Tauranga

Mount Maunganui, a beach town across the bay from Tauranga is home to the Bay of Plenty Steamers, a professional rugby union team that play in the Mitre 10 Cup. They previously played mostly in Rotorua International Stadium, but now play in the Tauranga Domain. A number of The Steamers’ players also play in the Super Rugby league for affiliating teams.

Tauranga is a small yet booming modern city along the Bay of Plenty on the North Island attracting shoppers, nature-lovers, and surfers alike. Downtown Tauranga is spilling at the seams with trendy cafes, hipster bars, and independent boutiques, and whether you buy anything or not, you leave feeling much cooler than when you came. Just a hop, skip, and a jump over the bridge to Mount Maunganui and you’ll find yourself surrounded by sea and sand rather than shops and bars – surfers come from across the country to catch the high-rolling waves that rush to its shores. In just 10 minutes, the busy city streets give way to a vast expanse of hills and forests where you can embark on many outdoor adventures, and spot rare Kiwi wildlife along the way.