TAURANGA

Tauranga is a coastal city in the Bay of Plenty in the North Island of New Zealand. With a population of around 135,000, Tauranga is the most significant principality in the region. Although Tauranga can’t compete with the popularity of nearby Rotorua, it has beautiful lagoons, beaches, and waterfalls for travellers to discover.

Just like most of New Zealand’s North Island, Tauranga has a temperate climate with warm summers and chilly, relatively wet winters. In December and January, Tauranga receives around 250 sunshine hours per month! 

Tauranga borders the Bay of Plenty, where you can spot heaps of aquatic animals. Go on a search for dolphins, fur seals and whales during a sea safari just off the coast, or seek for birds in the forests of Matakana Island.

For unforgettable views of Tauranga and the long-stretched beaches in the area, ascend to Mount Maunganui just outside the city centre. Kaiate Falls is an appealing spot to hang out if you’re looking for tranquillity outside the city or a refreshing swim on a warm summer day. 

Tauranga has many hidden gems of nature, and one of the most breathtaking is Mangapapa Canyon at Lake McLaren. You can explore this stunning gorge by booking a kayak tour on Lake McLaren, which feels like paddling through a tropical jungle. This is often regarded as one of the best places in New Zealand for kayaking.

Stay for a bit near Lake McLaren if you want to do the night version of this tour, during which you can experience a natural phenomenon you’ll probably never forget: glowworms. These creatures provide a brilliant backdrop to an already incredible evening glow worm kayak tour!

Near Tauranga, you can delve into numerous other adventures. Learn more about the Maori during a cultural experience in Tamaki Maori Village, see the earth bubbling and hissing at Wai-O-Tapu, or fly high above the forests during a canopy tour in close-by Rotorua. 

Rotorua has its own glowworms as well, hidden in caves around the Rotorua lakes. You can discover them while stand-up paddling at twilight. Fun is never far away in this region of New Zealand!