WORLD OCEANIA NEW ZEALAND TAURANGA


Tauranga

Tauranga (population 101,000) is the major city of the western Bay of Plenty on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the sixth largest city in the country, and is 105 km east of Hamilton and 85 km north of Rotorua.

About

Tauranga is located at the head of a large harbour which extends along the western Bay of Plenty, and is protected by Matakana Island. The town and headland of Mount Maunganui stand at the entrance to the harbour, five kilometres north of Tauranga. "The Mount", as it is known, is often regarded as a satellite town of Tauranga. Its is one of the major resort cities in New Zealand, famous for its beautiful beaches.

The name Tauranga comes from Maori, it roughly translates to "a sheltered anchorage".

Due to its sheltered position on the east coast, Tauranga enjoys a warm, dry climate. This has made it a popular location to retire to. During the summer months the population swells as the holidaymakers descend on the city.

Much of the countryside surrounding Tauranga is horticultural land, used to grow a wide range of fresh produce for both domestic consumption and export. The area is particularly well known for growing tangelos (a grapefruit / tangerine cross) and kiwifruit. The Port of Tauranga also experiences brisk but seasonal shipping traffic and is a regular stop off for both container ships and luxury cruise liners.

Get in


If you are coming from Auckland you will have to go along state highway 2. You will need to turn onto 2 then turn onto 27 and then turn again onto 29, this should take you on a straight all the way to Tauranga after this. Tauranga also has a minor airport with regular Air New Zealand flights from Auckland and Wellington. Intercity Coachs also stop in downtown Tauranga on route from numerous parts of New Zealand. A cheaper option is nakedbus.com with tickets starting at $1.

Get around

Tauranga has a bus system which services the Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa & Tepuke area's. Most people however rely on their own vehicles, although the bus service is very reliable.

BayHopper Bus Time Tables: http://www.baybus.co.nz

There is also a daily ferry that runs from Tauranga to the Mount leaving from The Strand carpark which gives you a really nice trip on the harbour
Ferry Timetables: www.bayferries.co.nz

See

Mt Maunganui (A small mountain to climb with fantastic views of Mt Maunganui and Tauranga area and coastlines).
Kiwifruit Country - Te Puke
Longridge Farm - Te Puke
Marshalls Farm - Omokaroa
Te Puna Quarry Park (previously a quarry but turned into a park through voulenteer work) - Te Puna

Do

In the summer most holiday makers travel to "The Mount" to make the most of the beautiful beaches and the great surf. The waters off the coast of Tauranga also are good fishing areas. It also has a good selection of beautiful walks.

Buy

There are two main shopping centres in the Tauranga region - Bayfair at 'The Mount' and central Tauranga, or 'town'

Eat

People in Tauranga love...



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Two Cave Visit - Glowworm and Aranui At your leisure

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Take the opportunity to explore two of Waitomo's famous caves. This entry pass offers the most in underground exploration, with guided tours throughout the labyrinth of limestone caves, view sparkling Glowworm caves by boat and the tranquillity of the Aranui Caves.

An Ancient Labyrinth

Discover the ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos that are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Experience natural history in the making! Immediately, when you enter this mysterious underground world, you will marvel at the amazing 'decorations' created by Mother Nature.

Mother Nature's 'Decorations'

These natural 'decorations', stalactites, stalagmites and sculptures have formed as a result of water dripping from the roof of the cave or flowing over the exposed limestone walls. As the water flows down through the earth towards the cave roof and walls, it dissolves limestone in its path. This limestone is then left as a crystalline deposit within the cave. These spectacular formations have developed over thousands of years and must be treated with respect. They are very delicate and can be severely damaged simply by the touch of a human hand.

Waitomo Caves

Your guided tour will take you through over 250 meters ( 820 feet ) of stunning underground scenery including the magnificent 'Cathedral'. The acoustics in this particular cave are world-renowned. Acclaimed New Zealand Opera Diva, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has performed here and was delighted with the purity of the sound. The highlight of your guided tour is the boat trip in the Glowworm Grotto. For more than 100 years, visitors from home and abroad have journeyed into this 'starry wonderland' and have been fascinated and intrigued by the tiny insect that can perform such magic. The Grotto provides the perfect natural environment for the Glowworm to thrive and continue to enthrall visitors for many years to come.

The Aranui Caves

Located just a few miles past the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the less crowded Aranui Caves is set in the forest of a scenic reserve. A guide will take you along safe boardwalks into narrow chambers to see the finest limestone formations of all the caves in the Waitomo area. The high chambers, magnificent limestone formations and pale brown, pink and white shades of the huge stalactites in the Aranui Cave are truly spectacular.

After the conclusions of your tour, take the time to relax amongst the pleasant surroundings, walk through the surrounding forests or enjoy the cafe and souvenir shop at the Waitomo Caves.

Click here for more information and Booking Details


Tauranga Airport Departure Transfer - From Hotels 30 minutes

Tauranga Departure Transfer - From Hotels

You will be collected from your accommodation doorstep and transferred to the Tauranga Airport. They'll even help you with your luggage.

Super Shuttle keeps fares rock-bottom by picking up or dropping off other air travelers en route to or from the airport. They don't have meters, so even if the traffic is heavy, you won't have to worry about your fare going up. They only travel to and from the airport, so book now and lock in a affordable and convenient airport transfer.

With modern and spacious minivans capable of seating up to 11 passengers, and a huge trailer accommodating luggage of all shapes and sizes, you'll have a job filling up a Super Shuttle.

This transfer must be pre-booked at least 48 hours prior to arrival so get in early and book online today! When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Tauranga accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. It's easy.

Click here for more information and Booking Details


Tauranga Airport Arrival Transfer - To Hotels 30 minutes

Tauranga Arrival Transfer - To Hotels

Let the drivers collect you from the Tauranga Airport and drop you off at your accommodation doorstep. They'll even help you with your luggage.

Super Shuttle keeps fares rock-bottom by picking up or dropping off other air travelers en route to or from the airport. They don't have meters, so even if the traffic is heavy, you won't have to worry about your fare going up. They only travel to and from the airport, so book now and lock in a affordable and convenient airport transfer.

With modern and spacious minivans capable of seating up to 11 passengers, and a huge trailer accommodating luggage of all shapes and sizes, you'll have a job filling up a Super Shuttle.

This transfer must be pre-booked at least 48 hours prior to arrival so get in early and book online today! When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Tauranga accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. It's easy.

Click here for more information and Booking Details




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