What to do and see in Tauranga, North Island: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

October 12, 2021 Trinity Boughner

The lush parks and golden beaches of Tauranga make it a popular destination for outdoorsy folks and watersports lovers. Here on New Zealand’s North Island, you’ll find a variety of opportunities for surfing, white water rafting, kiteboarding, hiking and golfing. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming holes by Kaiate Falls, which cascade beautifully over the bluffs. Families might like to visit one of Tauranga’s amusement park, take a guided nature tour or swim with dolphins in the Bay of Plenty.
Restaurants in Tauranga

1. Waimarino Adventure Park

36 Taniwha Place Bethlehem, Tauranga 3176 New Zealand +64 7-576 4233 [email protected] http://www.waimarino.com
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 709 reviews

Waimarino Adventure Park

Waimarino Adventure Park is situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from Tauranga city. This tranquil paradise is based around the sport of kayaking and over the past 35 years, Waimarino has become Tauranga’s premier kayaking & recreation location. Waimarino Adventure Park has New Zealand's only kayak slide, The Blob, kayaks, rock climbing, diving boards, Italian Pedallos and plenty more. Grab your swimwear and visit us for a great day of action & fun.Waimarino Kayak Tours offer a great range of kayak tours in Tauranga & Rotorua region including magical glow-worm experiences, fantastic scenery, lake-edge thermal hot pools, catering and transport.Enjoy light refreshments & NZ wine on the edge of Lake McLaren at sunset, surrounded by the ducks &swans. Glide across the calm waters at twilight, before entering our enchanting glow-worm canyon. Our glow-worm kayak tour is truly unique, and a fantastic ‘must do’ experience while in NZ. This glow-worm kayak tour experience is not available in any other location globally. ONLY in Tauranga!Enjoy our kayak tour on scenic Lake Rotoiti, paddle past pohutakawas, (NZ’s Christmas tree) cascading native bush& abundant birdlife along the lake edge. Classic kiwi holiday homes nestle amongst the cliffs & coves. Enjoy the myths and legends of the Maori people linked to Lake Rototiti, before entering the glow-worm cave. Cross the lake to the Manupirua natural thermal hot-pools to relax and reflect on your exhilarating experiences.Please see our website for more information about our park and kayak tour options.

Reviewed By stitches2016 - West Sussex, United Kingdom

Had a brilliant evening!! Cheese and wine on arrival by the river. Then we kayaked along stunning vegetation and trees into some caves to see the glow worms and on our return journey we were fortunate enough to have a full moon to light our way back in the stillness of the evening with occasional night sounds of birds! A very memorable experience.

2. NZ Kayaker

Excellent
97%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 139 reviews

NZ Kayaker

NZ Kayaker prides itself in delivering unique kayaking adventures. We are the only kayak fishing specialist in the Bay of Plenty and will take you on a fishing trip that is unlike anything else. If fish isn't your thing, then perhaps you might like a more relaxed tour that takes in the many sights of our beautiful coastline, while learning some of the local history. Run by Tim Taylor, of notable fame for completing the only solo circumnavigation of New Zealand in a kayak, you can rest easy knowing that all of your needs are taken care of...all you need to bring is a positive attitude and a big smile for all the photos!

3. Fernland Spa

250 Cambridge Road, Tauranga 3110 New Zealand +64 7-578 3081 [email protected] http://www.fernlandspa.co.nz/
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 234 reviews

Fernland Spa

Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs Hot Pools . Our pure mineral geothermal pool complex , situated in an oasis of spectacular bush and park like grounds 5 minutes from downtown Tauranga . We have one large main pool nestled among towering tree ferns and native foliage, enjoy the bird song during the day and the magical lighting at night. Or choose one of 8 spacious private pools, all have a changing area , toilet and shower . Our pools are 100% pure, crystal clear natural mineral water . All pools have a continuous flow of fresh mineral water and are emptied cleaned and refilled daily. A great stop over for camper vans with large sites and a tranquil environment , free access to the main pool is included . Large picnic grounds Massage service , booking essential.

Reviewed By raakel-joy - Tauranga, New Zealand

Hubby and I have been coming here for years! We love the private spas, especially since the new beautiful upgrades. Highly recommend :)

4. McLaren Falls Park

Tauranga New Zealand +64 7-577 7000 https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/facilities/parks-reserves/parks-in-your-area/mclaren-falls-park.aspx
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 420 reviews

McLaren Falls Park

Reviewed By frangipanimainia - Port Macquarie, Australia

This is an amazingly beautiful park with so much available to do or see. Include a visit to the McLaren Falls Cafe, just a few hundred metres inside the park, with friendly staff and lovely food and coffees. There are walks all around the edge of the lake, some more challenging ones up some of the tracks through the hills. With a gentle stroll you can walk along a track to a waterfall, which at night is lit up with thousands of glow worms. Take a kayak and kayak up the lake and/or kayak up past the power station to the awe inspiring gorge beyond, which also lights up with glow worms at night. Take your paddle board and paddle around the lake. Take a picnic, there are plenty of barbecue tables around, or Frisbees for Frisbee golf. Plenty of room for cricket games, biking etc.

5. The Cider Factorie

50 Oikimoke Road Te Puna, Tauranga 3176 New Zealand +64 7-552 4558 [email protected] http://www.theciderfactorie.co.nz
Excellent
49%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 91 reviews

The Cider Factorie

Award winning Cidery located in the green belt of Te Puna, Tauranga. Cidery, Restaurant and Cellar Door all in the one fabulous location for you to visit.

Reviewed By Bexyr02 - Tauranga, New Zealand

Lovely little set up and good views. The staff were friendly and food and drinks were delivered in a timely manner. I would 100% recommend this place! I tried 4 things on the menu and all of them were delicious, one of the best meals I’ve had in ages. The cider paddle went down well with the table as you can see what cider you prefer. All four i tried were super yummy!

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