Free Activities in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui
The Bay of Plenty hub is bustling with things to do, what’s more, there are heaps of free things to do in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui! (As well as cheap things to do too). Whether you’re looking for hikes, art galleries, food to try, and social events to attend, it’s all happening here in Tauranga.
So, what to do in Tauranga? Whether you are in the city to find work or and just passing through, there are a number of free things to do in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui so that you don’t break the backpacker budget. Stay in one of the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Taupo to keep accommodation costs low and fill up your time with some of these free and cheap activities in Tauranga.
1. Hike Up Mt Maunganui – FREE
Don’t waste any time to soak in those views from the summit of Mt Maunganui, aka, Mauao or “The Mount”. There are a number of walking tracks up and around The Mount, but the 30-minute climb to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of beaches, Tauranga city and the Pacific Ocean. One of the main things to do in Mount Maunganui for locals and traveller s looking to stay in shape is to tackle a morning run up and down “the Mount”.
Location: Follow the boardwalks on Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui until you are faced with a huge mountain with walking tracks. (You can’t miss it!)
2. Take a Trip to McLaren Falls Park – FREE
When you ask the locals what to do in Tauranga they’ll send you to McLaren Falls Park. Just a 20-minute drive out of Tauranga is McLaren Falls Park. You can fill up a whole day here walking through the different sections of native and exotic trees, around the super reflective Lake McLaren, and marvel at the McLaren Falls at the entrance of the park. We recommend taking the 10-minute waterfall track to the unnamed waterfall pictured below! For more epic waterfalls, see 12 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand.
Location: McLaren Falls Park, off State Highway 29
3. Check Out the Blowholes on Leisure Island – FREE
Islands don’t come more accessible than Leisure Island (Moturiki). Simply walk across a footbridge connecting the island to Mt Maunganui’s main beach and take a 10-minute stroll on a track leading to a blowhole. This leisurely stroll is one of the top things to do in Mount Maunganui.
Location: Mt Maunganui Beach, Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui
4. Culture Yourself at the Tauranga Art Gallery – FREE
The free-entry Tauranga Art Gallery is ever-changing with exhibitions and artwork to inspire! Go in and check out what displays they have on offer this month! This is also one of the most popular Tauranga activities for kids.
Location: Corner of Wharf and Willow Street, Tauranga
5. Relax at the Saltwater Hot Pools – CHEAP
For those chilly days, relax at the Mount Hot Pools at the base of Mt Maunganui. Prices are very reasonable at around NZ$20 for general admission. Alternatively, many accommodation providers in town can offer deals on the hot pools if you want to save a few more dollars. See more activities like this in the 8 Luxury Activities in Tauranga.
Location: Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui
6. Hit One of the Markets – FREE
There’s always something going on in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui and markets are usually involved. Check out the Little Big Markets in Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui, every first Saturday of the month during summer 9am-2pm, for food, crafts, design and art. The Tauranga Farmers Market is bustling with stalls and shoppers from around 8am to 12pm on Saturdays too. It is held at the Tauranga Primary School on Fifth Avenue/Cameron Road. Finally, if you are up early on Sundays too, the Tauranga Market is held at the Historic Village on Seventeenth Avenue West on the first and third Sunday of each month. See more experiences like this in the 9 Things to Do in Tauranga for Foodies.
Location: Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
7. Go on a Street Art Crawl – FREE
There are some pretty impressive murals spray-painted onto the walls of Tauranga. Finding them is not only a great way to explore the city centre, but it provides you with some pretty neat photo-ops! Check out the car parks and parking buildings around Spring Street, the huge construction worker mural down the Grey Street service lane, and a few more artwork on 53 The Strand, 176 Cameron Road and 24 Dive Crescent.
Location: Tauranga City Centre
8. Go Indoor Rock Climbing – CHEAP
Test your climbing skills at Rocktopia! The indoor climbing venue is not only an affordable activity, but it’s a great thing to do on a rainy day. With an array of easy clip n’ climb walls to the challenging “rock on” walls, all abilities can kill some time here! Admission is less than NZ$20!
Location: Triton Avenue, Mount Maunganui
9. Do Some Surfing at Mt Maunganui – FREE
When the swell is up, hit Mt Maunganui Beach for some wave-riding fun. There are heaps of surf shops around Mt Maunganui that often have deals of surf hire. (Obviously, the less time you hire a board for, the cheaper it is). Alternatively, some hostels in town offer free board hire for their guests, such as Pacific Coast Lodge so take advantage! Surfing is truly one of the most popular Tauranga activities.
