With its long summers, mild winters and picturesque beaches, Tauranga is bountiful with natural assets. Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves right at home, but those partial to enjoying the hospitality and culture a city has to offer won’t go without: there’s plenty of this good stuff too.
Tauranga’s downtown precinct is conveniently located right by the water, with continued development ensuring the waterfront strip is a destination in its own right. Tauranga’s ongoing revitalisation efforts are breathing new life into its downtown precinct, and while recent years have been something of a trying time, many of the businesses have emerged stronger, and better, than before.
From the perspective of good hospitality, Tauranga ticks all the boxes. Businesses appreciate the custom, and genuine service with a smile has become routine. The city is a culinary feast for the senses: not only are there options for specialty coffee, funky cafes, brew pubs and upmarket dining, there is an abundance of eateries which showcase local flavours and international cuisines.
And of course, those after some retail therapy will enjoy the charming array of shops downtown Tauranga has to offer. There’s a real sense of community to be felt, and the local businesses will no doubt welcome you with open arms.
12 Hours Tauranga
When you only have 12 hours somewhere you want to hit the best places first, right? Here’s our guide to the coolest spots in Tauranga.
Veto’s Charlotte Greer’s Guide to Downtown Tauranga
Meet Charlotte Greer. She runs Veto, which produces everyday cleaning products designed to save money and space without causing waste. Here’s her guide to Downtown Tauranga.
One of a Kind Finds in Downtown Tauranga
Discover a variety of unique offerings from some of Tauranga’s most loved local businesses and brands.
Insider's Food Guide to Downtown Tauranga
Nestled amidst the condensed streets and waterfront views, downtown Tauranga has a culinary offering that will both pleasantly surprise and plentifully satisfy.
Explore our Directory
View AllClarence Hotel & Restaurant
Situated in the soulful, historic post office building, the Clarence is the only boutique hotel in downtown Tauranga.
Breadhead
Carb lovers and enthusiasts of Tauranga, if you haven’t already acquainted yourselves with Breadhead then immediately add it to the top of your must-visit list.
Luxe Cinemas
If you believe going to the cinema should be about the full experience, look no further.
Chicken Fryday
Bringing a little sample of Korean cuisine to downtown Tauranga is Chicken Fryday, a specialist in, you guessed it, Korean Fried Chicken.
Doca Café and Eatery
Radiating good vibes and fun is Tauranga’s DOCA, a European influenced cafe by day, dipping its toes into pizza and cocktails come Friday and Saturday nights.
But First Dessert
Calling all the sweet tooths out there! But First Dessert is a dessert bar in Tauranga, specialising in decadent, hand-crafted desserts and treats.
Bobby's Fresh Fish Market
Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market is a name synonymous with quality fish and chips, having delivered the goods to Tauranga locals starting way back in 1996.
Mt Zion Coffee Co
Their specialty is a darn good cup of joe and at Mt Zion Coffee Co, they love to serve their beloved community the very best of brews.
Falafel Metro
Middle Eastern cuisine is full of vibrant flavours, colours and textures, and thanks to Falafel Metro, the residents of Tauranga have easy access to some of the best.
Miss Gee’s
Miss Gee’s is a specialty cocktail lounge nestled in the heart of Tauranga’s city centre.
Lloyds Deli & Pizzeria
Foodies near and far, if a New York-inspired sandwich shop that pulls double-duty slinging pizzas on a Friday night sounds like your jam, you must make a date to visit...
Folk Coffee Roasters
Folk Coffee Roasters provides specialty coffee with purpose, knowledge, and experience.
Oscar and Otto
Open seven days a week, Oscar and Otto has earned its reputation as one of Tauranga’s most well known eateries for its consistently compelling offering and friendly...
The Hop House
Housed in a beautifully restored 1920’s building amongst the pedestrianised Wharf Street Precinct, The Hop House in Tauranga has become an obvious destination for...
The Pottery Studio
Whether you’re an experienced hand or there to try something new, The Pottery Studio is a creative mainstay in downtown Tauranga with a focus on the experience, not...
Busters Tattoo & Barber Shop
Somewhere style meets tradition is at Busters Tattoo and Barbershop, located in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD.
Books A Plenty
A wise person once said ‘a bookshop is the hub of a community’, and at Books A Plenty, this is something they took to heart.
Elizabeth Cafe & Larder
From Monday to Friday, Tauranga’s Elizabeth Cafe keeps up with the fast-paced city-slickers, cranking out coffees to the local corporate crowd.
