Top 10 Attractions & Destinations in Tauranga

1.    Mount Maunganui ‘The Mount’

Mount Maunganui lies just to the north-east of the Tauranga city centre. It is officially known by its Māori name Mauao, but around New Zealand, it is commonly and affectionately called The Mount. The Mount is a large lava dome that dominates the skyline of the town. Sitting at 232m in height, the hill features several wonderful walking tracks, including the Base Tack and the not too strenuous Summit Track. The summit provides unparalleled views of the surrounds. The Mount and its tracks are a fantastic and enjoyable destination for all ages.

2.    Hobbiton

With barely a 45-minute drive, you can find yourself in Middle Earth. That’s right, Hobbiton - the Lord of the Rings movie set. The entire farm, from the home of Frodo to the local beer and muffins (included in the tour price) will throw you right into the fantasy world of the books and the films. This is a must-see for any fan of fantasy, literature or film.

3.    Waiotapu

The incredible thermal pools and mud pools at Waiotapu are around an hour’s drivefrom Tauranga. Hire a carif you need to because this is a must-do for anyone visiting the Bay of Plenty. Take a surreal walk through the incredible alien landscape of coloured rocks and pools with a fantastic guide to explain all the hidden secrets of the area. 

4.    Kaiate Falls

Only half an hour from Maunganui, the Kaiate Falls are a wonderful location at any time of year and are especially great for summer picnics. The falls lie only a short walking distance from the free car park - consisting of a triple fall at the top, and a single fall into a pool a few hundred feet down. The trail can be wet and muddy throughout the rainy season but that only makes the falls more spectacular.

5.    Mount Maunganui Beach

If the golden sands of Maunganui Beach aren’t enough, perhaps the great waves will take your fancy. Either way, Maunganui Beach is a wonderfully bright place full of activity. Whether you want to take a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk or a romantic moonlit walk along the sand, the beach invites and caters for all. If climbing The Mount has your feet aching, grab a coffee or an ice cream and relax on the grass with the view.

6.    Adrenalin Forest

Great fun for all ages, the Adrenalin Forest provides a litany of fun and challenging canopy confined tasks. If you're looking for an adventure-filled afternoon with the kids or a fun challenge with your partner, the Adrenalin Forest is always a great time.

7.    Classic Flyers Museum

If you’re even a little bit interested in aviation, you should fly on over to the Classic Flyers Museum which is only 600 metres from the Pacific Rentals office. Make sure you jump in the hire car, and head out to the airport first to see a fantastic array of old and new aeroplanes before proceeding with the rest of your journey.This is a child-friendly environment where you can climb inside a fuselage to see how the crew must have felt or enjoy a coffee and lunch at the highly rated café.

8.    White Water Rafting

Prefer some adrenaline packed fun on your road trip? Head down to the Wairoa River for some white water rafting like you’ve never experienced. The river is created from water let out of a dam so it’s only open 26 days in a year. Make sure you call the companies before you book your adventure or visit your closest i-site kiosk for more information.

9.    Whakatane

Just 90 kilometres from Tauranga is Whakatane, one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Take a helicopter flight over the White Island which is still an active volcano or take a kayak guided tour around Whale Island or Ohiwa Harbour. You’ll find more yellow fin tuna here than any other part of the country, so book a fishing tour and jump on to a boat if you fancy reeling in a big prize.

Drive down to Ohope, which is only another 10 kilometres from Whakatane if you want to enjoy camping, surfing, walking or lay in the sun on a white sandy beach.

10.Tauranga Harbour

Tauranga Harbour is a natural tidal harbour that surrounds Tauranga CBD and Mount Maunganui. Take a sunrise stroll along the harbour and witness the vibrant display of colours; or jump into one of the harbour activities, like water skiing, kite surfing, jet skiing, diving, or fishing.

Tauranga and its surrounds provide a litany of things to do and see.For a great hire-car deal to see and do all these amazing things, go local, and visit Pacific Auto Rentals.