Discover Tauranga: Gardens, History and Art

When looking for a hotel in Tauranga, your travel interests can help you shape your plans. Gardens, walkways, historic sites and a creative urban scene offer different perspectives. Consider whether you are especially drawn to plants and landscaped outdoor spaces, local history, outdoor activity or art. This gives you practical pointers for planning your trip without making your entire stay revolve around a single focus.

Gardens with different features

Robbins Park features a tropical conservatory with begonias and orchids, as well as a rose garden with 28 beds. The park also offers views of the Port of Tauranga and Mauao. Plants and views give the garden its distinct character.

The New Zealand Gardens Trust recognises The Elms Gardens as a five-star National Garden of Special Significance. Tutarawānanga – Yatton Park offers a different horticultural experience: its arboretum, which is significant both locally and nationally, includes exotic and native tree species. Garden enthusiasts can choose between specific groups of plants, a recognised garden and an arboretum.

Walks for different kinds of outings

The Waikareao Estuary Walkway is a 9 km loop for walking and cycling. Its flat, winding boardwalks are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Its length, loop format and two listed activities offer clear guidance when planning an outing.

At Monmouth Redoubt, a wooden boardwalk offers a short, shaded nature walk around the historic site. The two walks differ clearly in form and length: one is a 9 km loop for walking and cycling, while the other is a short walk at a historic site. This can help you choose if you want to include some activity in your trip.

History in specific places

Monmouth Redoubt is associated with the battles of Pukehinahina/Gate Pā in April 1864 and Te Ranga in June 1864. Both events are significant in the local and national history of the New Zealand Land Wars. Monmouth Redoubt Reserve was previously the site of the early Māori settlement of Taumatakahawai.

Tutarawānanga – Yatton Park also brings together natural and cultural history: the park was once the site of a pā and the first school in Tauranga Moana. These former uses sit alongside its present-day importance as an arboretum of exotic and native trees.

The Elms is of historical significance as the founding settlement of European settlement in Tauranga. The Elms offers guided tours, led by trained volunteer guides who take visitors through the buildings and grounds and share stories from the past. Check the latest tour information before your visit.

Art and the creative city scene

The Tauranga Art Gallery Trust is located in central Tauranga, at the heart of the Te Manawataki o Te Papa precinct. Its aim is to create exceptional art experiences through exhibitions, public programmes and events that engage, inspire, challenge and educate people. If you want to plan your trip around a particular exhibition or event, check the current programme in advance.

The Historic Village is home to boutiques, salons, galleries, art studios, dining venues and creative spaces. Its programme includes events, exhibitions, workshops, gigs and films. If a particular programme item is important to your plans, it is worth checking the scheduled dates.

Explore more destinations: Ohauiti, Mount Maunganui, Omanawa, Omokoroa.

For the broader travel overview: Tauranga District.