Where to Stay in Tauranga, New Zealand: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Tauranga and not sure where to stay? I’m here to help! 

Tauranga is one of my favorite places to visit on New Zealand’s North Island. With beautiful beaches and great hiking, it’s a dreamy place to spend a few days, especially if you love the outdoors.

But choosing where to stay in Tauranga can be confusing because the best areas are quite spread out. In this blog, I’ll explain them all, dive into the pros and cons of each, and help you choose the right one. And of course, I’ll share my favorite hotels in each one, with picks for every budget. Let’s get into it! 

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Tauranga

One of the easiest ways to get around Tauranga by bus, which is both cheap and easy to do – yay! I recommend downloading the Transit app because it’s really handy for checking live arrival times. You’ll always know when the next bus is coming, even if it’s not running exactly on schedule.

• Mount Maunganui – Best for first-time visitors – This is my top pick for most travelers because I love Maunganui Beach, and staying here keeps you close to Mauao and Pilot Bay, plus all the best cafes and restaurants. Quest Mt Maunganui is a glossy and modern aparthotel in an ideal location.

• Tauranga City Centre – Best for waterfront dining and business trips – I really like The Strand for grabbing food and drinks by the water, and staying downtown also puts you close to shops and the harbor. The Tauranga on the Waterfront is my favorite choice here because it’s a spacious property right on the water.

• Papamoa Beach – Best for families and a quieter stay – Papamoa is a great choice if you want more space and a quieter beach base away from the busier parts of Tauranga. Beach House Motel is a great option, with a pool and easy beach access. 

Where to Stay in Tauranga

Mount Maunganui 

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Right by Main Beach, Pilot Bay, and Mauao
• Lots of restaurants and things to do within walking distance

Cons

• One of the busier parts of Tauranga, especially in summer
• Traffic across the harbor can get pretty backed up

If it’s your first time in Tauranga, I think Mount Maunganui is the best place to stay. It’s the liveliest beach area in the city, and I love how much you can do here without constantly jumping in the car. Main Beach is one of my favorite beaches in New Zealand, with white sand, clear water, and plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants.

You’re also right by Mauao, the extinct volcano that gives Mount Maunganui its name. The summit walk offers incredible 360° views across the Bay of Plenty, but landslides have affected the trails, so I recommend checking the current track status before you set out.

On the other side of the peninsula is Pilot Bay, which is usually calmer than Main Beach. I love coming here to watch the sailboats and huge cargo ships moving through the harbor. Moturiki Island is another easy walk from the beach and has beautiful coastal views.

Of course, Mount Maunganui is also one of Tauranga’s busiest spots, and traffic across the harbor can get pretty frustrating at peak times. But for a first visit, I think having the beach and some of the city’s best things to do within walking distance definitely makes up for it!

The Reef Beachfront Apartments – $$$

If you’re looking for a special beach stay, The Reef Beachfront Apartments is my favorite luxury pick. I’ve recommended this place before because the location is fantastic. It sits right across from the beach on Marine Parade, so you can practically roll out of bed and onto the sand!

These are spacious apartments, not standard hotel rooms, with two- and three-bedroom options and full kitchens. Some have ocean views, while others look over the tropical gardens and heated pool area.

There’s also a second relaxation pool heated to 38°C (100.4°F), which sounds perfect after a long day exploring! Rates vary a lot by apartment and season, but I’ve seen them start at around $350 NZD per night.

If The Reef Beachfront Apartments are all booked up, Belle Mer Beachfront Apartments is another gorgeous option right across from the beach, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, plus an outdoor pool and private balconies or courtyards. The apartments are fully self-contained, so I think this would be a fantastic choice for a longer stay or a family beach trip.

Meanwhile, Cutterscove Resort Apartments offers amazing facilities, including two pools, a hot tub, mini golf, a sauna, a gym, and a tennis court. Apartments have up to four bedrooms, so they’re ideal for families and larger groups who want lots of space.

