Tauranga and Mount Maunganui

Miles of beautiful beaches and dynamic city life await you in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, just a 20 minute drive from the Lazy Tramper.

White-sand and the bluest of water stretch for miles at Mount Maunganui, named after the dormant volcanic cone which towers over this stunning peninsula.

Take the popular one-hour stroll around 'the Mount' (which takes you from calm harbour views on one side of the mountain, to the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing on rocks on the other) or climb to the summit for awe-inspiring panoramas of Tauranga city, the harbour, ocean, off-shore island and distant mountain ranges.

15 kilometres of awesome surf beaches offer up fun surfing, swimming or just sunbathing. You could try BloKarting (land-sailing) along the beach or even Para-sailing or kite-surfing - there are many professional instructors who can help you experience the thrill of these sports.

Tauranga City itself is a hub of entertainment, dining options and great shopping. Spend some time at one of the award-winning restaurants, enjoy the international flavours on offer at many establishments, have lunch at a waterfront caf or be a part of the vibrant nightlife at one of many excellent bars.

One of the most popular tourist activities in Tauranga is the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

The fishing in Tauranga waters (whether harbour or sea) is excellent - head out with a professional skipper and spend a day game-fishing or angling for some delicious plate fish to bring back to the Lazy Tramper for dinner!

A trip to White Island is a 'must-do' when you're visiting this Bay of Plenty. You'll cruise miles out into the ocean (often seeing dolphins along the way) to White Island - an active volcano. Peer into craters, see old mining relics, smell the sulphur, walk over the almost lunar landscape and marvel at this living, breathing giant.