Doing Business in the Bay of Plenty
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Overlooking a sweeping harbour, with a sun-shiny climate, long sandy beaches, and a laid back seaside feel, the port of Tauranga has a well deserved reputation as one of the country's lifestyle capitals – and that's good news for conference organisers and business travellers searching for somewhere with all the trimmings of a bigger city, yet still relaxed and vibrant at heart.
Meaning ‘safe anchorage’ in Maori, Tauranga’s vast harbour is protected by a 24 km barrier of sand dunes on Matakana Island, and standing watch over the harbour entrance is towering Mount Maunganui – one of the Bay of Plenty's most iconic landmarks and a ‘must-do’ while you're in the area. 
Mere from Mauao Tours (www.mauaotours.co.nz) makes an ideal guide, and has a passion for passing on her love of the area. You can join her on a walk around the base of the mountain, while the more energetic can climb all the way to the top for the best views in town. Afterwards you can relax your weary muscles at the hot water pools at the base of the Mount.
It may have a relaxed approach to life, but Tauranga is one of the country's fastest growing, and its population and visitor numbers have soared over recent years (the city has tripled in size in a little over 25 years). While it's compact, that all works in the city’s favour. Tauranga is well laid out and easy to explore, with a lively café and pub strip stretching along its waterfront, some great 
accommodation and venue options, and plenty of hands-on team building activities to keep delegates on their toes.
Superb Accommodation Options
From the 4.5-star luxury of The Sebel Trinity Wharf, perched over the water with a grandstand view of the harbour bridge, to the boutique elegance of Hotel on Devonport in the heart of the city, there is something to cater for every requirement here. For those who want to self-
cater, The Pacific Apartments makes a good choice with a dedicated convention centre and adjoining breakout rooms for smaller meetings. Beyond the city limits, you can enjoy the tranquillity of Ridge Country Retreat. Set high in the Papamoa Hills, the property pampers both the soul and the body, with luxury accommodation surrounded by 35 acres of beautiful native bush.
Venues with a Difference
As well as the superbly appointed hotels, there are some great themed venues with a unique angle. Classic Flyers NZ is a modern museum with a fascinating military collection, and vintage flyers that are still up and running – a great option for a teambuilding event. Baycourt Theatre, in the heart of the city is Tauranga's most widely used theatre and ideal for larger groups. There's an exhibition space, terrace rooms and a theatre with raked seating for 589. The Events Tauranga team can help with event organisation as well. Out of town, at nearby Te Puke, you enjoy your conference or event in the lush surroundings of Kiwi 360 – a working kiwifruit orchard and one of the Bay's foremost visitor attractions. The venue has a superb souvenir shop, and you can climb aboard a Kiwi Cart and for a tour of the orchard.
Top Dining Experiences
Tauranga's waterfront Strand has a great selection of seafood restaurants and there are some delectable options elsewhere in the compact CBD. You can dine over the over water at the charming Harbourside Restaurant and Halo Lounge and Dining at The Sebel Trinity Wharf Tauranga, opt for an al fresco setting in the heart of the CBD at Café Bravo or combine breakfast with an inspection of the classic flyers at AvGas Café (located at Classic Flyers NZ). Out of town, Mill's Reef Winery offers elegant art deco ambience and, of course, the perfect opportunity for a long lunch, relaxing over the winery’s fine Bay of Plenty wines.
Team Building Made Fun!
When it comes to activities, the Bay of Plenty well and truly lives up to its name. From Tauranga, you 
can access a host of adventures from helicopter rides and blokarting to jetboating and mud-bugging. If adventure is on the corporate teambuilding menu, check out what's on offer at Spring Loaded Fun Park. You take in the magnificent aerial views of the Bay with Aerius Helicopters; there's jetboating along the stunning Kaituna River, or swap your office chair for a seat in a mud bug and put your driving skills to the test.
For something truly unique to Tauranga – and invented by a Kiwi, of course – there's blokarting at Games On Activities. This nippy little wind-powered yacht is the perfect way to blow out the office cobwebs and, on a good day, you can clock some pretty high speeds! There's also laser tag and laser clay shooting – a fun way to get in a spot of teambuilding and, let's face it, who doesn't want to shoot the boss?!
Waimarino Adventure Park will get you out of the boardroom and onto the water, and there's nothing like a tandem kayak to develop cooperation! Especially magical is the evening glow worm tour at McLaren Lake – a guided night paddle up a magical bush-clad gorge lit only by the glow worms and stars.
Teamworx will help you plan and execute a full range of fun teambuilding activities from sumo wrestling, chocolate tasting and Harley tours to the more traditional golf days, obstacle courses and climbing walls. Comvita Visitor Centre at Te Puke makes a fascinating stop, with a boutique range of honey products and the chance to watch a live hive in action.
A Handy Location
Tauranga is easily accessible by road, rail and air. The city is a 1hr 40min drive from Hamilton, a 3hr drive from Auckland and a short flight from Wellington (or a 7.5hr drive). Just down the road is Mount Maunganui, where the surf and sand, and a bustling café culture, provide more options for dining and relaxation. Tauranga also makes a convenient base for visiting the surrounding Bay of Plenty towns including Katikati, Papamoa and Te Puke.
Useful Information
