Insider’s Guide To Tauranga

By Carmarlena Murdaca

Insider’s Guide To Tauranga

Bay of Plenty’s harbourside city has it all – golden beaches, cool cafés, great shopping, idyllic wineries, nature reserves and not-to-miss cultural activities.

FAVOURITE COFFEE

Excelso has been an institution in Tauranga since the ’90s. After learning his trade in the USA, roastmaster Je Evans has travelled the world perfecting the art of coffee blending. It’s paid off : his beans won major awards at the 2016 NZ Coffee Awards. Evans’ offerings can be sampled at Excelso’s HQ, Our Place café, on Coffee Lane just off Third Ave. excelso.co.nz

WHERE TO EAT

Harbourside serves fine-dining cuisine in a warm and unpretentious atmosphere. Its stunning location boasts views across Tauranga harbour. Chef Cameron Ward sources fresh ingredients – organic and local are given priority, seafood has a special place – and lets them sing. It’s a family a air: the owner- managers are his mum and dad, Anita and Peter. harboursidetauranga.co.nz

WHERE TO STAY

A country estate, Eagle Ridge Lodge, is nestled in the hills above Tauranga with views of Mt Maunganui and the Bay of Plenty. American heritage features and pure privacy characterise this luxe four-bedroom lodge. Relax among rich leather furnishings, replaces, a grand piano and an 1860s snooker table. eagleridge.co.nz

AMONG THE VINES

The Preston family established Mills Reef Winery in 1989, and it’s long been recognised as one of New Zealand’s premium brands. The Art Deco-inspired winery – a hat tip to Hawkes
Bay where their famed Bordeaux-style reds and syrah are grown – is set in 8ha of gardens at Bethlehem. The 150-seat restaurant
is a food-and-wine-lovers’ destination. millsreef.co.nz

ART BEAT

Named for owner Elliot Mason’s black dog,
 Zeus Gallery showcases established and emerging artists, mainly from the Bay of Plenty and surrounds. Mason himself works mainly in painted medium to create contemporary images of the natural world. zeusgallery.co.nz

BEER FACTS

Paul Croucher and Nigel Gregory, the guys behind Bay of Plenty’s Croucher Brewing Co, opened Brew Tauranga in 2013, based on the belief that the city needed a pub focusing on NZ’s best craft beers. Locals and visitors have decided they were right. Brew offers Croucher’s beers on tap plus other tap and bottled beers, wines and ciders, plus a gastropub menu. brewpub. co.nz

DON’T MISS …

At Mt Maunganui – known as The Mount – stroll around the base (3.4km, 45 minutes) or climb one of two recommended tracks to the summit (232m high, 40 minutes one-way) to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the harbour, islands and landscape. Afterwards experience Mount Hot Pools with aqua jet spa and private heated pools. mounthotpools.co.nz

LOCAL INSIGHT

John Hayes, dealer principal of Tauranga Peugeot (that’s him with granddaughter Rylee), has lived in the city for nearly 40 years and reckons it’s the ultimate place. “It’s perfect for bringing up children, surrounded by great beaches and plenty of sunshine hours. Our winter temperatures aren’t too bad either.” Tauranga has been one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand for 
quite a while, with many Aucklanders choosing to move south. John’s tip for a cool café is Delicacy on 11th Ave, just around the corner from Tauranga Peugeot – his wife Jacqui gets their coffee from there every morning – and they like to eat at Phil’s Place. By the Tauranga Marina, it has water views, good value and service.

TEST DRIVE TODAY

PEUGEOT’S ALL-NEW 3008 SUV

Targeted at lifestylers on the move, Peugeot’s all-new 3008 SUV is the 2017 European Car of the Year. With
a range of diesel and petrol engines available, the 3008 offers powerful performance combined with ultra-low consumption. The spectacular interior features an almost futuristic dashboard and numerous state-of-the-art driver aids. Outside, the 3008 SUV sports a fresh new look, larger wheels, raised ground clearance and a stylish “Black Diamond” roof. Call Tauranga Peugeot (07) 579 5080 to arrange your test drive, or visit taurangapeugeot.co.nz

 

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