Things to do in Tauranga

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey on a short bus ride through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you on a shared walking tour around the movie set, showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how movie magic was made here. △ Immerse yourself in the fairy tale town of The Hobbit △ Ejoy the fenced garden and the mirror lake △ Admire New Zealand's stunning scenery

Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga

Memorial Park

This park was originally built to commemorate the soldiers who died in the war, and it is now open to the public as People's Park. The park has a children's playground, a swimming pool, a putting green, an obstacle course, and other recreational facilities, as well as several free campsites, making it a great place for people to relax.

Mercury Baypark

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in North Island

Agrodome

The Agrodome Farm in Rotorua, North Island, is New Zealand's largest, state-of-the-art tourist farm with an area of about 150 hectares. Here you can meet red deer, turkeys, ostriches, alpacas, cows, lambs and many other animals you have never seen before. The farm has performances such as shearing and milking every day, which are very exciting and fun. The iconic sheep shearing bronze statue and the ancient carriage frame are displayed at the entrance of the farm. The Agrodun Farm covers a large area. To visit the pastoral area, you need to take a sightseeing tractor and set off on the tractor. You will see groups of people along the way. Cows and sheep grazing leisurely by the roadside. The tractor will stop in an open meadow, and nearby sheep will come running to surround you. In the alpaca area, the tall alpaca has a very docile temperament, and you can interact and take photos with them. In addition to getting up close and personal with various animals, you can visit the farm orchard, see the kiwi fruit trees, and taste the unique taste of kiwi honey. After the farm tour, go to watch the farm show. There are demonstrations of sheep shearing, sheep auctions, shepherd dog performances, etc. The host will also invite tourists to come on stage to milk the cows and compete for feeding lambs and drinking goat milk, which is very interesting. Visitors to the farm show can also visit the animal pup nursery. Before leaving, check out the WoollenMill, ShearingShedMuseum and DogandWhistle souvenir shops.

Mount Hot Pools

The Historic Village

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Hells Gate

The "Devil's Hot Spring" inside Hells Gate is a hot water pool where the spring water keeps bubbling, while the large hot spring waterfall in the southern hemisphere pours down mightily, leaving people dumbfounded! Hells Gate means "my little daughter was taken away by the water" in Maori, originating from a tragic legend—a Maori woman named Hurutini threw herself into the scalding geothermal pool because she could no longer bear her husband's abuse; its English name was given by George Bernard Shaw, who visited this place in 1934. This impressive geothermal resource reserve covers a large area, with walking trails leading to various attractions. Here, geothermal steam eruptions can be seen everywhere, and the rock surfaces have turned yellow due to the influence of sulfur. The surroundings are barren, truly like a purgatory on earth. Do not casually throw stones into the mud or hot spring pools to avoid various accidents. It is said that if you do bad things to the various natural views of Hells Gate, you will be punished, and the degree and duration of the punishment vary depending on the severity of what you did. Therefore, please be sure to hold reverence within Hells Gate!

Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Polynesian Spa

Polynesian spa is located on the shores of lake Rotorua, offering a secluded paradise for relaxation. For generations, visitors from around the world have come to experience the natural geothermal hot springs. The thermal waters originate from two unique springs: the acidic priest spring and the alkaline mineral-rich rachel spring. The hot spring center features 28 mineral pools across four zones, each offering a unique experience. Guests can unwind at the deluxe lake spa, a tranquil oasis with captivating lake views ideal for adults and families. The historic adults-only pavilion pools provide serene soaking options at varying temperatures, while the family pools include a freshwater swimming area with water slides alongside two alkaline mineral hot spring pools for parents. Those seeking privacy can book a private lakeside pool overlooking Lake Rotorua or opt for the sky view private pool with its open-ceiling design, offering enhanced seclusion and peaceful ambiance. Beyond bathing, wellness experiences add endless joy to your journey. Retreat Day Spa offers therapeutic services like Aix spa treatments, geothermal mud wraps and revitalizing facials. Guests can also join yoga, meditation and sound healing sessions in the wellness room - a versatile space available for private bookings, group retreats and special events. After bathing, guests can enjoy fresh, healthy meals and delicious Italian gelato at 88Ra café. The Spa Essentials gift shop offers carefully curated premium spa products, high-quality swimwear, plush towels and wellness items, allowing guests to recreate the blissful experience at home. The Polynesian Spa is conveniently located in the heart of Rotorua with easy transportation access. It offers ample free parking, and the campervan parking area is just across the street. The Polynesian Spa boasts a rich geothermal heritage, diverse wellness services and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a global sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Learn more now and plan your itinerary.