I have been to New Zealand numerous times and actually spent a few months in 2003. However, until my recent cruise with Azamara Club Cruises I had never heard of Tauranga. Apparently, Tauranga is the 4th most populous “city” in New Zealand as many people have fled Auckland because of the sky-high real estate prices and I know the reason why. Tauranga is absolutely gorgeous and very livable. Here’s why you should visit Tauranga, New Zealand.

New Zealand is famous for its amazing natural scenery and stunning beauty. Most people including myself equate that with mountains and rolling hills and alpine lakes and rivers-certainly not with amazing beaches: place like Picton and the surrounding area, Cape Kidnappers and the Otago Peninsula. Alas, Tauranga proved me wrong!

Tauranga is not a typical city. It’s essentially a strangely shaped isthmus centered around the attractive Mount Maungangui. The city center, so to speak, is not much to speak of and as a tourist you would never really go there. It’s separated from the main town and beaches.

But walking along the coastline from one side of the isthmus to the other on either side of Mount Maunganui shows dramatic backdrops to beautiful beaches. So exploring looks different depending where you’re standing and which direction you’re looking.

The main beach actually had a ironman competition on it the day I was there so that was fun to watch you Kiwis competing in all kinds of water sports like kayaking, surfing, paddling and swimming.

The next beach up, which is separated by a thin little islet, is even more breathtaking with perfect crystal blue water and little rock atolls in the distance to really enhance the view. These are the types of beaches you wish you were on right now!

Some of the reasons why you should go to Tauranga is that you could stay there for days lazing on beaches, climbing hills, eating in the lovely cafes and restaurants, shopping in the trendy shops and partying at night in the numerous bars. It’s a very livable place as I said and I didn’t want to leave.

Of course, it’s also the gateway to other attractions on the North Island such as Hobbiton and Rotorua. Also Lake Taupo and the Waitomo Caves are not far either and are well worth a visit on their own.

It’ not often I get surprised anymore on my travels and it’s more rare where I have never heard of a place. I also don’t pour on the praise unless I really like a place and I really liked Tauranga and you will to. So that’s why you should go to Tauranga, New Zealand!

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