Tauranga

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Parks and Reserves   |   Things to do

The city of Tauranga overlooks the magnificent Bay of Plenty. With wonderful beaches, swimming, sailing, snorkelling and water skiing are high on the list of activities  for people holidaying here. 

Travelling further a field northward from Tauranga you are in easy distance from the Coromandel Peninsula or Auckland. Both regions are only about two hours from Tauranga. 

Beaches and walks

If you feel like a long walk (or you can break it down to small trips) start at the suburb of Gate Pa and access the reserve off Wylie Street. The walking track runs along Kopurererua Street to Birch Ave. Take up the walking track again from Oak Lane and head west along the Waikareao Walkway past Harbour Drive and onto the beach, finishing at Fergusson Park. Alternatively, turn east and follow the Waikareao Estuary and Waikareao Expressway to Maxwell Road.

A small walking track is available from Matahoroa Park off Waikareao Way. This track joins the Waikareao Walkway if you feel like walking further.

Another interesting walk is in Parkvale which is accessible from Fraser Street where you enter into Yalton Park. The park is at the beginning of the Waimapu Stream inlet and across from the park you can view the Waimapu Salt Marshes.

There are many easily accessible beaches around Tauranga and when visiting, especially during the summer months, adequate sun protection is advisable as shaded areas get snapped up very quickly.

Memorial Park, on Devonport Road, is a wonderful park to visit while staying in Tauranga. There is ample parking and toilets are available by the Youth Centre.

The park is broken into two main playgrounds. The main playground is suitable for children of all ages, whereas the second one is more suitable for children over four years of age. The second park, top picture, is designed to test children's climbing skills. It is wonderful for children who want to push themselves.

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The only major problem with the park is that due to its size and popularity children can easily get separated, so supervision is important.

Kulim Park off Kulim Avenue in Otumoetai, is a small park close to the beach. It has a playground with slide, toilets and a great grass area for children to run around in. There is also ample parking.

Moturiki Island, which is just off Marine Parade at The Mount, is accessible from the shore and is a fun walk for older children. Another great walk for those with strong legs, is a walk up The Mount.

Things to do

 

Butler’s Swim with Dolphins, Pier C, Tauranga Bridge Marina, Tauranga.

Freephone 0508 288 537 or +64 7 578 0821 www.swimwithdolphins.co.nz

 

Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools, Adams Ave, Mt Maunganui.

Phone +64 7 575 0868 www.hotpools.leisurecentr.co.nz 

 

Living Art Wildlife Park, 9 Nature Place, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 543  3582 www.livingartwildlifepark.co.nz  

 

Marshalls Animal Park, McLaren Falls Road, SH 29, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 543 1099 www.marshallsanimalpark.co.nz 

 

Waimarino Adventure Park, 36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga

Phone +64 7 576 4233 www.waimarino.com 

 

Baywave TECT Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Corner Girvan and Gloucester Roads, Mount Maunganui

Phone +64 7 575 0276 www.baywave.leisurecentre.co.nz

 

Longridge Fun Park, State Highway 33

Freephone 0800 867 386 or +64 7 533 1515 www.longridgepark.co.nz

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