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What is Tauranga & Mount Maunganui Known For?
Tucked in the picturesque Bay of Plenty, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are best known for their golden sands and picturesque beaches. However, there are plenty of incredible things to do in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga:
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Visit the stunning beaches: Mount Maunganui Beach and Papamoa Beach are famous for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing
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Marvel at the mountain landscapes: Mount Maunganui offers a popular hike with panoramic views
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Sample the vibrant cafe and restaurant scene: Various dining options showcasing local produce and seafood
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Wander through the rich history and cultural heritage: Museums, art galleries, and historic sites in Tauranga
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Check out the thriving horticultural industry: Kiwifruit orchards and avocado farms are prominent in the region
READ MORE: If you are planning a romantic getaway, check out more tips on romantic things for couples to do in Tauranga.
The Best Foodie Attractions in Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
Now, for the main event — let’s dive into what makes Tauranga and Mount Maunganui a must-visit destinations for food lovers. From berry picking in orchards to tasting the finest local wines, this section will give you a preview of the top culinary attractions you can enjoy on a travel itinerary through this region.
Berry Picking
What better way to spend a beautiful sunny day on your road trip than going berry-picking? For strawberry picking, some of the best berry-picking spots include Black Stump Berries in Papamoa and Somerfields Berryfruit Farm in Tauranga. Alternatively, Iona Boysenberry Orchard in Papamoa offers a unique opportunity to harvest boysenberries. These farms offer a chance to pick your own berries directly from the bush, providing a fun and fresh way to enjoy summer’s bounty. (Be sure to check the opening hours in summer, as most are seasonal!)
Tauranga & Mt Maunganui Farmers Market
When it comes to the best eats in Tauranga and the surrounding region, the vibrant farmer's markets are a great place to add to your travel itinerary. Local markets to check out on your campervan hire road trip include Little Big Markets in Papamoa and Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Farmer’s Market in Tauranga, Papamoa Community Market, and Mount Mainstreet Urban Market in Mount Maunganui. These markets are perfect for sampling and buying a wide range of local products, from artisan breads and fresh produce to gourmet treats and crafts.
Food and Wine Events
If you really want to experience the best eats in Tauranga, why not join the locals at major food and wine events like First We Eat, the Tauranga Food Show, and the Flavours of Plenty Festival? These events showcase the best of the region's cuisine, offering tastings, cooking demonstrations, and opportunities to buy directly from local producers. Whether you're a serious foodie or just looking for a fun day out, these events are a perfect way to experience a taste of Tauranga’s vibrant culinary scene on a road trip.
Tauranga Wine Tasting Tours
For wine enthusiasts, Tauranga’s wine-tasting tours are a must-do when planning your campervan travel itinerary. On these tours, you can explore local vineyards and sample wines, as well as garner insights into the wine-making process — a perfect way to savour the bay!
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Best Eateries and Bars to Visit in Tauranga
Tauranga's restaurant scene is as diverse as it is impressive. Here's a sneak peek at some of the best places to eat in Tauranga, where you can savour exceptional meals (and drinks!).
The Clover
The Clover is known as one of the best eats in Tauranga for its standout burgers and shakes. This restaurant offers a menu that features comfort food with a gourmet twist. Whether you prefer to choose from one of their basics or build your own burger, the modern aesthetic with cozy elements makes it an excellent spot for a quick bite after a long day of road trip adventures.
Cornerstone Bar
Cornerstone Bar is one of the best places to eat in Tauranga to enjoy stunning harbour views along with a menu filled with delicious eats. Whether you are craving a few quick and easy bar snacks or want to dive into a hearty main meal, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
DOCA
DOCA is renowned as a brunch spot and epic pizza bar on the Tauranga waterfront. It offers a stylish setting and a creative menu that includes everything from hearty brunch options to artisan pizzas. Open from 7 am until 2 pm most days, this is a top contender for best lunch Tauranga.
Elizabeth Cafe & Larder
For those who love brunch, Elizabeth Cafe & Larder is a must-visit to experience the best eats in Tauranga. Whether you order a barista-made coffee or choose from their rotating menu of seasonal, high-quality meals, this cafe provides a charming atmosphere for any morning.
Harbourside
Harbourside’s motto is that there are no shortcuts to sensational food, and we couldn’t agree more. With its beautiful water views and modern fine dining approach, a meal here is an evening event. A standout dish, the Szechuan Peppered Fried Squid with an orange caramel sauce and pickled ginger, is delicately seasoned and showcases the fresh flavours of the local catch. This is, without a doubt, the best restaurant in Tauranga for an unmatched fine dining experience.
Ramen Chidori
At Ramen Chidori, you will find what many locals call the best ramen in the bay. Their signature dish, the Tonkotsu Ramen, features a rich, savoury broth complemented by perfectly cooked noodles and tender pork slices. The setting is cozy and inviting, with a focus on authentic Japanese decor, its warm, welcoming atmosphere makes this a top contender for some of the best Asian food in Tauranga.
