Public pools & Water park in Tauranga

“Great short walk, worthwhile if your out there”

“Amazing Freedom camping ground with fantastic facilities. For people staying in tents you can stay here for 2 nights in a row max. For Self Contained it’s 4. We arrived around 5pm and the site was very quiet, assuming the weather had hampered a lot of people’s camping adventures. Very clean and well maintained areas. Everyone here on the night we stayed were very respectful of each others space These grounds have a KiwiCamp pod where you can use a kiwiCash tag to make full use of the facilities, which include: Hot Showers, Laundry, cleaning sinks and electric cooking. You can use the toilets free of charge and there is a basic Sink and Out Tap on the side of the pod. There’s even picnic benches scattered around where you can pitch next too. And a few undercover benches too! 100% recommend this location, will hopefully get the chance to come back.”

“One of the most beautiful spots on earth I've ever seen, mesmerizing beauty of nature and raging water falling and giving this feeling of freedom from bonds as you watch that volume of water falling. 45 mins to the lookout, after the 100 wooden steps.”

“This small island juts out into the sea and has a lovely, shaded walk out to the end. It used to be Leisure Island with a pool, games, rides, etc. but has been recognised as being a special place so is now free of that stuff and more formally called Moturiki. The views back to The Mount (Mauao) and the beach are amazing, especially on a sunny day.”

“The kanu glow worm tour at night was amazing! Our tour guides Derek and Joe made it so enjoyable. They were fun to talk to and informative. Joe was very knowledgeable and shared with us so many scientific facts and the Māori story on glowworms. Highly recommend a must do! Also the McLaren falls park is very underrated and a definite good stopover for a night to camp”

“We had a great day tour with Orca! We found 3 pods of dolphins that swam alongside the boat being really playful. Stopped for lunch at a local island where you could do some snorkelling with the crew / guides and a BBQ lunch was cooked for us. Great value for money (day was approx 8hours), so highly recommend!”

“A hidden gem! Immaculate, welcoming and beautifully appointed.Warm and gracious hosts. Highly recommend.”

“As an adrenalin junkie and motorsport guy I was dubious but really enjoyed it. A great range starting from super easy start to extremely difficult and taxing at the end. Great day out even in miserable conditions”

“We stopped at the beach for a quick packed lunch and only had time to dip our feet in the water. We really liked it — definitely a place where we’d love to spend a proper beach weekend next time we’re in the area.”

“Great walk with different ways to the summit. View is gorgeous. 30~ mins to the top with the quickest (steepest path). I started at 7:30am on a Tuesday.”

“Our stay was absolutely positively fantastic. The quality of the apartment was above and beyond our expectations. Staff were very helpful, location was only a 5 min walk to the main shops and the beach was literally across the road. Huge thank you to the Belle Mer Team who helped to make our stay comfortable and memorable.”

“Beautiful beach, great for a hot day swim. Also, very fresh air and not much rubbish”

“Beautiful hills to walk and the views when you reach to the summit is spectacular love it that's why I always go there for my walking and run.”

“Fabulous place for multiple family activities. Doggie off-lead heaven.”

“Love the bike ride out to Omokoroa”

“Easy walking for all ages. Serene and bird song indicates it's not poisoned. A half hour or one hour loop. You will want to take some photos. Its beautiful. Plus the stream across the road. Sit in the rocks and put your feet in the water. Enjoy the picnic table areas. Come along a few doors further for an incredible massage with Donna at Master Life . A complete wellbeing experience here in nature rich whakamarama. Only 10 mins drive from omokoroa/and 6 mins from the main road”

“Awesome bueatiful and quiet spot by the tidal harbour. Nothing to do here unless u hav a boat, so short stays recommended. Warning very Hard to get a park.”