Quest Mt Maunganui – $$

For a modern mid-range stay, I think Quest Mt Maunganui offers great value for money. The apartments feel fresh and spacious, and you can choose between studios and one- or two-bedroom options, so it works just as well for couples as it does for families.

I especially like that the rooms have kitchen facilities and in-room laundry, which is SO useful if you’re midway through a New Zealand road trip. You’re also within walking distance of Pilot Bay, the beach, and downtown Mount Maunganui, so you can leave the car behind for most of your stay. Rooms typically start from around $220 NZD per night.

The Anchorage Apartments are another great central option, just around the corner from Pilot Bay and only about 50 meters (165 feet) from the downtown shops and cafes. Its studios and  apartments are all self-contained with full kitchens and laundry facilities, so they’re really practical for longer stays and road trip stops! 

The Atrium Apartments are even closer to Mauao, with easy access to both Main Beach and Pilot Bay. It also has a pool, hot tub, sauna, and gym, and every apartment has its own balcony, with some offering beautiful ocean or harbor views.

6 on Adams – $

Location, location, location! 6 on Adams sits right at the base of Mauao, just 100 meters (328 feet) from Pilot Bay and 200 meters (656 feet) from Main Beach. Better still, the Mount Hot Pools are right across the road, so you’ll have some of the area’s best attractions practically on your doorstep.

The apartments were refurbished in 2024, so they feel nice and new, with lots of natural light. They’re also well equipped! Even the smaller rooms have kitchenettes and laundry facilities, while the bigger apartments come with full kitchens. 

Rates typically start from around $160 NZD per night, although they can climb during busy periods.

The Mission Belle Motel is another budget-friendly option I really like, and it feels much more charming than the word “motel” might suggest! The bright, spacious rooms sit right by downtown Mount Maunganui, with the beach, cafes, shops, and Mauao all within walking distance.

Pacific Motor Inn is also worth checking for an affordable, super-convenient stay, with modern, spacious ground-floor rooms and free parking, which always helps! Main Beach, Pilot Bay, the hot pools, shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance, so you won’t need to drive much once you arrive.

Tauranga City Centre

BEST FOR WATERFRONT DINING AND BUSINESS TRIPS

Pros

• Great choice for restaurants, shops, and waterfront walks
• Convenient for short stays and exploring the wider Bay of Plenty

Cons

• You’ll need to travel to Mount Maunganui or Papamoa for a proper beach
• It feels more urban and less vacation-y than the coastal areas

Tauranga City Centre is a great choice if you want a convenient base with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions close by. I especially like The Strand, a waterfront street lined with restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat around here, Harbourside is my pick for a nicer dinner with a view, while Cornerstone is great for a casual pub meal.

There’s plenty to do around the center too. Tauranga Art Gallery is a great cultural stop, and I also recommend walking across the Matapihi Footbridge for views back over the harbor. Just be prepared for a bit of noise if a train happens to cross while you’re on it!

The City Centre is also ideal for business trips or shorter stays because it has more traditional hotels and handy transport connections. It’s also a practical base for day trips around the Bay of Plenty. 

The biggest downside is that you don’t have a swimming beach on your doorstep, which is why I generally prefer Mount Maunganui. Still, it’s only a 10-minute drive or 25-minute bus ride away, so it’s not the end of the world. You can also head to Papamoa, about a 25-minute drive. And if convenience and waterfront views are higher up on your list than swimming, downtown Tauranga is still a fantastic choice! 

Clarence Boutique Hotel – $$$

How cool is it to stay in a historic post office? Clarence Boutique Hotel is housed inside Tauranga’s old post office, which dates back to 1905. The building has tons of character, but the rooms have been beautifully updated with stylish, modern interiors, so you definitely don’t have to sacrifice comfort for history!

There are only a handful of rooms, ranging from cozy Deluxe Queens to much larger Premier Kings, which gives the hotel a really intimate boutique feel. There’s also an excellent restaurant downstairs serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with New Zealand produce. Rooms typically start from around $250 NZD per night.

