shopping mall in Mount Maunganui is home to 100 different retailers including fashion, department stores, electrical, gifts, health, beauty and more. A children’s indoor playground and free parking is also available.
Tauranga’s premier shopping mall is Bayfair – a modern indoor centre featuring almost 100 different retailers on the corner of Maunganui Rd and Girven Rd.
You’ll find over 1600 free parking spaces in the multi-story car park and New Zealand’s leading fashion, footwear, homeware, gifts, jewellery, stationary, health and beauty, electrical and department stores here.
A wide range of professional services including banks, travel agents, podiatrist, optometrists, phone and mobile companies are also located under Bayfair’s enormous roof.
This predominately single-level mall is anchored by two supermarkets (Woolworths and Countdown) and two major department stores (Kmart and Farmers). Both supermarkets and Kmart are open for longer hours than the remaining retailers which surround them.
Bayfair is normally open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm (Mon-Wed and Sat), 9am to 9pm (Thurs & Fri) and 9am to 5pm (Sun), although the mall does extend or change their hours around public holidays and in the lead up to Christmas.
There are 19 different food outlets here, the majority of which are centered around Bayfair’s bustling food court. Enjoy sushi, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, fresh fruit juice, gourmet sandwiches, pizza, muffins, yoghurt, fast food and more at any time during your shopping trip. Grab a coffee and relax on a sofa in one of Bayfair’s cafes or order something to eat on the go.
You can access Bayfair’s free Wi-Fi in the food court area or at the children’s playground (known as the ‘Bayfair Beach’) outside Kmart. This mall also features a well-equipped parent’s room with a play area and television to keep toddlers entertained, change tables, children’s toilet, microwave and private feeding rooms. You’ll find this room down a corridor next to McDonalds in the food court.
Bayfair is extremely easy to move around, with wide corridors and entranceways, including lifts and travellators which lead from the upstairs car park into the mall itself.
If you’re keen to see what our leading national retail chains have to offer, Bayfair is the place to do it. This all-weather venue is a popular place to shop and is an easy drive from all Tauranga suburbs including Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.
OPENING TIMES
Business Hours:
They are open 7 days a week with late nights every Thursday and Friday. This is 35 minute drive from us.
240 recommandé par les habitants
Bayfair Shopping Centre
19 Girven RdThe bay's flagship shopping mall in Mount Maunganui is home to 100 different retailers including fashion, department stores, electrical, gifts, health, beauty and more. A children’s indoor playground and free parking is also available.
Tauranga’s premier shopping mall is Bayfair – a modern indoor centre featuring almost 100 different retailers on the corner of Maunganui Rd and Girven Rd.
You’ll find over 1600 free parking spaces in the multi-story car park and New Zealand’s leading fashion, footwear, homeware, gifts, jewellery, stationary, health and beauty, electrical and department stores here.
A wide range of professional services including banks, travel agents, podiatrist, optometrists, phone and mobile companies are also located under Bayfair’s enormous roof.
This predominately single-level mall is anchored by two supermarkets (Woolworths and Countdown) and two major department stores (Kmart and Farmers). Both supermarkets and Kmart are open for longer hours than the remaining retailers which surround them.
Bayfair is normally open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm (Mon-Wed and Sat), 9am to 9pm (Thurs & Fri) and 9am to 5pm (Sun), although the mall does extend or change their hours around public holidays and in the lead up to Christmas.
There are 19 different food outlets here, the majority of which are centered around Bayfair’s bustling food court. Enjoy sushi, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, fresh fruit juice, gourmet sandwiches, pizza, muffins, yoghurt, fast food and more at any time during your shopping trip. Grab a coffee and relax on a sofa in one of Bayfair’s cafes or order something to eat on the go.
You can access Bayfair’s free Wi-Fi in the food court area or at the children’s playground (known as the ‘Bayfair Beach’) outside Kmart. This mall also features a well-equipped parent’s room with a play area and television to keep toddlers entertained, change tables, children’s toilet, microwave and private feeding rooms. You’ll find this room down a corridor next to McDonalds in the food court.
Bayfair is extremely easy to move around, with wide corridors and entranceways, including lifts and travellators which lead from the upstairs car park into the mall itself.
If you’re keen to see what our leading national retail chains have to offer, Bayfair is the place to do it. This all-weather venue is a popular place to shop and is an easy drive from all Tauranga suburbs including Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.
OPENING TIMES
Business Hours:
They are open 7 days a week with late nights every Thursday and Friday. This is 35 minute drive from us.
Conseils aux voyageurs
Se déplacer dans les environs
Bus service from our house only run once a day
You really need a vehicle to get around. Most areas have free car parking.