“I never expected my 6 year old would do this 10km walk.. the place is so mesmerizing she walked without any fuss”

“Lovely nature reserve. In 10 mins of listening I hear or saw so many birds. Tui, Kingfisher, grey warbler, sparrow, minor, eurasian Blackbird, Rosella,”

“Great for walking your dog. Beautiful peaceful setting. Big plus is that dog owners talk to each other. You will meet a lot of nice people”

“Walk through to Whataroa Falls, "Remember it is the journey not the destination!", in other words look up, look around you (however be aware lots of tree roots adorne the path so stop to do this as you could trip up) embrace your surroundings this forrest is a beautiful chaos of lush greenery, breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sweet sounds of birds these were my highlights too (and the birds came so close too!). So from the carpark from the entrance (actually 2 entrances 1 is tucked to the far left of the carpark). So 1 hour 20 minutes to falls and 1 hr 20 minutes back, however I took a lot longer stopping to take photos and take it all in. About 21/2 hours. It was raining when I went in but it stopped when I arrived at the falls (always bring a pack up raincoat). The first 20 minutes you walk on the rimu loop track, on the way there are very informative plaques telling you about the forests native plants. You then reach the start of the walk to the falls or you can continue to do the rimu loop walk. I will enclose signs. The walk is fairly well laid out with orange triangles to follow. It was a bit muddy from the rain closer to the falls so wear comfy study shoes. The track fitness level I believe can start from people with a beginner fitness level (lots of families doing it too). Although I am not that fit and I managed to do it especially walking back from the falls and walking up a few hills. So you get to a lovely stream just before the falls easy to cross, then there is a sign just up from that 2 min to falls note there is probably 2 falls but I only got to see 1(the main), you can see from around the rocks around there is one over the edge. But this is much further around in dense bush. Nice spot and nice falls. So anyway on the way back I took the anticlockwise walk 770metres which is the one that leads to the left of the carpark (where as I started on the right hand entrance). Note make sure you also take plenty of water, food, 1st aid kit and warm zip thru jacket in case it gets cold. I absolutely loved this walk and highly recommend doing it. ENJOY the Forrest!”

“Took the dog for a walk from the carpark along the waterfront track & just across to the Omokoroa side. A very scenic & tranquil place, with an easy accessible walking track. The sand spit is a worthwhile visit along the way.”

“Two of us took our three granddaughters to Frozen the musical, they loved it! Great cast fantastic singing and dancing. Looks like this theatre really look after their teenage actors,”

“It was sn overcast day when we stopped in at the falls and we expected it to be quiet. To the contrary the place was bustling with people walking their pooches and tourists snapping photos. The place was well kept and clearly signposted so you couldn't get lost. Amenities were in good shape too surprisingly! If you have some time or a pup to walk or you're looking for that cool photo background, McLarens could be your spot!!!”

“Great views of the lake and surrounding views, plenty of picnic places and well marked hiking trails.”

“What an amazing place to stay! Owners are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Rooms are well maintained and serviced daily to a high standard. Great swimming pool with towels provided for the pool and a trip to the beach! Centrally located and great for trips all around Tauranga. I truly believe this is the best motel I've ever stayed in! Highly recommend staying there.”

“Top quality swim school for children from 6 months upwards. Great teachers and very friendly staff. i recommend this place very highly as it teaches children confidence and great technique from a very early age but is never pushy and your child learns and develops skills at their own pace. I especially enjoy the holiday programs which give a real boost to a child's learning journey. Lessons are half an hour each and when a child is confident going under and floating they no longer need a parent in the pool. The staff are very accommodating if you miss a lesson or have more than one child. And Liz van Welie is full of vision and ideas to make the school better and create and friendly and quality environment. There's a play area inside too. Discounts and offers available - mention my name when you enrol your child if this review has helped you!”

“We stayed here for a family wedding and it couldn't have been more enjoyable. The staff and management bent over backwards for us and we could not praise them enough for there efforts. The facilities were excellent and we had the privilege of staying in one of their newly renovated units. Thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the thermal pools after a big day out exploring the area.”

“Perfect location. Perfect accommodation. We loved everything. With town a few steps away and the beach around the corner. Our little piece of paradise. Thank tou so much. Lucca cafe and restaurant is located underneath the apartment. TJ and his team made us feel welcome. See yah all next visit. We will be back. Great price for everything you get. A+++++++”

“Harbour View is the perfect location if you are needing a quiet, convenient place to stay when in Tauranga. The apartment was immaculate. It had two tv's, a couch, lovely beds, large fridge and quaint kitchen. Very good lighting plus convenient power plugs for charging tech devices. Safe parking for the rental car near the reception, with vehicles out of sight from a main road. Very ideal. The waterfront is only a min or two stroll away, there is a seat to enjoy the view. The owner operators were helpful and happy. Lovely apartment interior with a historical exterior.”