The largest city in the Bay of Plenty, and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country, Tauranga has a busy export port serving a wide range of industries. The large harbour is in evidence almost everywhere you go, providing the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting. Fishing, sailing, diving and dolphin tours are easy to arrange. Or you can check out one of the local beauty spots – McLaren Falls, the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park or Puketoki Scenic Reserve. Tauranga has an excellent range of restaurants; plenty of shopping too. For those on a working holiday, kiwifruit pickers are always needed during May and June.
Functional facts: Approx. population 58,500, i-SITE Visitor Centre, domestic airport.