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Explore Tauranga & the Bay of Plenty

Things to Do in Tauranga

From world-class surf breaks and harbour paddling to glowworm canyons and historic gold-mining gorges, the Bay of Plenty is packed with adventure. Here are our favourite spots, every one within easy reach of Coastal Cottage in Matua.

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an aerial view of a city next to the ocean

Mount Maunganui

15 min drive

The Bay of Plenty's most iconic climb, surf beach and seaside village, all in one.
A tree on a beach near the ocean

Pilot Bay

15 min drive

The sheltered, calm-water side of the Mount, made for paddling and little swimmers.
Trees with yellow leaves reflected in a calm lake

McLaren Falls

25 min drive

A lakeside park by day and a glowworm wonderland after dark.
Waterfront promenade with cafes and buildings along the sea

Tauranga City Centre

10 min drive

Waterfront restaurants, weekend markets and easy city-centre browsing.
a view of a beach from inside a cave

Hot Water Beach

1.5 hr day trip

Dig your own steaming spa pool straight out of the sand.
landscape photography of mountain

Papamoa Hills

20 min drive

A farmland climb to a historic pā and a huge Bay of Plenty view.
Wooden boardwalk over a marsh at sunset

Matua Saltmarsh

Walk from the cottage

Your closest walk, a boardwalk through native saltmarsh right on the doorstep.
body of water on near rocks

Mount Hot Pools

15 min drive

Heated saltwater pools at the foot of the Mount, the ideal way to unwind.
A garden path framed by trees leading to an archway

Te Puna Quarry Park

10 min drive

A former quarry reborn as a sculpture-filled garden wonderland.
A scenic view of the ocean from a hill

Minden Lookout

15 min drive

The best free view in the district, harbour, Matua and Mauao in one sweep.
a small waterfall in the middle of a forest

Kaiate Falls

20 min drive

Tiered waterfalls and bush swimming holes on a short loop track.
2 person riding on red kayak on body of water during daytime

Waimarino Adventure Park

20 min drive

Glowworm kayaking by night and a water playground by day.
person standing between train rails at daytime

Karangahake Gorge

45 min drive

Gold-mining history, swing bridges and tunnels through a dramatic river gorge.
brown wooden bridge over river

Waikareao Estuary

5 min drive

A flat, scenic estuary loop made for the cottage bikes.
A white colonial-style house with columns

The Elms / Te Papa

10 min drive

Step back to 1847 at one of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites.
Ocean waves crash on rocky shore with a natural pool

Moturiki Island

15 min drive

A rocky island walkway with a blowhole, rock pools and big sunrises.

Make it your base for exploring the Bay

Stay 200 metres from the harbour at Coastal Cottage in Matua. Three bedrooms, surfboards, bikes and paddle boards included, and every spot on this page within easy reach.

$250
per night 2 night minimum
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