Intro

Tauranga

On the East Coast South of the Coromandel Peninsular lies the twin towns of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Due to a pleasant climate and handy location Tauranga, one of NZs largest ports, is rapidly developing as one of the places to live. Named after the impressive Mt Maunganui the Mount is a popular summer destination, with fine surf beaches and a resort type atmosphere.

Highlights

• Surfing
• Climbing Mount Maunganui
• Hanging on the beach
• Saltwater hotpools
• White Water Rafting

Travel times

It is just over 200km (about two and a half hours) to Tauranga from Auckland. The "Mount" is a only few minutes further.

Don't Forget

• To take your swimming attire - surfing then hotpools (sweet!).

Stay/Eat/Drink

Accommodation

Right on the waterfront in Tauranga is the Harbourside City Backpackers. With its great deck and communal area this is our recommended place to stay. Walk downstairs and you will find yourself on the main strip and close to all the best bars and cafes. There is free weekend parking across the road. Tauranga tends to attract quite a few long stayers who come to work on the local kiwifruit orchards. They are always good value and it can be quite entertaining to listen to their stories. People who stay here have been known to catch their dinner (fish) of the wharf across the road. Ask Sarah (owner) for her local fishing tips. To find the Harbourside drive through town until you see the water. Harbourside City Backpackers is located on the Strand, which runs along the waterfront.

To get to Mount Maunganui from here it is a short drive North or left along the waterfront. This drive unfortunately takes you through the industrial part of town but you will be rewarded at the end of it - the Mount is nice! If you want to be closer to the beach then there are backpacking and camping options here as well.

Food and drink

Both Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are fully equipped with supermarkets, shops, cafes and restaurants so you won't go hungry. Later on check out Budha Bar, Crazy Jacks, Corner Stone or the Grumpy Mole Saloon (all located close to Harbourside City Backpackers).

What to DO

Here is a list of options to keep you busy.

• Head to the beach. The narrow Mount Maunganui peninsular is blessed with a seemingly endless stretch of sand.
   
• Go surfing. The waves here are much more user friendly than those found on Auckland's West Coast or at Raglan. Hibiscus Surf School offer learn to surf packages and also offer board hire. Opposite Tay Street (in Mount Manganui) is Mount Reef - NZs first artificial surfing reef. It has yet to be completed and there is much debate about its success. Go and check it out and see how human efforts to create the perfect wave are going.
    
• The climb up Mt Maunganui is a must. Also known as "Mauao" this impressive hill dominates the area. At 232m it provides excellent views of the surrounding area. There are numerous tracks to the summit or around the shoreline. Just head to the northern edge of the beach to find the start of the tracks. Apparently this is the most walked track in NZ. If you can get up early and climb up the mountain first thing - this is a daily ritual for many locals and you will be amazed at how many "good mornings" await you on the climb. 
   
• The hot saltwater pools at the foot of "Mauao" are excellent and are open daily.
   
• If you like mountain biking then there is some good opportunities to hit the trails in the area - check out Summerhill and Oropi.
   
• Try blokarting. Just South of Tauranga in Papamoa you will find blowkart heaven - here you can experience the unique thrill of sailing a land yacht around a custom built track. Prices are very reasonable (starting at $15) so check it out. Obviously there needs to be some wind some give them a call first. 0800 4 BLOWKART.
   
• Looking for adventure? Contact the crew at Adventure Bay of Plenty - they offer kayaking, mountain biking and boat trips. 0800 ADV BOP.
   
• What to experience some of NZs best whitewater rafting? Kaituna Cascades run rafting trips on the Wairoa River. This hydro dam controlled river provides some serious grade 5 whitewater action as it drops through a rocky canyon. This river can only be rafted on 26 days of the year so if this is something you want to do you will need to plan ahead.
   
• 10 minutes out of Tauranga on highway 29 (which goes to Hamilton) you will pass the turnoff to McLaren Falls Park. This is a sweet picturesque spot to hangout with lakes, walking tracks and even camping ($5 per night).
   
• Go swimming with dolphins. While there are a number of operators who do this GOOT recommends Dolphin Safaris.
   
• Other attractions or activities include: Kiwi360 (a horticultural tourist attraction based around the famous kiwifruit), fishing (Blue Ocean Charters) and horse trekking (Briar's Seaside Horse Trek).

GO (further)

North towards Coromandel

• Check out the murals in Katikati. 
• At Waihi, stop and check out the goldmine (this is one massive hole). Waihi Beach is also nice if you need a break.
• The Karangahake Gorge is a sweet spot and it is worth stopping here as there are some excellent walks and even a nice camping ground. The windows walk is particularly good (take a torch).
  
• Stop in the "world famous in NZ" town of Paeroa and have a refreshing L&P.

Close by

• Combine a trip to Tauranga with a mission to Rotorua. That way you will see surf, sun, lakes, mountains, and hot pools. Nice.
• Or head to Hamilton.
• Or continue down the coast. Tauranga is close to lots of good spots.

GOOT Deals

The following appear in this GOOT Route offering great deals to GOOT Passport holders. Open links to view details.   Harbourside City Backpackers Hibiscus Surf School Adventure Bay of Plenty

We are adding new GOOT Partners all the time so check back for more.

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