Are you interested in finding some entertaining activities to do in Tauranga? If that's the case, you've found the proper place to be. Those who have a strong appreciation for the natural world will find that Tauranga is an ideal place for them. If you know where to look, there is a lot to see and do here, although it may not be as well-known as some other places to visit in New Zealand.
There are also many Tauranga activities and things to do, especially if you like getting out and about or uncovering hidden treasures that are only known to people who live in the region. In particular, there are many things to do if you prefer going out and about. In that case, what are some of the most fun activities to participate in?
Exploring The Beautiful Place
You would not think that a place called "Hell's Gate" is the best place to unwind. George Bernard Shaw named this geothermal mud bath in 1934, and it's the only one of its kind in New Zealand. It's an excellent way to rest after completing all of the thrilling activities in Tauranga, which is approximately an hour's drive north of the spa.
There has been a spa at Hell's Gate in New Zealand for over 800 years, and it's one of the nicest locations to go on the North Island. Ruaumoko, the Maori deity of earthquakes, seasons, and volcanoes, is said to have bestowed upon it its nutrient-rich water and muck. After a fight, warriors from the nearby tribes would cool down in the scalding water and dirt.
Most tourists to this location on the border of the Rotoiti Forest these days come here to relax their arthritic joints or simply enjoy a good old-fashioned mud bath. After a self-guided trip around the geothermal terrain, it becomes clear what Shaw was referring to. Steam rises from the milky green water as you approach the mud baths, filling the air with a harsh fragrance.
Tauranga's picturesque trip to Mount Tarawera, a spectacular volcanic terrain with a dramatic history, takes around an hour and a half. It was the worst eruption in the nation's history when the volcano's cone was shattered in 1886. The Pink and White Terraces, a world-famous hot spring made of silicon, were purportedly damaged by the explosion in the nearby Maori settlements.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley was created and is home to the world's biggest hot spring and the steaming cliffs of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The Pink and White Terraces may be buried rather than destroyed. However, there's still enough to see at Tarawera to make the journey worthwhile. You can see back to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty if you take a guided trip to the peak, which is now dormant.
White Island, a submerged volcano with its cone sticking above the sea, may be seen if the sky is clear enough. Te Puia, Rotorua's cultural hub and thermal reserve are located on the city's southern outskirts. It's been known as one of the most amazing Maori experiences in the nation. The best part is that it's now safe to visit late at night.