đ˘Cruise Port Guide to Tauranga, New Zealand
Welcome to Tauranga!
Table of Contents:
* Tauranga Information
* Tauranga Weather
* Tauranga Cruise Terminal
*Â Getting Around Tauranga
* Iconic Tauranga Experiences for First-Time Visitors
*Â Mount Maunganui
*Â Tauranga City Centre (CBD)
*Â Tauranga for Nature Lovers
* Tauranga for Art Lovers
*Â Fun Things to Do in Tauranga with Kids
*Â Where to Shop in Tauranga
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Tauranga
* Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Tauranga
Tauranga Information
Tauranga is New Zealandâs 5th largest city and a favourite stop for many cruisers. Your ship will dock at Salisbury Wharf in Pilot Bay, putting you within easy walking distance of great beaches, boutique shops, cafes and bars of Mount Manganui.
Tauranga's Name:
Tauranga (pronounced toe-rahng-ah) means 'safe anchorage' or 'resting place for canoes', reflecting the areaâs sheltered harbour that was historically used by MÄori as a safe landing spot for waka (canoes).
Population:
Tauranga's population in 2024 is 161,000 but can double during the holiday season. It's also one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand, attracting people for its lifestyle and job opportunities.
History:
Tauranga was settled by MÄori around the 13th century. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived, and Tauranga became a key site during the New Zealand Wars, particularly the Battle of Gate PÄ in 1864. After the wars, the region developed rapidly, becoming an important port for timber and agriculture.
Geography:
Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island of New Zealand. It sits on a natural harbour, with a mix of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and volcanic landscapes. Taurangaâs heart lies along the Tauranga Harbour, which separates the city from Mount Maunganui (Mauao).
Currency:
New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Most places accept credit cards.
Language:
English is the primary language in New Zealand, but MÄori is also an official language, and you'll encounter plenty of MÄori place names and cultural references throughout the city.
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) and observes daylight saving time.
Emergency Services:
The emergency services number in New Zealand is 111 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Tipping:
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but appreciated for exceptional service.
Tauranga Weather
Tauranga enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. Summers (December to February) are warm and sunny, with temperatures typically ranging between 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F).
It's known for its excellent sunshine hours, making it one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. It typically enjoys around 2,200 to 2,400 hours of sunshine annually.
Tauranga Cruise Terminal
Your ship will dock at Salisbury Wharf in Pilot Bay, putting you within easy walking distance of great beaches, boutique shops, cafes and bars of Mount Manganui.
Getting Around Tauranga
* Tauranga i-SITE Visitor Centre
There is a pop-up iPORT visitor information and volunteer ambassadors at the port to help you when you disembark. There is also a main isite centre 5 mins from the port in the centre of Mt. Maunganui.
* Walking
Mount Maunganui is a short five-minute walk from the Port of Tauranga. From the port, turn right to reach Main Beach and the waterfront walks, or turn left to explore Pilot Bay and the scenic trails around and up Mauao (the hill at the other end of the port).
* Hop On Hop Off Bus
A Hop On Hop Off bus that operates on cruise days (large cruise ship over 2000 passengers). Tickets can be purchased from the iport as you disembark.
It takes 90 minutes to do the circuit (if you stay onboard). They leave every 30 minutes from 9am.
* Uber and Local Taxis
* Pepi Toot Express
The Pepi Toot Beach Express operates tours on cruise days. Cost is NZD$35 or $NZD60 for 2 people. The tour is one hour long, and it departs 100m to the right as you come out of the port. Â
* V8 Trike Tour
You can enjoy a V8 Trike Tour around Tauranga on the back of an V8 Chevy!
* Bay Hopper Bus Information
Day Saver Tickets: Unlimited trips for one day. Purchase from the Port i-SITE or Mount i-SITE using credit card or cash, or from the bus driver with NZ cash only.Â
Bus Schedule
Bus 5: To Tauranga City Centre, departs every 15 minutes on weekdays (excluding public holidays) and every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays.
Bus 21: To Bayfair Shopping Centre and Papamoa, runs every hour, Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.
Iconic Tauranga Experiences for First-Time Visitors
* Hiking Mauao (Mount Maunganui)
Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is believed to be around 2-3 million years old, formed from volcanic activity. Now dormant, itâs an iconic part of the skyline and you can walk to the summit or take the scenic base track for stunning views of the Bay of Plenty.
* Rotorua
Rotorua is about 1 hour by car from Tauranga and is known for its geothermal activity and MÄori culture. You can visit bubbling mud pools, geysers, hot springs, and enjoy cultural performances at places like Te Puia or Tamaki MÄori Village. Rotorua also offers spa experiences in natural hot springs, such as at Polynesian Spa.
* Hobbiton
For those of you who love movies, you can travel to middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Just over an hour from Tauranga, you can take a guided tour of the famous movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The tour includes a visit to the Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and other iconic locations on the lush farmland.
