On this page 6 sections
What makes a good first date
Keep it public, easy and short enough that it can end politely, with the option to keep going if it's going well. Most good dates in Tauranga are outdoors, so check the weather and have a café in mind as a backup.
At the Mount
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The Mauao summit walk
Mount Maunganui on Google Maps
The climb to the top is steep but short, and the view over the beaches and harbour is worth it. Go early or late in the day in summer.
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The base track around Mauao
Mount Maunganui on Google Maps
If the summit sounds like too much, the flat loop around the bottom of the mountain is an easy walk with sea views the whole way.
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Mount Hot Pools
Mount Maunganui on Google Maps
Saltwater hot pools at the foot of Mauao. A good evening plan, especially in winter.
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Coffee and a walk on Main Beach
Mount Maunganui on Google Maps
Get a coffee on Maunganui Road, then walk along Main Beach or across to the calmer water at Pilot Bay.
In the city
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The Strand
Tauranga waterfront on Google Maps
Restaurants and bars along the waterfront, with views over the harbour. Good for dinner or a drink.
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Te Puna Quarry Park
An old quarry turned into gardens, with walking tracks, sculptures and views over the harbour.
Get outside
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McLaren Falls Park
About 20 minutes from the city on Google Maps
Lakes, waterfalls and big old trees. Walk the waterfall track by day, or look for glowworms on the walks after dark.
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Kayaking with glowworms
Guided evening kayak tours paddle into a gorge lit by glowworms. Book ahead.
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Kaiate Falls
A short bush walk past a series of waterfalls, about 20 minutes from the city.
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Pāpāmoa Hills
A walk to the top of the regional park, past old pā sites, for views along the coast to the Mount. Bring water.
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A sunset walk on Pāpāmoa Beach
A long beach that's quieter than the Mount. Good for walking and talking.
Tips for dating in Tauranga
- Meet in the middle. One of you in Pāpāmoa, the other in Bethlehem? Matcha's meet in the middle planner suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, open when you want to go, without either of you sharing where you live.
- Go early in summer. The Mount gets busy on warm days, and parking near the base fills up fast.
- Swim between the flags. If the date ends at the beach, stick to patrolled areas.
- Keep a rainy day plan. The hot pools and dinner on the Strand work in any weather.
Common questions
What's a good free first date in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui?
Try the Mauao summit walk, the base track around Mauao or Te Puna Quarry Park. They cost nothing, so add a coffee or an ice cream and you've got an easy first date.
Where can you go for an evening first date in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui?
For an evening date, try Mount Hot Pools, the Strand or kayaking with glowworms.
How do you pick a first date spot halfway between you in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui?
Use Meet in the middle in Matcha. Choose coffee, drinks or food and a time, and it suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, without either of you sharing where you live.
Photo: Mauao and the beach by Alexander Klink (CC BY 3.0), cropped.