Tauranga is a growing and vibrant city with more than 111,000 residents. The population has almost doubled in the past twenty years and it is estimated that the population will rise to 141,000 by 2021, making Tauranga one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities. Tauranga is the gateway to the Bay of Plenty and Matakana Island. The landscape is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mauau or Mount Maunganui, the harbour, long white beaches and Mount Kaimai in the west. Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s most important centers for business, international trade, culture, fashion and horticulture. The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s largest port in terms of gross exports per vessel space. Tauranga was proclaimed a municipality in 1882 and became an official city in 2004.
Population
Much of the population in Tauranga is over the age of sixty with a higher national average. Although more and more young families are choosing Tauranga as their home. Tauranga also has a higher national average for residents who identify as Maori. There are three major iwi (Maori tribes) in Tauranga: Ngaiterangi, Ngati Rangainui and Ngati Pukenga.
climate
Tauranga has a subtropical climate with an average temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius and 2400 hours of sunshine per year. The climate and soil are ideal for agriculture and horticulture. In addition, the forests around Tauranga are a valuable source of food, such as berries and are also home to many different birds.
Te Moana a Toi
Tauranga has a long history of both Maori and European settlement. The name Tauranga means safe anchorage or resting place. Maori arrived in New Zealand in the late thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. They called the region Te Moana a Toi (the Sea of Toi). Toi or Toitetuatahi was an ancestral explorer to whom the Maori in the North Island are related. Te Awanui was the original name of the port and means large tributary.
Activities
There is almost always something to do in Tauranga; from family activities to sophisticated events. You can climb the famous Mauao mountain, soak in the warm baths, stop for a coffee at one of the many cafes, taste the best fish and chips, go on a dolphin watching tour or take a helicopter flight. Tauranga and its surroundings have a variety of different shops from large well-known chain stores to small boutiques. From books to boats, Tauranga is home to a host of retail specialists, shopping centers and traditional shopping streets. In addition, Tauranga offers restaurants and cafes for every occasion and taste; from a quick bite to a four-course menu.
Katikati Bird Gardens
Katikati Bird Gardens is a perfect place for a relaxing day with the whole family. You can enjoy lunch in the café while the children feed the ducks and peacocks from their hands. Then you can walk through the gardens, located on the harbor and meet the kea and other native and exotic birds.
Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui is known for its miles of beautiful beaches and perfect surfing waves. Tauranga is located on a sandy peninsula (a tombolo), with a harbor on one side and a surfing beach on the other. At the end of the peninsula is Mauao, an iconic 232 meter ex-volcanic peak that forms part of the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Mauao is a crucial cultural and spiritual site for local Maori and offers one of New Zealand’s most beautiful short walks. It is also a perfect place for boat watching, fishing and picnics.
Spotting dolphins
The Bay of Plenty is home to New Zealand’s largest population of common dolphins and in the right conditions it is possible to swim with dolphins. In the Bay of Plenty you can find the following species, among others; killer whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, sea turtles and New Zealand seals. The critically endangered New Zealand dotterel breeds in this area and there is also a successful conservation project on Matakana Island. Blue penguins, albatrosses and gannets are all seabirds regularly seen in this area.
McLaren Falls Park
McLaren Falls Park consists of 170 hectares of land surrounded by countryside and contains one of the best botanical tree collections in the North Island. In addition to beautiful walks, you can also fish for trout, spend the night and view glow worms and enjoy the beautiful open spaces in the park with exceptional views. Birdlife is abundant in the park with more than 42 different species including the endangered North Island brown kiwi, North Island robin and the long-tailed cuckoo. Sheep graze freely in the grassed areas and therefore dogs are not allowed in McLaren Falls Park. Slow moving vehicles are allowed in the park which is useful for accessing the many picnic areas including public barbeques.
Kiwi360
Kiwi360 offers visitors a fascinating look into the hairy brownberry industry and how it became so popular. This horticultural theme park is located in Te Puke, just 25 minutes from Tauranga. The kiwi fruit industry is one of the most important economic sectors in this area, contributing approximately $2 trillion to the regional economy annually. Research has shown that around 18,500 jobs depend on kiwi fruit cultivation. The harvest is in the hands of Zespri International, located near Mount Maunganui. It is one of New Zealand’s largest exports. Kiwi360 offers Kiwikart tours to experience an enjoyable forty-minute ride through the theme park’s bountiful scenery and lush orchards. Along the way you will learn more about the complex growth process of the kiwi and the dynamic industry.
At Puna Quarry Park
Te Puna Quarry Park is an outdoor art center with a mixture of strange figures, sculptures, plants and old quarry materials. The park has been transformed from a disused quarry into a world-class park by a group of dedicated volunteers. From the higher levels you can enjoy panoramic views over the Bay of Plenty. There are ponds, tree ferns, orchids, native planted trees and rhododendrons, among other things. In addition, there are special garden areas with an Australian corner, a Bonsai corner, a South African area, a palm grove and a butterfly garden. The park has become a popular place for outdoor art exhibits and also for weddings. It is a perfect place to enjoy nature, silence, beautiful views and good art.
Spring Loaded Fun Park
Spring Loaded Fun Park is an award-winning theme park for both adrenaline-pumping activities and more sedate pursuits. The park has 25 kilometer jet boat rides, a four wheel drive route, as well as kiwi fruit and farm tours. Highlights include the extreme jet boat experiences on the Kaituna River or a scenic helicopter flight with amazing views over the Bay of Plenty.
Waikareao Estuary Walkway
The Waikareao Estuary Walkway is a fascinating two-hour walk close to the city and takes you through the unique nature of mangroves and wetlands. The walk takes you along a boardwalk over wet areas of mangroves and wetlands and small pools filled with small fish. Cyclists are also allowed on this route, but must give way to walkers.
Mills Reef Winery
Mills Reef Winery is an award-winning restaurant and wine producer with a striking art deco building set in an elegant garden. This a la carte restaurant has 150 seats and is known for its light meals with local products. Meals range from $24 to $30.