Tauranga / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Tauranga
Tauranga has coastal paths, gardens and waterfall lookouts, with several options beyond the city. Mauao remains closed after landslides (checked 7 November 2026). Respect the barriers and the 30-metre exclusion zone around its base and shore.
Explore the map
Photo spots on the map
0 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Marine Parade coastal path
The shared path between Hopukiore and Oceanbeach Road follows the coast at Mount Maunganui. Include the path in the foreground and the sea beyond, keep clear of other users and stay away from the closed Mauao area.
Search Google MapsPāpāmoa dune boardwalk
Near Alexander Place, a boardwalk carries the Pāpāmoa Shared Pathway over protected dunes. Photograph the path and dune plants from the boardwalk. Use signed beach access points and keep off the vegetation.
Search Google MapsPāpāmoa Hills lookout
The culturally significant Pāpāmoa Hills offer a coastal panorama from their walking trails. Photograph from an open marked route, check the weather and current closures after landslides and visit between sunrise and sunset.
Search Google MapsTe Rere o Ōmanawa
Viewing platforms overlook Ōmanawa Falls in an area sacred to Ngāti Hangarau. Frame the waterfall from a platform and stay on the visitor route. Swimming is prohibited, and opening times vary by season. The route between Wairere Tapu and Te Harikoa lookouts has several hundred steps and requires moderate to high fitness.
Search Google MapsMcLaren Waterfall Track
A short track in McLaren Falls Park leads to a small waterfall and viewing platform. Include the stream and surrounding bush in your frame. Check park hours and weather closures before visiting.
Search Google MapsTe Puna Quarry Park
An old quarry west of Tauranga now contains garden paths and sculptures. From a marked track, pair a garden detail with the quarry setting or look for a view across the bay. Visit during daylight and follow any track closures.
Search Google MapsThe Elms / Te Papa Tauranga
The historic house and gardens offer an architectural subject near the city centre. Frame the house from the visitor grounds. Admission is charged and the site asks visitors to book both commercial and non-commercial photography in advance.
Search Google MapsTutarawānanga / Yatton Park
Tutarawānanga is a culturally significant park with a collection of tall native and exotic trees. From a park path, point the camera up a trunk to show its height. Check the seasonal gate hours before visiting.
Search Google MapsKōpūrererua Valley
The shared track winds through Kōpūrererua Valley beside bush and waterways. Include the path and stream in the same frame, and stay on the open route through this historically significant reserve.
Search Google MapsRobbins Park
Robbins Park has a rose garden and an ivy colonnade above Tauranga’s waterfront. Use the colonnade to frame the garden. The tropical display house has seasonal opening hours.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Tauranga City Council, Marine Parade coastal pathway
- Tauranga City Council, Mauao landslide updates
- Tauranga City Council, Pāpāmoa Shared Pathway
- Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Pāpāmoa Hills park
- Bay of Plenty Regional Council, partial reopening of Pāpāmoa Hills
- Tauranga City Council, Te Rere o Ōmanawa
- Tauranga City Council, McLaren Falls walkways
- Tauranga City Council, McLaren Falls Park
- Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Te Puna Quarry Park
- The Elms, visitor access and photography
- The Elms, heritage site and gardens
- Tauranga City Council, Tutarawānanga / Yatton Park
- Tauranga City Council, Kōpūrererua Valley walkway
- Tauranga City Council, walkway closures
- Tauranga City Council, Robbins Park
- Te Puna Quarry Park, visitor information
- Te Puna Quarry Park, garden and bush walks