A tropical conservatory, a 9 km loop walk and sites associated with the New Zealand Land Wars reveal different sides of Tauranga. Gardens and walking trails offer a different focus from historic sites, art and creative activities. You can shape your stay around what interests you most.
Gardens, Trees and Trails
At Robbins Park, you’ll find a tropical conservatory with begonias and orchids, as well as a rose garden with 28 beds. There are also views of the Port of Tauranga and Mauao. The diversity of plants, rose garden and two vantage points give the park several distinct highlights.
The Elms Gardens has its own horticultural distinction: the New Zealand Gardens Trust recognises it as a 5-star National Garden of significance. Tutarawānanga – Yatton Park, meanwhile, is an arboretum of local and national significance, featuring exotic and native tree species. Those interested in gardens and trees can explore a range of approaches to green spaces here.
For a longer route, try the Waikareao Estuary Walkway: this 9 km loop is for walking and cycling. Its flat, curving boardwalks are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. At Monmouth Redoubt, a wooden boardwalk leads on a short, shaded nature walk around the historic site. The two routes differ considerably in length and character.
History in Specific Places
Monmouth Redoubt is associated with two events in 1864: the battles of Pukehinahina/Gate Pā in April and Te Ranga in June. Both are significant to local and national history of the New Zealand Land Wars. Monmouth Redoubt Reserve was previously the site of the early Māori settlement of Taumatakahawai. The site’s history therefore extends beyond the military events.
Tutarawānanga – Yatton Park also has a historical dimension: the park was once the site of a pā and Tauranga Moana’s first school. The Elms is significant as the founding settlement of European settlement in the city of Tauranga. Together with Monmouth Redoubt, these places offer different historical perspectives rather than focusing on just one period.
The Elms offers guided tours. Trained volunteer guides take visitors through the buildings and grounds and share stories from the past. If a tour is important to your plans, check the latest visitor information before your trip.
Art and Creative Activities
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 extraordinary art experiences through exhibitions, public programmes and events that engage, inspire, challenge and educate people. This describes the Trust’s ambition and offers a different way to experience the city than visiting gardens or historic sites.
The Historic Village brings together boutiques, salons, galleries, art studios, food and drink businesses, and creative spaces. Its programme includes events, exhibitions, workshops, gigs and films. The range extends from shops and studios to cultural activities. If you want a particular type of event to shape your visit, check the event listings.
Choosing a Focus for Your Stay
The options mentioned can be distinguished by interest: gardens and tree species offer a different focus from a longer walk or cycle. Historic sites, in turn, highlight the events of 1864, earlier Māori history and the European founding settlement; art and creative programmes add further themes to the mix. If you’re looking for a hotel in Tauranga, it may help to first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Omanawa, Omokoroa, Mount Maunganui, Ohauiti.
Return to the main travel overview: Tauranga District.
