Academy Motor Inn

Tauranga is nestled beneath the Kaimai-Mamaku mountain range and south of the Coromandel peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

It offers a thriving cosmopolitan lifestyle with beautiful harbours and the country’s biggest export port that sees more than 40 cruise ships annually.

A scenic wonderland, Tauranga is situated only minutes from Mount Maunganui’s stunning white sand beach and numerous parks where visitors can enjoy peaceful surroundings and a temperate climate.

McLaren Falls Park is close to the city in the lower reaches of the Kaimai’s, off State Highway 29. This 48 hectare site features Lake McLaren where visitors can relax in the shade of established trees for a picnic, or fish for trout. The Park itself includes native bush with a range of birdlife, McLaren Falls and numerous animals in the adjacent park.

Tauranga is also an adventurer’s wonderland with several activities to choose from. Enjoy a day out on the water with one of Tauranga’s fishing charters or, if you prefer, The Bay of Plenty is a beautiful place to be seen from the air. Oceania Helicopters and Tauranga Aero Club offer flight training, scenic flights and air charters or, for those seeking an adrenaline buzz, there’s Tauranga Tandem Sky Dive.

Mount Maunganui (The Mount)

Mount Maunganui, located only minutes from Tauranga on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, is a thriving hub of activity in the summer and a quiet, peaceful beachside town during the winter months. But year-round it offers a laid-back café scene, some exquisite dining, interesting craft and souvenir shops, as well as a spectacular beach and harbour only minutes from the main centre.

The Mount

The Mount, or Mauao as the volcano is also known, is covered by bush and grasslands and home to a variety of native birds. It has great historical significance in that it was once a Maori pa site, where a small number of defenders could easily protect the summit due to a narrow pass which served as the summit’s only means of access.

Today, visitors and locals enjoy walking the base track or hiking to the summit of Mount Maunganui. The base walking track is one of the most popular attractions of this beautiful peninsula. Although a base track, it offers beautiful scenery of the inner harbour and busy port, small rocky bays that are good for snorkelling, as well as stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and main Mount Maunganui beach.

The base track, about 3km in length, is relatively gentle and usable for most fitness levels, taking about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. There is also plenty of opportunity to view the spectacular scenery with picnic chairs and tables at various points along the track.

A hike to the summit, approximately 232 metres, of Mount Maunganui is more suitable for those whose fitness levels are average or above. The view from the top is outstanding, offering superb views of surrounding islands, and the Mount beaches and harbour. This hike takes approximately 1 ½ hours to complete, however, this will vary depending on which track you take and your level of fitness.

Tauranga’s cosmopolitan lifestyle means that there are several fine restaurants dotted around the city as well as in Mount Maunganui, only a few minutes drive away.

The Strand in Tauranga is a hub of activity offering a great selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. Located on the edge of Tauranga’s harbour, The Strand has a diverse range of cuisine from distinctly New Zealand-style flavours through to those with an Asian or Pacific influence.

At meal times, there's plenty of choice within walking distance of Academy Motor Inn. Supermarkets, cafes and other food outlets (including Burger King, Subway Domino's Pizza) are all a short stroll away.

Shopping

Just 50 metres from your doorstep at Academy Motor Inn you’ll find a small shopping complex that can cater for all your daily needs. Enjoy a lazy afternoon sipping coffee at 16th Avenue Café, meander through Tauranga’s Floral Studio and select a gift for that special occasion, sample a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables from Bay Produce, or visit Gregg’s Pharmacy for all your personal needs.

For those enjoying a longer stay at Academy Motor Inn, Countdown and Foodtown are only a five minute walk away. Here you will find all your daily or weekly grocery needs are met. If you’re looking for a bargain, you can try Pack ‘n Save which is also within walking distance of Academy Motor Inn.

Tauranga Central offers a number of shopping options ranging from bookstores, pharmacies and homewards to clothing boutiques and eateries. A little further afield, Bayfair Shopping Mall offers keen shoppers everything from gifts and fashion boutiques to supermarkets and large department stores, all under the one roof. It also features a 550-seat food court as well as small café’s dotted throughout the mall.

Mount Maunganui Township, only a 10 minute drive from Academy Motor Inn, offers a laid-back café scene, some exquisite dining, interesting craft and souvenir shops, and some fabulous local artworks.

Academy Motor Inn is an ideal base to explore the delightful Bay of Plenty region. Our central location means that local sightseeing as well as day trips to Hamilton, Rotorua and Taupo are enjoyable options.

Here are some local attractions we recommend you try:

Kiwi360

Kiwi360 is a natural wonderland situated on 13 hectares of fertile land in the heart of the Te Puke region, only a 15 minute drive from Academy Motor Inn.

At Kiwi360 you can find out why Kiwifruit grows in this unique area better than anywhere else in the world. A 35 minute kart tour outlining the wonders of the kiwifruit company, sampling the local Kiwifruit wine and visiting the four storey high fibreglass kiwifruit are just some of the activities available.

Ohara Wildlife Estate

Located just 30 minutes east of Tauranga, Ohara Wildlife Estate offers ample outdoor walks and safaris. Visitors may choose to enjoy a river picnic walkway, try their hand at Archery, hunting and fishing, or partake in a horse riding, deer, wildlife or river safari.

Tauranga RSA

The Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association (RNZRSA) is one of the largest voluntary welfare organisations in New Zealand and one of the longest established ex-service groups in the world.

Within walking distance of Academy Motor Inn, visitors are welcome at Tauranga’s RNZRSA where you can enjoy traditional New Zealand cuisine, a drink at the bar and chat to like- minded locals.

Tauranga Citizen’s Club

The Tauranga Citizens Club, located within easy walking distance of Academy Motor Inn is a great place to meet like-minded people who enjoy a range of sports from bowling to rugby. A large Bistro and Restaurant makes dining with large groups and families convenient and enjoyable.

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