12 Hours Tauranga

Start your day at Tauranga’s waterfront, an idyllic space with plenty of sights to explore. Wander past the ceremonial waka, view the Matariki Constellation Carvings and try your hand at identifying each of the Hairy Maclary sculptures. On Saturdays, a local Tauranga Farmers Market on Fifth Ave provides the goods - find everything from produce to coffee, seafood to baked treats.  

Back on the waterfront, breakfast at Oscar & Otto is always a great call. Renowned for its enticing menu and warm hospitality, Oscar & Otto offers a relaxed dining experience in a Scandinavian-inspired space. Fill up on freshly baked flakey pastries or the more hearty pork belly breakfast over hot brewed coffee, and for those inclined: brunch cocktails. 

For a mid-morning activity, Tauranga’s Art Gallery has just the thing. Situated in a former bank branch, the contemporary, spacious two-storied gallery hosts an array of regularly rotating exhibitions. Operating as a pop up venue whilst upgrades are being made, the website also offers a wealth of information - including recorded interviews with some of the artists.

Nearby, Folk Coffee Roasters is a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking unique and flavourful brews sourced from around the globe. Folk thrives as a community-driven establishment, where every cup tells a story of passion and dedication. Whether it’s the cosy ambiance inviting visitors to linger or the tempting pastries and toasties tickling your senses, it’s the kind of place where you’ll probably stay for a second cup of joe.

Hopping along to The White Rabbit Store is a must for anyone on the lookout for something special to take home. There’s an abundance of unique and thoughtful gifts, eco-friendly products, and one-of-a-kind items. With a focus on handmade treasures, vintage clothing, and eclectic collectibles, we’ll be surprised if you leave empty handed.

These days, visiting Lloyd’s Deli for lunch is basically a no brainer. Lloyd’s offers a vibrant atmosphere, featuring an enticing selection of freshly toasted sandwiches crafted with house-baked bread and premium Grey Roasting Coffee from Hamilton.

Making a great lunch even better is finishing it off with a sweet treat from Breadhead, a bakery and cafe whipping up absolute magic with dough and pastry. To takeaway, try one of their fresh sourdough loaves. There’s several different flavours to choose from but it’s hard to go past the miso tahini sourdough.

Meander along to Books a Plenty, Tauranga’s premier independent bookstore. Boasting an impressive selection of genres and titles, there’s plenty of reading options that are both mainstream and niche.

Nearby, Little Trooper offers a delightful selection of clothing, toys, and accessories for children up to 14 years old. With a focus on quality goods and genuine service, it's a welcoming space where even just browsing feels like a treat.

For happy hour, The Hop House knows what’s what. Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building in the pedestrianised Wharf Street Precinct, The Hop House is passionate about craft beer (evident in its 12 differing taps from local, national and international brewers) and this is complemented by an array of boutique wines, high-end spirits, and exciting non-alcoholic beverages. Perfect for unwinding from a busy day of exploring!

Just along from The Hop House, Italian-inspired Sugo offers a reliably delicious experience come dinner time. Sugo has built a reputation on its provision of consistency and quality, not just in its food and drink offerings but also for ambiance and service. There is a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavours, combining to form beloved staples such as beef cheek lasagne and tiramisu.

Finish the night off in style at Miss Gee’s, a specialty cocktail lounge and the ideal spot for a nightcap or a good boogey. There’s a focus on bringing people together and keeping the party going, so expect tasty food, memorable drinks (in addition to their cocktails, there is also an impressive range of botanical gin) and vibing music that is sure to get your feet tapping.

Alternatively, if you just want to put your tired feet up, cosy Luxe Cinemas offers a number of carefully chosen films. Screening more than just blockbusters, there’s a range of artsy and alternative films too. Paired with locally made coffee, beer and wine, it’s the dream setup for tired explorers.