Tauranga-Mt Maunganui
Tauranga is one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand, having grown its residential population 14% between the 2001 and 2006 census. It's now the fifth largest urban centre in New Zealand and with nearby Mount Maunganui has become a popular destination for visitors.
Reasons to visit include:
The Port
Tauranga has the largest port in New Zealand and as well as helping the city become a main trading centre it also hosts an increasing number of visits by cruise ships. Visitors from the ships find plenty to do as Tauranga provides a wide range of shops, cafes and easy access for day trips along the Bay of Plenty coast.
Coastal activities
The Bay of Plenty coastline has clean and white sandy beaches with Mount Manganui's beach famous for its surf. As a result, watersports are popular including swimming, surfing, fishing, diving, kayaking and kitesurfing. You can also take boat trips to watch dolphins play in the waters around the coast.
Horticulture
The area is a major producer of fresh produce, including avocados, kiwifruit and tangelos (a cross between grapefruit and tangerine). As well as being able to buy fruit almost straight off the trees, many sites welcome visitors and will show you around.
Jazz
Every Easter, Tauranga hosts the National Jazz Festival with dozens of live acts making appearances. The festival is also an opportunity for visitors to party!
Sport
The Baypark Stadium, built in 2001, hosts speedway events during summer and rugby matches during winter.
New Year's Eve
Mount Maunganui is famous for its New Year's Eve celebrations as thousands of young revellers head for the town each year.