Mount Maunganui (Mauao)
Just a short walk or shuttle ride from the cruise port, Mount Maunganui is a coastal suburb with a beach town vibe.
* Mount Maunganui (Mauao)
Mauao is an extinct volcanic cone, last active around 2 million years ago, and holds sacred significance for MÄori. Its name means 'caught by the light of day,' reflecting its cultural importance and role as a landmark. A popular climb, Mauao once hosted a MÄori fortified village, and on clear days, the summit offers views up to 60 kilometres, including over the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga Harbour, and Mount Ruapehu.
There are several tracks to the summit:
Summit Track: This is the most direct route to the top and is relatively steep but provides the quickest ascent. It takes around 30-45 minutes.
Base Track: For a more leisurely walk, you can take the Base Track, which circles the base of the mountain and offers beautiful coastal views without the climb.
To avoid the midday heat and crowds, consider starting your climb early in the morning or later in the afternoon.Â
* Mount Maunganui Beach
Mount Maunganui Beach is one of New Zealandâs most renowned beaches. It's a safe and family-friendly beach, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Itâs also a favoured spot for surfers of all levels, with consistent waves and reliable surf.
* Mount Hot Pools
The Mount Hot Pools are at the base of Mount Maunganui with views of the mountain and the nearby beach. The pools are filled with naturally heated mineral water, sourced from underground springs.
* Maunganui Road
Maunganui Road is the main street of Mount Maunganui and serves as the hub of the areaâs shopping, dining, and entertainment activities. Explore boutique shops, cafĂŠs, and restaurants along Maunganui Road.
* Pilot Bay
Unlike the surf beach on the opposite side of Mount Maunganui, Pilot Bay features calm, sheltered waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are a few cafÊs and eateries nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink while enjoying views of the bay.
Tauranga City Centre (CBD)
Taurangaâs CBD lies along the Tauranga Harbour, which separates the city from Mount Maunganui (Mauao). It's about a 10-15 minute drive from the port to get here.
* The Strand
Stroll along The Strand, the promenade that runs the length of the waterfront with restaurants, bars, shops and a playground.
* Historic Village
The Historic Village on 17th Avenue showcases a collection of restored and recreated heritage buildings. Walk through early 20th-century-style shops, galleries, and gardens, and participate in events and workshops celebrating Taurangaâs past.
* The Elms | Te Papa
The Elms Mission Station is a heritage site showcasing early European missionary life. Explore the historic mission house, library, and beautiful gardens. The site also provides insight into Taurangaâs colonial history and interactions with local MÄori.
Tauranga for Nature Lovers
*Â Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
* Swim With Dolphins
* Surfing
Tauranga for Art Lovers
* Tauranga Art Gallery
The gallery showcases a wide range of New Zealand and international art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations.
Note: The Tauranga Art Gallery is currently closed for redevelopment. It's due to reopen early-mid 2025.
* City Art Walk
This Art Walk is a fun self-guided tour of some of the artworks around Tauranga.
Fun Things to Do in Tauranga with Kids
Tauranga is a family-friendly port stop with plenty of activities that kids will love.Â
* Waimarino Adventure Park
Waimarino Adventure Park is on the Wairoa River. The park offers kayaking, paddleboarding, a water trampoline, water slides, a floating climbing wall, and a Tarzan swing. Thereâs also a Warm Water Pool and Kidsâ Canoe Club for younger children.
* Hairy Maclary & Friends
The bronze sculptures Hairy Maclary, Scarface Claw, Slinky Malinki, Hercules Morse, Muffin McLay, Bottomley Potts, Schnitzel von Krumm, Bitzer Maloney and Zachary Quack are installed on Tauranga's redeveloped waterfront.
* Marshalls Animal Park
Children can feed and pet the animals, including llamas, deer, goats, pigs, and more. A great spot for a family picnic or walk, and the nearby waterfall is a great place to visit. Located at McLaren Falls Park.
Where to Shop in Tauranga
*Â Maunganui Road
Maunganui Road ('Main Street') is the main shopping and dining street in Mount Maunganui, offering a selection of shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores. It's a lively hub especially when the cruise ships are docked.
* Bayfair Shopping Centre
Over 140 stores and restaurants., it's the Bay's largest shopping Centre. Take Bay Hopper Bus 21 which leaves Monday to Sunday including public Holidays every hour.
* Tauranga Farmer's Market
Every Saturday morning from 7:45 AM to 12 noon.
Other Useful Information
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Tauranga
Several cafĂŠs offer Wi-Fi hotspots around Mount Maunganui and downtown Tauranga. Public service provider EOL also offers free Wi-Fi along The Strand in Tauranga; simply search your deviceâs Wi-Fi options for âEOLâ.
* Supermarket and Grocery Store
Was this Tauranga guide helpful?
Hopefully, this guide saves you hours of planning and helps you make the most of your visit to Tauranga!
If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out.
Happy cruising to Tauranga!
Anna @ New Zealand Cruises
www.new-zealand-cruises.com
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