Discover Te Puna

Te Puna offers several reasons to plan a trip: cider and light bites at The Cider Factorie, panoramic views from Minden Lookout, and walking tracks in reserves. It’s worth distinguishing between the local destinations: Minden Lookout and Minden Scenic Reserve are two different places.

Cider and views in Te Puna

The Cider Factorie Restaurant + Cellar Door is located in Te Puna’s green belt, in Tauranga. From there, you can enjoy views of the harbour and mountains, and the menu features fresh light bites. Since 2012, The Cider Factorie has been turning apples, pears, feijoas and citrus fruits into a range of award-winning ciders in Te Puna. You can taste and buy the ciders on site, or take them away. It’s a chance to combine a visit with local beverage production and scenic views.

The popular Minden Lookout is near the intersection of Minden Road and Junction Road, at an elevation of 286 metres. From the viewing platform, you can see across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Matakana Island and the surrounding coast. An accessible path leads to the platform. Its elevation and expansive panoramic views give this lookout a different focus from the walking tracks in the reserves.

Walking tracks and parks

Minden Scenic Reserve is also on Minden Road in Te Puna, but is accessed via Ainsworth Road. There is a small car park at the start of the track; the return walk in the reserve takes 15 minutes. The two Minden destinations are therefore clearly distinct: the lookout offers the panoramic views described above, while the reserve has a short out-and-back track.

Huharua Harbour Park is a regional park at the end of Plummers Point Road in Te Puna. It is jointly owned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council. The park was acquired for public use across the wider Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty area.

Nearby, just north of Te Puna, is I’Anson Reserve. There you’ll find young stands of native trees, an artificial lake, lawns and walking tracks. Facilities include parking, a toilet and picnic tables. The mix of tracks, green spaces and picnic areas sets this place apart from the lookouts and walking track at Minden.

More experiences in the Western Bay of Plenty District

Katikati in the Western Bay of Plenty District also offers its own experiences. The loop walk in Katikati Town Centre starts at Haiku Park and follows paths featuring haiku verses carved into rocks and paving. It runs alongside Uretara Stream, crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing, then continues along the main road to murals and other artworks in the town centre. Individual art installations may change.

The Katikati Cuisine Trail offers a chance to meet local artisan food producers in the same district and taste their products on site. The individual producers and offerings may change, so check in advance to see what’s currently available.

Another landscape experience in the Western Bay of Plenty District is the Orokawa Bay Walk. It starts at the northern end of Waihi Beach and follows coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay. The walking time is about 45 minutes each way. Along the way, the track passes through dense bush with pōhutukawa, kauri and puriri trees, as well as native nīkau palms. Orokawa Bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. Tides and swell affect access and should be taken into account when planning the walk.

Discover more destinations: Tahawai, Pyes Pa, Katikati, Whakamarama, Aongatete, Te Puke, Paengaroa, Lower Kaimai.

For the broader travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.