Tauranga lies in the North Island of New Zealand. With a population of almost 138,000, Tauranga is the highest populated city in the Bay of Plenty. The original settlement in Tauranga started around the 13th Century when the Maori community started living there. Tauranga officially became a city in 1963. With the diverse history of settlement in Tauranga, this city offers a rich cultural and artistic history. Art lovers can easily book Tauranga bus hire to get around Tauranga and enjoy a perfect holiday exploring the beauty of the city.
About The City
The city of Tauranga covers an area of 168 km2. Tauranga encompasses the Bethlehem community on the south-west, Greerton on the south, and Matua on the West. The famous Mount Maunganui is located north of the city across the city’s harbour. The city is a major New Zealand hub for business, overseas trade, art and culture, horticulture, and fashion. In March 2004, Tauranga became a city under the Local Government Order 2003. By August 2011, the city had received ultra-fast broadband from the New Zealand government, so both trade and art could speed up. Let’s find out what you can get from Tauranga City as an art lover.
The Easter Season
You would surely love to visit Tauranga if you are an art lover. The rich heritage is something you must go get a feel of, at least once in a lifetime. Tauranga’s art is not limited to the classic and the old. The contemporary is just as much appreciated and encouraged. Every Easter, Tauranga celebrates the National Jazz Festival. There are a number of live acts to enjoy, and of course, there is an awesome cuisine and palatable wine.
There is not only music but also, a lot of other art forms on display. If you want, you can visit at an earlier season and find out how to be a participant and not just a spectator. If you are not feeling that brave you can always use some liquid courage. Only a true art lover would want to spend the Easter holidays in the midst of music and fine wine. If you can relate, Tauranga is your next destination coming Easter.
Hobbiton
Which art lover does not love the Tolkien book series? If you are a Hobbits fan, you will love the drive to Middle Earth. The entire movie set is present just the way you saw it. You can use a little bit of imagination to feel like you are right in the middle of the hobbits. This place is so mesmerising you can take that friend whom you always wanted to share The Lord of the Rings books with, but never managed to get them interested. After visiting Hobbiton, anybody would be interested in the Hobbits.
The exact farm, Frodo’s little hut, even the local beer and muffins, you will get everything. You will be amazed at how the intricate details from the movie sets have still been maintained. The only problem with Hobbiton is, you can’t live there forever, you have to come back to your reality sooner or later. This world of fantasy is however, a once in a lifetime experience and you must not miss out on it.
Classic Flyers Museum
If you want to mix art with a little bit of adventure, the Classic Flyers Museum is what you are looking for. This is an aviation museum which is beautifully ornamented. At the same time, it teaches you everything you want to know about aviation. The walls and structures of the museum have a perfect blend of classic aviation structures, and modern day aviation.
With a keen eye, you will realise there is more to this museum than just aviation. But for that, as an art lover, you need to be there to realise what it is. You can reach the Museum, 600 metres from the Pacific Rentals. If you are tired in the middle of the aviation tour, you can stop for a lunch at the popular cafe.
Pohutukawa Gallery
If you want to carry back souvenirs for your family and friends, 138 Maunganui Road is your destination. The Pohutukawa Gallery is not just an art gallery where you watch beautiful things in awe. This is a place that will spoil you for choice in the gift shop. Of course, you can order online from the gift shop but the entire collection of beautiful pieces of artwork is not all on display. You need to come down here to check out the beautiful artwork and you will surely want to carry it back home.
Every item in the gift shop has the local touch. This is the most beautiful thing about Tauranga. The city always tries to uplift the native spirit in everything they do. If you are tired of globalised products to put on display on your walls, or wrap for your dear ones, this is definitely the place to go. Talented artists make one of a kind pieces for gifts. This is a special place for special people who know how to appreciate art in the little things.
Tauranga Harbour
Not so much directly related to art as we know it. But if you want to breathe in the essence of the natives of Tauranga, and the locals who live there now, the harbour is a place where you must spend some time. The Tauranga Harbour works on natural tides.
To breathe in the beauty of the place, be there for sunrise and walk along the harbour to watch the sky get painted in various hues right in front of your eyes, with the brushes of nature. Sometimes, the greatest works of art are found outside the confines of human capacity. If you love nature, if you love the beauty of art, you will surely love to visit the Harbour at sunrise.
Hope you have enough reasons to get here by now! Book bus hire in Tauranga and come visit the city!