Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tauranga?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tauranga?
Many visitors spend two to three days in Tauranga during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the beaches, the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the museums and landmarks.
Tauranga is a coastal city in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island. It's a popular vacation spot for both locals and international tourists. There are nice beaches, and many wonderful hikes in the area and the affordability makes it a great place to chill and worry less about money.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Tauranga? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Tauranga?
Many visitors spend three days in Tauranga, as this is a good amount of time to see the relaxing town's major attractions such as the beaches, the hiking, and the beautiful scenery. If you have three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do below.
How to spend 3 days in Tauranga
The beautiful beaches await you in Tauranga, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour ($98)
- Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour in Tauranga ($138)
- Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga ($108)
Tauranga is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. A mix of beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural environments make this a beautiful destination for travelers.
The public transit in Tauranga is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.
Known for it's hiking, Tauranga sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga ($108)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 4hr Shore Excursion - History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting ($58)
- 4hr Tauranga Scenic History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting ($58)
- Shore Excursion: Local Tasting Tour from Tauranga ($120)
Perhaps the most famous spot in Tauranga is Mount Maunganui, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.
Is 4 days enough time in Tauranga?
Four days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Tauranga. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the museums and landmarks at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
The view from The Mount, Tauranga, New Zealand
How to spend 4 days in Tauranga
With 4 days in Tauranga, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.
Is 5 days enough time in Tauranga?
Five days is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Tauranga. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Tauranga as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
How to spend 5 days in Tauranga
If you have more than 5 days in Tauranga, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
Shopping in Tauranga is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Tauranga, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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