Tauranga is an attractive coastal destination for anyone who likes to combine a bustling city lifestyle with a waterfront setting. Stretching around a large harbour in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, this thriving city offers visitors easy access to the beach and outlying islands. The harbour is the perfect destination for water sports and activities, such as fishing, sailing or diving. Many local boat tour companies offer a range of memorable boat trips, whether you enjoy a relaxing harbour cruise or want to try a once in a lifetime experience of swimming with dolphins. To the north of the city centre is Mount Manganui, an extinct volcano which provides spectacular views of the peninsular and coastline. The ocean beach is particularly popular with surfers, due to its excellent surfing conditions and it regularly hosts surf championships. Avid scuba divers will benefit from a trip to one of the local island reefs to see the many varieties of local marine life. For intrepid travellers looking for adventure, a boat trip to White Island from the nearby town of Whakatane offers the incomparable experience of walking into the heart of an active volcano. If you prefer a more peaceful setting, you can explore the natural wonders of Mclaren Falls Park, which is within a 10-minute drive south of the city. Alternatively travel west to Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park to explore the deep gorges, waterfalls, rocks and trails of this ancient natural landscape. However you like to spend your holiday, Tauranga has attractions and activities to suit any visitor, so it is easy to see why it is such a popular tourist destination.
Tauranga overview
When to fly to Tauranga
Tauranga's summer spans the months of December through to February, when temperatures are higher and the warm summer days are perfect for enjoying the local beach lifestyle. February is a particularly warm month and is a popular time for holidaymakers to visit the city.
When the rainy season arrives between March and September, fewer tourists choose to visit the city, yet temperatures can still be mild and pleasant, making this a cheaper time to visit the area.
Getting around Tauranga
There is a network of bus routes that operate throughout the city area. The bus network also extends to other towns in New Zealand's North Island, such as Rotorua, Whakatane and Te Puke.
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Prices found by our users for South African departures to Tauranga
Airports for Tauranga
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How much do things cost in Tauranga?
Restaurants
Cappuccino
R 45.51
Local draught beer (0.5 litre)
R 78.47
Cheap meal
R 196.18
3 course meal for 2
R 980.92
Markets
Bottle of wine
R 147.14
Bottle of local beer (0.5 litre)
R 41.53
Bottle of beer (imported beer)
R 78.47
Large bottle of water
R 9.76
Clothing & Shoes
Pair of Nike shoes
R 1435.41
Pair of jeans
R 1152.56
How much does transport cost in Tauranga?
Taxi - fixed fee
R 27
One-way ticket (local transport)
R 35
1 hour taxi waiting fee
R 687
1 km taxi journey
R 27