Discover Tauranga District

In Tauranga District, you can plan your visit around trails, art, and history. The options described vary by theme, route type, length, and current access conditions.

Trails and landscape

Access to Mauao is especially important at present: major landslides have made the area unsafe, and Mauao is completely closed to the public until further notice. The 3.4-kilometre loop at its base, Te Ara Tūtanga, passes through the natural surroundings but is also affected by the closure. Mauao rises to a height of 232 metres. From the summit, Te Tihi o Mauao, the view extends across Te Awanui, the surrounding islands, and the Pacific Ocean. Check the access status before your trip rather than planning a visit at this time.

For a different kind of route, the Marine Parade Coastal Pathway continues the existing Main Beach Boardwalk at Mount Maunganui. It is designed for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair and mobility-aid users, skaters, and scooter users. These user groups and the continuation of the boardwalk distinguish this coastal route from the longer inland trails.

The Waikareao Estuary Walkway is a nine-kilometre loop for walking and cycling. By contrast, the Kōpūrererua Valley Walkway includes a six-kilometre paved section between The Lakes and Waihi Road. These provide different route details for comparison: a loop route and a paved section between two named points. The Pāpāmoa Walkway connects Pacific View Road and Wairakei Reserve via walking and cycling paths.

The Kopurererua Valley Reserve covers about 258 hectares and includes farmland, native bush, and ponds. Its landscape therefore alternates between cultivated areas and more natural surroundings. When choosing a trail, you can consider its length and route type, as well as whether you want to walk or cycle.

Culture and history

Mauao is the sacred tūpuna maunga of the Tauranga Moana iwi, as well as the Te Arawa and Waitaha iwi. Five kōhatu whakairo, or stone carvings, depict traditional legends and ancient stories. This cultural significance is part of the place’s character alongside its landscape; the current closure remains essential to any visit plans.

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s oldest historic sites. Its grounds include Category 1 heritage buildings and collections of national significance. The Elms Mission Station is considered the founding settlement of European settlement in Tauranga. Guided tours are available daily from 10 am to 3 pm without booking; check current hours before visiting.

In Tauranga, Toi Tauranga Art Gallery anchors the Te Manawataki o Te Papa cultural precinct. The gallery reopened in 2025. The City Art Walk Tauranga tells the stories behind the city’s extensive public art collection. Baycourt Community and Arts Centre adds another cultural venue: it is Tauranga’s leading performing arts venue and is located in the city centre.

Seasonal activities and getting around

At Waimarino Adventure Park, you can paddle kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. The park operates seasonally and is closed in winter. This seasonal restriction sets the activity apart from the trails described as available year-round. Plan your visit according to the season and confirm current operating hours.

For getting around, Baybus provides a network map for Tauranga that includes Pāpāmoa and Te Puke. The Arataki bus hub is on Farm Street, behind Bayfair Shopping Centre. These details can help you locate the places mentioned; when planning, consider the network map alongside the purpose of your visit.

Discover more destinations: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Omokoroa, Omanawa, Ohauiti, Whakatane District, Rotorua District, Western Bay of Plenty District.

Return to the main travel overview: Bay of Plenty.