Tauranga Harbour
Tauranga Harbour is a regional treasure. The sheltered waters of the region's harbours are a major attraction to many people. Locals and vistiors alike enjoy fishing, diving, and swimming within the clear waters of Tauranga Harbour.
Tauranga Moana - Te Papa
Our Harbour - Our Place
On Thursday 7 March 2013, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, together with University of Waikato and Priority One, hosted the this symposium to share the latest information and ideas on protecting and managing the Harbour.
At the symposium people learned and heard about:
- the latest research on the harbour and catchment
- community work to improve our harbour and catchment
- agency projects to improve and restore the harbour and its catchment
View the Tauranga Harbour Symposium programme and presentations.
Check out our Tauranga Harbour Booklet (2MB, pdf) for lots of information about the harbour and ideas about how to enjoy it.
Check out our Tauranga Harbour Recreational Guide (3.3MB, pdf) which includes Maketu, Little Waihi estuaries and the Kaituna River
About Tauranga Harbour
One of New Zealand's largest natural harbours, it is home to the country's biggest export port, the Port of Tauranga. Windsurfers and jet skiers seek action while yachts and launches cruise the harbour.
Harbour conditions
The Port of Tauranga provides information on the latest Tauranga Harbour conditions.
The Bowentown entrance to Tauranga Harbour can be viewed through the Bar camera positioned at the Waihi Beach Coastguard building.
Tangata Whenua of Tauranga Moana
Tauranga Harbour or Te Awanui which is the Maori name for it, is a physical and spiritual symbol of identity for all whanau, hapu and iwi living in the harbour catchment area.
Caring for Tauranga Harbour
There are many simple steps you can take to care for Tauranga Harbour: at home, around your garden or farm, and of course, on and around the water.
Recreational activities in the Harbour
Tauranga Harbour is the western Bay of Plenty's biggest playground.
Navigational safety in the Harbour
Find out about navigation and safety in Tauranga Harbour
Commercial activities in the Harbour
Commercial activity revolves around the Port of Tauranga which operates several kilometres of wharves.
Current issues for the Harbour
Mangroves, Biosecurity, loss of Sea Grass habitat, Sea Lettuce and sedimentation are all issues for Tauranga Harbour.
Natural heritage
Bay of Plenty Regional Council works with community care groups and other organisations to ensure that our Harbour is a safe, healthy environment for all living species.
Tauranga Harbour Strategy
The Tauranga Harbour Strategy was prepared by Bay of Plenty Regional Council with support from Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the harbour community
Tauranga Harbour Recreation Strategy
Tauranga Harbour is a hugely popular place for recreation. Pick any fine summer day and there will be hundreds of people out enjoying themselves.
One of the actions of the Tauranga Harbour Recreation Strategy is the establishment of a forum comprising relevant agencies, recreation groups, tangata whenua and community representatives. These forums are called the Tauranga Harbour Recreation Users forums.
Publications and Fact Sheets
Visit our Knowledge Centre for factsheets and documents about Tauranga Harbour