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.
Gift Guide 2025: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa
Welcome to the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025, packed with beautiful, practical, and interesting finds from local businesses across Aotearoa.
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.
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.
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 AllBut 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.
Little Long
As its name suggests, Little Long in Tauranga is both little and long. It’s the kind of cafe you’ll visit once and instantly feel at home.
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.
Little Trooper
Little Trooper is a baby and children’s boutique store in downtown Tauranga offering a carefully curated mix of kids clothing, toys, footwear and games, for all the...
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.
Picnicka
Mirroring the revitalisation of Tauranga’s CBD, Picnicka is a local spot where there is always something going on.
RIKARIKA
A name already well known by a few lucky Tauranga residents, RIKARIKA has finally opened its first retail space in downtown Tauranga city.
Bay Barbers
Centrally located in Tauranga’s Piccadilly Arcade, Bay Barbers is a barbershop proudly upholding the age-old traditions of barbering.
Luxe Cinemas
If you believe going to the cinema should be about the full experience, look no further.
Miss Gee’s
Miss Gee’s is a specialty cocktail lounge nestled in the heart of Tauranga’s city centre.
Clarence Hotel & Restaurant
Situated in the soulful, historic post office building, the Clarence is the only boutique hotel in downtown Tauranga.
Sugo
A stone’s throw from Tauranga’s waterfront lies Sugo, one of the city’s favourite Italian-inspired restaurants.
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...
Busters Tattoo & Barber Shop
Somewhere style meets tradition is at Busters Tattoo and Barbershop, located in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD.
Macau Restaurant
They say variety is the spice of life, and at Tauranga’s Macau Restaurant, contemporary Asian fusion plates pave the way.
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.
