Tauranga

Tauranga Regional Information

Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty region, with a population of just over 107,000. The city is located 105km east of Hamilton and 85km north of Rotorua, at the head of a large harbour which extends along the western Bay of Plenty. Today it has the fastest growing population of any New Zealand city.

The name Tauranga comes from the Maori language and means 'a sheltered anchorage.' Occupying a sheltered location on the east coast of the North Island, Tauranga is a popular place for retired people to settle and for holiday makers to stay in the summer months. The city's two marinas hold over 1,000 yachts and launches, with many charter boat operators taking visitors onto the waters of the harbour, which are also a venue for surfing and other water sports.

Much of the land around the city of Tauranga is used for horticultural purposes, growing a wide range of produce for both the domestic and export markets. The area is particularly well known for its tangelos, a cross beween a grapefruit and a tangerine, and its kiwifruit, which has become a national icon.

With a huge variety of fresh produce at its fingertips, including sun-ripened fruit, local seafood and farm-grown vegetables, the Bay of Plenty is able to offer fresh, creative cuisine to locals and visitors. Savour the tastes in the city's waterfront restaurants and cafes, award winning wineries and fine dining restaurants.

Lying across the harbour from Tauranga is the township of Mount Maunganui. The extinct volcano which stands just above the town, on the peninsula north of Tauranga, is also known as Mount Maunganui or its Maori name, Mauao. In colloquial language, it is often referred to simply as 'the Mount.' The volcanic peak rises 232 metres above sea level and is a dominant geographical feature within the district. The Mount's beach draws surfers and those who enjoy beach sports, fishing and summertime beach activities. A trek to the summit offers views of the harbour and city.

Navigate with our great Tauranga map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Tauranga weather.

For more information on Tauranga, visit the official Bay of Plenty information site or the Te Ara Encyclopedia.