Macau
Macau brings a taste of Asian contemporary fusion to Tauranga with its diverse and delicious menu of sharable plates. A standout dish here is the Crispy Pork Belly, which is perfectly cooked to achieve a crisp exterior while maintaining a tender and flavorful interior. Macau is a perfect choice for diners looking for an upscale Asian food Tauranga dining experience.
Best Eateries and Bars to Visit in Mount Maunganui
Now, it’s time to shift our focus to Mount Maunganui. This section will introduce you to the standout venues that promise great food and drinks while exploring Mount Maunganui in your campervan.
Master Kong
Master Kong is a dynamic bar and restaurant in Mount Maunganui known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional Asian street food. One of their signature dishes, the Peking Duck Pancakes, is crafted with authentic flavours and ingredients that will surprise even the most savant of Asian cuisine connoisseurs. Easily one of the best places to enjoy Asian food in Mount Maunganui.
The Rising Tide
The Rising Tide is a top choice for Asian Food in Mount Maunganui, where the world of craft beer meets gourmet dumplings. The standout dish here is, of course, their variety of handmade dumplings — which pair excellently with their in-house brewed craft beers. This venue is celebrated for its industrial chic decor and its expansive outdoor seating area, which makes it an ideal spot if you are travelling in a bigger group.
Macs Astrolabe Brew Bar
Macs Astrolabe Brew Bar, a local favourite, is renowned for its beer and fresh food. When it comes to the best eats in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, their foot-long sourdough pizza – a creative take on traditional pizzas —is a top contender and the perfect choice for the extra-hungry traveller. Located near the beach, its relaxed atmosphere is one of the best places to eat Tauranga and Mount Maunganui for a laid-back evening. Astrolabe’s reputation for great food and beer will not disappoint.
Rice Rice Baby
If you are looking for Asian Food in Mount Maunganui, look no further than Rice Rice Baby with its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. A standout dish, the Pho Bo, offers a rich and aromatic beef broth served with tender slices of beef and silky rice noodles, making it a warm and comforting choice on a cooler evening. This restaurant is praised for its vibrant decor that is reminiscent of the streets of Vietnam, providing an immersive dining experience.
The Freeport
The Freeport is one of the best places to eat in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui to enjoy a traditional Napoli-style pizza. The classic Margherita is a crowd favourite and features a perfectly charred crust, fresh mozzarella, and a rich tomato base, all topped with fresh basil. The restaurant's rustic yet modern ambience, combined with its prime location by the waterfront, makes it an excellent spot for pizza lovers looking for quality and atmosphere.
Pearl Kitchen
Pearl Kitchen offers a modern dining experience, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's sleek, contemporary design complements its innovative menu, making it a top choice for foodies seeking a sophisticated dining experience in Mount Maunganui. A standout dish is the Seared Scallops with parsnip purée, but between the morning coffee and evening cocktails, this one is an all-day favourite when it comes to the best places to eat in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.
Dixie Brown
Dixie Brown is all about hearty and flavorful dishes, with their Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank being particularly revered. This dish, rich in depth and flavour, is served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Located conveniently on the beachside beauty of Mount Maunganui, Dixie Brown's inviting atmosphere and robust menu make it a top contender for best places to eat in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.
Where to Stay in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Next comes the question of where to stay during your foodie tour in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui! Here are some top recommendations for comfortable and convenient campervan accommodations for exploring the local culinary scene.
Tauranga Tourist Park
Tauranga Tourist Park is a fantastic campervan park for those searching for a base near Tauranga city centre. As the closest campground near the heart of Tauranga, it provides easy access to local attractions and dining spots. The park offers well-maintained campervan-friendly facilities, including spacious sites, modern amenities, a communal kitchen, and BBQ areas.
Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
Nestled at the foot of Mauao, Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park offers direct access to the beautiful beaches of Maunganui, making it an ideal oceanside campervan spot. The park features comprehensive facilities such as laundry services, kitchen facilities, and a children’s playground.
Tasman Holiday Park, Papamoa Beach
Tasman Holiday Park at Papamoa Beach is another top pick for places to stay in Tauranga for campervan travelers. Its proximity to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui offers a quiet resort-style coastal retreat with easy access to local markets and eateries. The park boasts excellent amenities, including a swimming pool, a woodfire pizza oven, a spa pool, a children's playground, and BBQ facilities.
Ready for a Foodie Adventure in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Are you ready to start planning your foodie adventure in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui? Book your maui motorhome online today, and pick it up from any maui branch before starting your journey. Whether you're sampling the fresh seafood at Harbourside, enjoying authentic Vietnamese flavours at Rice Rice Baby, or relaxing at one of the well-equipped holiday parks, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui offer a bounty of experiences to fill a travel itinerary. Get ready to explore, taste, and enjoy the best these cities have to offer!