Location: Mt Maunganui Beach
10. Do a Foodie Crawl Around Tauranga and Mt Maunganui – CHEAP
Ice creams, coffee, fish and chips… The seaside city has many specialities that you have to try while mooching around. Mt Maunganui locals would boast that Copenhagen Cone, Adams Avenue, Mt Maunganui does the best ice cream in the bay, while others would say you can’t go wrong with a Kiwi classic fish and chips from Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market on Dive Crescent, Tauranga. See Cheap Eats in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui and The Foodie Guide to Tauranga for inspiration.
Location: All over Tauranga and Mount Maunganui!
11. Take a Trip to Papamoa – FREE
Enjoy 16km of golden-sand beach in the largest suburb of Tauranga, Papamoa. Its a popular holiday destination for Kiwis and for good reason. Either head to the beach or enjoy hikes and mountain bike trails in the Papamoa Hills – great things to do while keeping the costs down. Find out more things to do there in our 7 Awesome Things to Do in Papamoa.
Location: 20 minutes drive east of Tauranga city centre down State Highway 2.
12. Wander Around the Te Puna Quarry Park – FREE
This disused quarry turned spectacular garden is a must-see in Tauranga! Maintained by passionate volunteers, Te Puna Quarry Park is packed with sculptures and a mix of native and exotic plants. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the network of easy-going walkways, including magnificent views over the Bay of Plenty.
Location: End of Quarry Road, Te Puna.
13. Unwind in the Fernland Spa Pools – CHEAP
Relax in 100% mineral pools for around NZ$13 per person or book yourself a private pool for around NZ$15 per 30 minutes. The main pool surrounded by trees is a great place to relax and chat with friends. Fernland Spa also has camping accommodation.
Location: 250 Cambridge Road, Bethlehem.
14. Hang Out at Memorial Park – FREE
Memorial Park is Tauranga’s premier park with plenty of space to relax, kick a football around or let the kids loose in the playgrounds. There’s a picturesque water feature backed with views of the harbour, making for a damn good place to hang out with friends. If that wasn’t enough, there are free barbecues and mini-golf!
Location: Memorial Park between 11th and 7th Avenues.
15. See the Magnificent Kaiate Falls – FREE
Kaiate Falls, otherwise known as Te Rerekawau Falls, is just a 30-minute drive from Tauranga. Take a 1-hour loop walk to the upper part of this multi-step waterfall before making its way down to the base of the falls. Check out these 12 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand for more unmissable waterfalls.
Location: Take State Highway 2 to Kairua then turn onto Welcome Bay Road. Travel 5km (3 miles) then turn on Waitao Road then onto Kaiate Falls Road. Part of the journey is on a gravel road.
16. Walk Around the Historic Village – FREE
Step back in time on this street in Tauranga grand historic buildings and cobbled streets. And yes, the shops are still trading, selling art and gifts. It’s a must-see in Tauranga!
Location: 17th Avenue West.
17. Visit the Elms Mission House – CHEAP
See one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings at the Elms Mission House & Gardens. When accessing the grounds visitors will be able to check out a kauri building built in 1847. There are also guided tours of the house to get an insight into how the early settlers of the area lived and learn about early European and Maori relationships. There is a small admission fee of NZ$7.50 for locals and NZ$15 for international travellers which includes a guided tour.
Location: Mission Street.
18. Take a Trip to Te Puke – FREE
If you’re in Tauranga, don’t miss a visit to the Kiwifruit Capital of New Zealand! Nearby are four stunning beaches, bush walks and waterfalls in the nearby hills, and a beekeeper park. Find out more in our 7 Top Things to Do in Te Puke.
Location: Te Puke is a 25-minute drive from Tauranga.
[CLOSED] Do Some Free Honey Tastings at Mossop’s Honey – FREE
See live bee displays and try real manuka honey at the Mossop’s Honey store near Greerton. It’s a great place to pick up some New Zealand honey souvenirs and learn a little bit more about the fascinating honey-making process.
Location: 761 State Highway 29, Tauriko.
More About Tauranga and Mt Maunganui
- The Guide to Tauranga on a Budget
- 10 Free Camping Spots in Tauranga
- 7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui
- Tauranga and Mt Maunganui – Guide for Backpackers
- The Complete Travel Guide to Tauranga
That’s it for our list of cheap and free things to do in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. For more free stuff, check out the 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.