A large selection of yummy brioche meals, and a killer salmon dish. The food delivers all the rich and creaminess you expect of Italian cuisine.

A great selection of authentic meals and friendly, knowledgeable staff that deliver impeccable wine matches. The steak is highly recommended with cooking and seasoning = perfection. The intimate setting and warm glow complete an enjoyable Italian experience.

Delizioso, sorprendente…and has been thriving since before I was born! A husband and wife team that never disappoint on flavor.

Tucked away just off the main street, this restaurant is surprisingly hard to get into.. So make sure to book! It has a wide range of pizzas and pasta’s that are sure to suit everyone, and check grab one as the often run a good dinner deal.

This restaurant is a lovely place to eat, especially if it’s a cold winters night and you can grab a table close to the open, indoor fire. The food is pleasant (I would recommend the breads and Italian sausage risotto), and the outdoor tables a nice perch to have a drink and people watch.

A gem that has only recently joined the Tauranga family, but has become an instant favourite. It carries a quaint charm with French inspired cabinet food and good coffee that will fill any void.

A delicious selection of naughty treats and good thick cut fries! Always a busy café so if you can fight your way to a seat you are sure to be surrounded with an electric atmosphere.

The best brunch/ large lunch spot in town. Everything on their menu has been personally tried and approved…and parking is never an issue (bonus!).

Tasty food and beautiful décor makes this café a pleasant experience. The soft fish taco is divine and if you’re lucky you might catch the latest Masterchef winners working the grill!

Beautifully presented coffee house with good java and sugarcoated doughnuts. Plus the only café in town that delivers take away coffee in a reasonably sized cup (smaller than the average 400ml).

The BEST location in Tauranga. Wake up with the beach directly in front of you, Mount Maunganui to your left, cafes to your right and pilot bay behind you…the dream get away spot.

Beachfront apartments that provide a killer view. Central to the beach, cafes and Mount Maunganui township you are sure to not get in your car again. Modern and tidy, giving you everything you’ll need.

If you need a place to stay in Bethlehem this cute little motel will look right after you. Owned by the nicest young couple, you are sure to have a good night sleep and wake up only a stone throw away from Mills Reef vineyard and Tauranga city central.

Only a minutes walk to The Strand restaurants and bars, and a breath taking view of the harbour. The private jetty gives an enviable spot for lunching and dinner, not to mention a scenic boat trip if you see fit.

If you’re on a budget this backpacker will put you in the centre of the action without breaking the bank. It is located only a short walk from the beach and opposite one of the best bars in town (The Astrolabe).

A GOOD Mexican feed. This is currently my favourite dinner option with Fried chicken + Spicy pork ribs + Mixed grill equaling a very satisfied customer. The prices are extremely reasonable and a fresh glass of red wine sangria washes it down beautifully.

Amazing Asian inspired cuisine. The pork belly steamed buns are highly addictive and the salads a perfect mix of sweet and sour. It is often filled with people and provides an exciting eating atmosphere.

Delicate meals that are bursting with flavour, and the rowed seating and set menu prices give a fresh take on dining. The creative window painting is forever changing and gives the perfect artistic touch.

Fine dining in a cozy, warm cottage…an impressive date.

If you are after a warm pub meal sure to fill you up, this is the place to go. The menu offers all your favourites plus a few extras such as the stuffed chicken breast that could outdo any bistro. Awesome value for money, and the perfect place to hide from the winter cold.

Tauranga’s largest range of designer kit, this shop is an absolute candy store for clothes, shoes, bags, sunglasses and jewellery. Don’t miss the sneaky saleroom up top or a convo with the owner Rodelle- she is AWESOME! (Seating also provided for male companions).

Stockers of their own locally made and designed clothes, and CHAOS and HARMONY shoes…which is pretty neat. The staff are super helpful and even altered my newly purchased shorts for free!

The one place you can buy MOOCHI clothes this side of the Bay. The shop is stocked with most of the latest season and is a good place to visit when needing a new dress.

The biggest op shop I have ever visited with an amazing culturally inspired section. There is a huge range of pre-loved goods to choose from, and it’s soft on the wallet!

Provides good mix of surf, skate and higher-end clothing.

Central to Mount Maunagnui this is both my favorite and the choice of my extended family. It is a must have pit stop in my beach front bike ride, where you can pick up a seriously good bag of KPH coffee roasted by local man John Hume.

Locally brewed coffee and a game of table tennis all in one! When buying coffee I always make sure I have time to scan their large selection, chat to the staff and work on my serve. Caution: the Fraus drinking chocolate selection is more than likely to distract you from your mission

Known as Tauranga’s original coffee roasters, the Excelso factory shop lies in West Tauranga. Family owned and operated this business knows their stuff and delivers a great bag of coffee that you know is Bay born and bred.

Tucked away on Dive Crescent this coffee shop delivers an aromatic punch when you walk through their doors. The service is complete with an LCD screen where you can watch your beans be loving made then delivered fresh to your hands.

Just a little bit cheeky but in a time of need, I head down to Tay St Dairy where the owner Pete is happy to slip you a bag of his KPH coffee beans. Making a killer cup of coffee himself and open nearly every day of the year, it is always an enjoyable beachfront visit sure to leave you in fits of laughter.