In the North Island of New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, one cannot miss Tauranga city which is the most populous city of the area. This place was a settlement for Europeans in the early 19th century and was officially made a city in 1963. The sixth largest urban area in New Zealand has a population that is approximately around 120,000 people.
Lying in the north-western corner of the Bay of Plenty, the city expands over an area of 168 square kilometers and offers a lot of sites and attractions for travelers. Significant communities that I suggest people should visit include Bethlehem, Greerton, Maungatapu and Mount Maunganui. Tauranga city is also one of the main business centers of New Zealand boasting international trade, culture, fashion and horticultural science. Its port is the largest port in terms of gross export tonnage in the area.
The name Tauranga itself is Maori and can be roughly translated to “a sheltered anchorage”. This is actually true as the sheltered position of the city in the east coast has given it a warm and dry climate. There are many people who come to the city to retire and it is a haven of attractions for many tourists that come over during the summer months. The countryside of Tauranga offers much horticultural land wherein a wide range of fresh produce were once grown for both domestic and consumption purposes. It is well known for producing tangelos, which is a cross between a grapefruit and tangerine. Kiwifruits are also a significant produce in the city.
People who are coming from Auckland will have to go along the State Highway 2. They will have to turn onto 2 then onto 27 and again on 28. This type of route should take them all the way to Tauranga with an estimated trip distance of over 200 kilometers. There is also an airport in the city with regular Air New Zealand flights from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. One can also check out the Naked Bus which offers daily departures to majority of North Island destinations including the Waitomo Caves. It has a starting fare of a dollar. There are also the popular Intercity Coachlines that will stop in the downtown towards the numerous parts of the country.
There are many things that I can suggest for people who are visiting the city for the first time. There is the Mauao which is a small mountain which can be climbed and it provides fantastic views of Mount Maunganui and the Taurang area and coastlines. Mount Maunganui itself offers a lot of fantastic beaches that are great places for people who are into diving and surfing but if you are going to do any adventure activities make sure you find some cheap travel insurance. Its laid back atmosphere has driven many tourists to the area. The Kiwifruit Country, Longridge Farm and Marshalls Farm are also an ideal choice that people should not miss out on.
Just as exciting as Taupo, I also suggest visiting the White Island, which is an active volcano that is just biding its time to erupt (no joke). Even if this is the case, the city still encourages tourism to this live maritime volcano, offering tourists hard hats and gas masks as they travel. These items are necessary because White Island has fumes that can affect some people with headaches and even nausea. The ancient dock of the island will have people climbing along steel ladders and then take a walk along a concrete wharf, rusting steel bridges and over rocks before they could reach the live active volcano.
For dining, I can suggest the Nazar Mediterranean Café & Takeaway located in Maunganui Road. People who love eating and cafes will find numerous other pubs around the area. There is also a range of lodging options for tourists that varies for people who are working under a budget and those that just want to enjoy a luxurious stay in the city.
Image courtesy of Paul Townley-Smith
