Tauranga
The vivacious waterfront city of Tauranga is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Set at the entrance of New Zealand’s most important export harbour, Tauranga offers big city lifestyle at its own pace. Tauranga is famous for the sun, sand, sea and numerous places to eat, shop, party and recover.
The newly developed Strand locates many restaurants, cafes and bars. Especially on the weekend, you’ll find a very buzzing atmosphere here. There is a growing range of art and cultural activities and some great events and festivals like the National Montana Jazz Festival held every Easter weekend or the Brightstone Blues, Brews and BBQ’s event in January.
Cruise ships often visit Tauranga and nearby Mount Maunganui in the summer months and it’s a very popular place with those who love spending their leisure time on the water. Two large marinas hold over one thousand yachts. Many charter boat operators take keen game fishers out to the internationally renowned deep sea fishing waters of the Bay of Plenty and scuba diving is enjoyed by many. Papamoa Beach TOP 10 Holiday Resort is the perfact base for a holiday exploring Tauranga.
Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui sparkles with mile after mile of white sandy beaches and the enticing blue ocean. For decades, the area has held irresistible charm for visitors and locals alike. This seaside resort town, affectionately known by locals as the Mount, draws thousands of holiday makers every summer season.
The spectacular beach reaches as far as the eye can see with sparkling white sand and the crashing surf beach on the one side and a tranquil, sheltered harbour on the other. Magnificent Mauao (Mount Maunganui) stands tall and proud, dominating the region. There are some wonderful walkways around the base track or up to the top where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the area. From Papamoa Beach, Mount Maunganui offers a stunning landmark.
Together with the many cafes, boutique shops and restaurants of world class standard, Mount Maunganui is a trendy and cosmopolitan place that is worth visiting all year around. In the summer months you can enjoy some of the great activities organised here like the Half Iron Man, Weetbix Kiwi Kids Triathlon or the National Beach Volleyball Championships. Mount Maunganui has something to enjoy for everyone.
Te Puke
New Zealand’s booming kiwifruit industry has its roots in Te Puke. Local growers produce millions of the traditional ‘green’ and the luscious ‘gold’ that are shipped out worldwide. It will be no surprise to anyone that Te Puke’s most popular attraction is a theme park based on the hairy berry: Kiwi360.
Te Puke is also known for its dairy, cattle, deer and sheep farming and Te Puke has a rich history of bee keeping, due to the pollination of the many kiwifruit vines. Honey is a wonderful, healthy and versatile product and the way it’s made by the bees is fascinating. That’s why the Comvita Visitor Centre in Paengaroa should also be on your to-do-list when visiting Te Puke.
There are many bushwalks and parks in the Te Puke area such as the Roydon Downs Bush and Farm Walks. With close to 7000 people and a great variety of shops, cafes and industry, Te Puke is a fine example of a developing, bustling New Zealand town.