The Tauranga on the Waterfront – $$

It’s all about the views at The Tauranga on the Waterfront! The hotel sits beside a peaceful inlet just a few hundred meters from the CBD, so you get a quiet waterfront setting while still being within easy walking distance of downtown Tauranga.

If your budget allows, I’d definitely go for one of the waterfront suites! They have huge windows overlooking the harbor, and some come with private patios or even two-person spa baths.

All rooms have kitchenettes, plus there’s free parking, which is handy if you’re road-tripping around New Zealand. Rooms typically start from around $200 NZD per night.

Hotel on Devonport is another great downtown option, with modern rooms that all have private balconies overlooking either the city or harbor. The rooms have big work desks too, so this would be a practical pick if you’re visiting Tauranga for business.

Or for more of a resort feel, Trinity Wharf Tauranga sits right over the harbor and has an infinity pool overlooking the water, plus a restaurant, bar, and gym. This is a gorgeous hotel, and I think that those harbor views are pretty hard to beat!

Durham Court Motor Inn – $

If you just want somewhere affordable and central, Durham Court Motor Inn ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a short walk from downtown restaurants, cafes, and shops, so you can park for free and explore the city center on foot.

The rooms are simple but spacious, with studios, one-bedroom suites, and larger family options available. There’s also an outdoor pool, and every room has a microwave; some larger suites also have spa baths.

I think it offers really solid value if you care more about location and space than fancy extras. Rooms start from around $175 NZD per night.

If Durham Court is all booked up, Roselands Motel is another affordable option within walking distance of the CBD. It’s a small property with studios and one-bedroom apartments, and the ground-floor rooms open onto private garden areas.

City Suites is a super affordable option that’s worth checking out if you want self-contained accommodation, with studios and apartments that include kitchen facilities. There’s also an outdoor pool and free secure parking, and the city center is about a 10-minute walk away, which I think is well worth the savings! 

Papamoa Beach

BEST FOR FAMILIES AND A QUIETER STAY

Pros

• Long sandy beach with plenty of space to spread out
• Great for families and travelers who prefer a quieter coastal base

Cons

• Much more spread out than Mount Maunganui
• You’ll need to rent a car

If you want to stay by the beach but prefer somewhere quieter than Mount Maunganui, I think Papamoa Beach is a great choice. As the name suggests, the long stretch of sand is the main appeal, and the area feels much more laid-back and residential. It’s great for families because there’s plenty of space, and you’ll find lots of apartments, vacation rentals, and resorts rather than just traditional hotel rooms.

Of course, beach days are the main event here! I would happily spend a morning walking along the sand before grabbing a coffee nearby, and walking and cycling paths run through the area if you want to explore away from the water.

For something more active, Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park is nearby, with trails that climb through farmland and native bush to incredible views over the coastline. The park is also culturally significant, with several historic Māori pā sites throughout the reserve.

The main downside is that Papamoa is pretty spread out, so I’d definitely prefer to have a car here. But if you’re looking for peace and lots of beach time, it’s a lovely alternative to busier Mount Maunganui.

Pacific Palms Resort – $$$

If you’re traveling with family or just want plenty of space to spread out, Pacific Palms Resort is my top pick in Papamoa. It feels much more like a little vacation resort than a standard hotel, with tropical gardens, a huge 20-meter (65-foot) heated pool, a hot tub, and two tennis courts. Kids even get their own pool section!

The apartments are fully self-contained, with full kitchens, separate living spaces, and their own washer and dryer. Each also has a balcony or patio, and you’re within walking distance of Papamoa Beach, restaurants, cafes, and shops.

I think it’s especially handy for a longer family stay because you’ve got pretty much everything you need right there. Rates vary quite a bit depending on the apartment and season, but typically start from around $300 NZD per night.

Beach House Motel – $$

For a stay close to the sand, I really like Beach House Motel. Papamoa Beach is only a few minutes away on foot, and the motel has an outdoor pool and heated spa. There’s even a games room with table tennis, which is a fun bonus if you’re traveling with kids.

