Cheap Flights from Auckland to Tauranga

What Are the Top Things to Do and See in Tauranga?

Waimarino Adventure Park

Located approximately 10 minutes' drive from the heart of Tauranga, Waimarino Adventure Park is a great place to head for a fun day out with friends and family. There’s plenty to do throughout the park, from kayaking, ropes courses and paddle boarding to diving, beach volleyball and pedalo rides along the Wairoa River. For an experience you won’t forget in a hurry, book a glow worm kayak tour and paddle past twinkling canyon walls covered in thousands of tiny glow worms.

Mount Maunganui

Wanting to get active during your stay in Tauranga? A hike to the summit of Mount Maunganui offers the perfect excuse to stretch your legs once your flights from Auckland to Tauranga touch down in the North Island city. Overlooking Tauranga’s harbour, the peak provides spectacular views of the city, Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui Beach and beyond. There are several walking tracks that wind their way up to the summit, with most taking around an hour to complete. If your itinerary allows it, plan an early morning hike and watch on as the sun slowly rises from beneath the horizon.

McLaren Falls Park

If you’re wanting to discover more of the natural beauty that surrounds the city before heading home on your flights from Tauranga to Auckland, a visit to McLaren Falls Park is a great addition to your holiday itinerary. Covering approximately 190 hectares, the park is home to beautiful waterfalls, a lake and an abundance of lush greenery. Set out on a hike through the park to see ethereal waterfalls up close, take a walk around Lake McLaren or simply spend time exploring this little slice of tranquility at your own pace.

Tauranga Art Gallery

Officially opened in 2007, Tauranga Art Gallery is the city’s artistic hub. Hosting an assortment of permanent and temporary exhibitions, there’s plenty to see throughout the gallery, from paintings and sculptures to handmade ceramics. Discover works by up and coming art practitioners or spend time admiring the creations of some of New Zealand’s best known artists. Entry to the art gallery is free for New Zealand residents, making it a great way to spend an afternoon if you’re travelling on a budget.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Tauranga?

Home to a variety of attractions and plenty of natural beauty, you’ll find so many different ways to discover all that Tauranga has to offer. If you only have a day or two available following your cheap flights from Auckland to Tauranga, you should have enough time to see the city’s highlights and try out a few local restaurants.

To explore the city in greater depth, plan a stay of between three and five days. Allowing you to visit attractions at your own leisure, you’ll have more time to soak up the sights and sounds of the city.

If you’re wanting to get to know Tauranga better, consider a stay of a week or longer. You’ll be able to live like the locals do with plenty of time to visit markets, cafes and other popular attractions.

What Major Events and Festivals Are Held in Tauranga?

Bay Dreams

Held in January each year, Bay of Dreams is one of Tauranga’s most popular annual events. Showcasing local and international artists performing across a variety of different genres, there are plenty of great acts to see across the summer festival’s stages. Check out the latest hip hop and rap artists or spend the day dancing along to electronic and indie music. A great event to check out with friends, onsite camping is also available if you’re wanting to make the most of the festival atmosphere following your Auckland to Tauranga flights.

Little Big Markets

Happening in Coronation Park on the first Saturday of each month, the Little Big Markets are a popular weekend market. Featuring a variety of stalls stocking everything from local produce and artisanal foods to handmade crafts, eclectic goods and more, there’s plenty to discover throughout the event. Find something great to eat for breakfast or lunch, or pick up a lovely memento to help you remember your time in the North Island city. If your cheap flights from Auckland to Tauranga are due to arrive right before the markets are held, be sure to add a visit to your holiday itinerary.

Dinner in the Domain

If you consider yourself to be a bit of a foodie, don’t miss Dinner in the Domain on a Thursday evening. Taking place weekly between December and March, the event sees some of the region’s best street food vendors gather together for a fantastic artisan food market. If your flights from Auckland to Tauranga are due to arrive just in time for dinner, make a beeline to the event and feast on burgers, curries, crepes and more. Sink your teeth into a satisfying meal or enjoy the freedom to pick and choose small dishes from an eclectic selection of cuisines.

FAQs

What is the flight time from Auckland to Tauranga?

Direct flights from Auckland to Tauranga are approximately 40 minutes long.

What airlines fly from Auckland to Tauranga?

Auckland to Tauranga flights are serviced by Air New Zealand.

How far is Tauranga from Auckland?

Tauranga is approximately 150 kilometres from Auckland.