What are the top experiences for visitors to Tauranga?
Head to the beach
With white sand and great breaks, the beaches around Tauranga are well worth a visit during your stay in the city. You’ll find that there are plenty of great coastal spots to discover across the Bay of Plenty region, with some of the most popular being Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihi Beach and Papamoa Beach. Make the most of a warm summer day with swimming or surfing, or choose to round out your day with an evening stroll along the sand. Free to visit, a day at the beach makes for a great budget-friendly activity when you’re travelling on cheap flights from Queenstown to Tauranga.
Watch the sunrise from Mount Maunganui
Whether you’re looking for the perfect excuse to stretch your legs following your flights from Queenstown to Tauranga or love nothing more than adding some great sightseeing to your holiday itinerary, a hike to the summit of Mount Maunganui is a great way to start the day. A number of walking tracks lead to the summit, with the steep climb taking close to an hour in total. Start your hike before daybreak to watch on as the sun rises over Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
Go kayaking after dark
While there’s plenty to see and do across Tauranga during the day, one of the city’s most memorable experiences is best enjoyed after dark. Departing just before sunset, local kayak tours take groups across Lake McLaren, passing through a canyon inhabited by hundreds of tiny glow worms. By the time the tour group arrives in the canyon, the sun has typically set, allowing the lights produced by the glow worms to dazzle those paddling below. There are other places to see glow worms in New Zealand, but the experience at Tauranga is made even more special by the unique mode of transport taken.
Discover the local street art scene
Although there are plenty of great artworks on show at the Tauranga Art Gallery, it isn’t the only place in Tauranga where you can enjoy an arty fix. Throughout the city’s streets you’ll find an assortment of striking murals, sculptures and other works on show. Keep an eye out as you explore the city centre or take on the Downtown Tauranga Art Lovers’ Walk to see some of the most popular works created by local and visiting artists. If you have space in your itinerary before your head home on your Tauranga to Queenstown flights, check out the Suburban Tauranga Art Lovers’ Drive or the nearby Mount Maunganui Art Lovers’ Walk too.
What should you know about travelling to Tauranga with children?
Whether you’re travelling on a budget with the whole family in tow or are simply looking to create some great memories with your children, you’ll find a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy across Tauranga. Spend warm summer days picking delicious strawberries at Somerfield’s Berryfruit Farm, try out some high adrenaline activities at the Waimarino Adventure Park or encounter an assortment of farm animals, including cows, pigs and more, at Marshalls Animal Park.
Tauranga is home to plenty of great parks and playgrounds. Stop by The Lakes Water Playground for some fun water-based play or make your way to The Strand Waterfront Playground for a play space complete with a rope pirate ship, a flying saucer swing and more. With so many different play spaces to explore, the little ones will appreciate adding a few to your holiday itinerary once your flights from Queenstown to Tauranga arrive.
What’s the best way to get around Tauranga?
If you’re wanting to experience more of Tauranga’s natural beauty first-hand, hiring a car can be a great place to start. Allowing you to head off the beaten track and explore at your own pace, you may find it easier to discover more of the Bay of Plenty region and the local attractions that interest you most. Hire a car once your Queenstown to Tauranga flights touch down in the city or choose to secure your vehicle when booking your flights and accommodation online.
Tauranga’s local bus service is quite comprehensive, covering the city centre and most surrounding suburbs with an extensive network of routes. If you’re planning to stay in the heart of the city once your flights from Queenstown to Tauranga land, you’ll find it quite easy to get around by bus. Cash fares are available but if you intend to spend more than a few days in Tauranga, a reloadable Bee Card could help you to save some money on your fares. Bee Cards can be purchased from several outlets across the city for $5.
To see the city from a different perspective, explore on foot or by bike. A number of scenic walking and cycling trails weave throughout Tauranga and its surrounds, allowing you to get active with ease following your cheap flights from Queenstown to Tauranga.
FAQs
How long does it take to fly from Queenstown to Tauranga?
Flights from Queenstown to Tauranga usually take longer than 3 hours 15 minutes. The total flight time varies depending on the flight route taken and the length of each stopover.
What airlines fly from Queenstown to Tauranga?
Flights to Tauranga from Queenstown are currently serviced by Air New Zealand.
When is the best time to fly to Tauranga from Queenstown?
If you're seeking warm weather and plenty of sunshine, the best time to visit Tauranga is between December and February. During the summer months, Tauranga experiences its highest daily temperatures and its longest daylight hours.