You can choose from studios or one- and two-bedroom apartments, with some larger rooms sleeping families and groups. I would definitely recommend one of the spa units if you’re traveling as a couple because you get your own spa bath and private courtyard, so you get a romantic stay without splurging on a luxury resort! Rooms typically start from around $200 NZD per night.

If Beach House Motel is all booked up, Studio on Hugoway is a lovely alternative for couples or travelers with older kids. It’s just a 4-minute walk from Papamoa Beach and has a private patio, kitchenette, and garden views.

Bar Harbor – $

For an affordable stay that feels a little more personal, Bar Harbor is a fantastic find. It’s a small, self-contained guesthouse just a couple of hundred meters from Papamoa Beach, with shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby. The hosts are awesome, too, which I always think makes such a difference!

There’s a king bed, private bathroom, kitchenette, living area, and a cute patio overlooking the garden. Breakfast is included too, so you’re getting quite a lot for a budget-friendly stay. Rates typically start from around $175 NZD per night. What’s not to love?

Sunkist B & B is another cozy adults-only option with a private outdoor area and a continental breakfast included. It’s a peaceful little base for couples, and it even includes a free shuttle from Taranga Airport, which is a nice bonus.

Meanwhile, Palm Garden Papamoa Beach Paradise is another adults-only B&B surrounded by a lush garden full of palm trees. You get a private bathroom and patio, and there’s a large deck and outdoor seating where you can relax after a day at the beach.

Top Activities in Tauranga

Now that you’ve sorted out where to stay in Tauranga, it’s time for the fun part—exploring! From magical movie sets and glowing caves to thrilling waterfalls and incredible wildlife, there’s SO much to experience here. Some of these tours fill up fast, so booking ahead is a smart move! Here are five of my favorite adventures to add to your itinerary:

• Step into the world of Hobbiton – Visit the famous Hobbiton Movie Set on this guided day trip through the beautiful Waikato countryside. Wander past adorable hobbit holes, step inside one of the cozy homes, and finish with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn! For more options and helpful booking tips, check out my guide to the best Hobbiton tours from Tauranga.

• Kayak beneath the glow worms – This sunset kayaking tour on Lake McLaren is pure magic! Paddle across the peaceful water at dusk before entering a narrow canyon where thousands of tiny glow worms light up the walls like stars.

• Go whitewater rafting – Get your adrenaline pumping on this epic Kaituna River rafting adventure! Tackle Grade 5 rapids, paddle through lush rainforest scenery, and plunge down the famous 7-meter (23-foot) Tutea Falls. Talk about a thrill!

• Discover Rotorua’s highlights – See the best of Rotorua on this full-day guided tour from Tauranga. Explore towering redwoods, visit a kiwifruit orchard, marvel at bubbling geothermal pools and the Pohutu Geyser, and experience a traditional Māori cultural performance.

• Spot dolphins in the wild – Cruise through the beautiful Bay of Plenty on this half-day wildlife adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, seals, penguins, and even orcas or whales while enjoying gorgeous coastal views from the boat!

Related Read: Looking for even more ways to explore? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Tauranga for more incredible activities, must-see attractions, and local favorites to add to your trip!

Thanks for reading!

Whether you’re dreaming of beach days in Mount Maunganui, waterfront dining in downtown Tauranga, or a peaceful escape to Papamoa, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you! I’ve loved exploring this beautiful part of New Zealand over the years, and I hope this guide has made finding your ideal area and hotel a whole lot easier.

And why stop at Tauranga? There’s SO much more to discover in my other North Island blogs! From incredible geothermal wonders to stunning beaches and epic road trips, I’ve got plenty of travel guides to help you plan your next adventure. Or check out a few of my favorites below to get started right now!

8 BEST Stops on the Drive from Tauranga to Rotorua

14 BEST Stops on the Drive from Auckland to Tauranga

10 BEST Stops on the Drive from Hamilton to Tauranga