Tauranga, today New Zealand's fifth largest city and premier port, has been a popular lifestyle location for seven centuries. Nestled under the Kaimai range it enjoys a mild micro climate and is rich in food resources; Captain Cook christened the area the Bay of Plenty when he sailed past in 1769. The first European visitors were flax traders in the 1820s. An Anglican mission station was established in 1836.
This 3km walk takes you around a selection of heritage sites; for convenience it is described as starting from the i-Site on Willow St in the CBD. There are some two dozen information panels along the trail which are marked by the 
symbol.
Just down the street is the Old Post Office with its classical Edwardian architecture. Opposite is the venerable 40m high Aspen tree (actually a cottonwood poplar)planted in 1864.
McLean St leads to the Te Awanui Waka carved by Tuti Tukaokao in 1973.
Opposite is No. 1 The Strand, the original Bonded Store built in 1883 that now serves the unusual combination of Newspaper Office by day & restaurant in the evenings.
A short steep path leads into The Monmouth Redoubt a military stronghold in the unrest of the 1860's.
Next door the tropical plant displayhouse is exceptional as are the rose gardens of Robbins Park
The short walk along Cliff Rd brings you to Mission St and the gem of the Heritage Walk, The Elms Mission Station
. Here you can follow the story of early life in Tauranga and get an insight into a home that was occupied by the same family for over 150 years.
The peaceful gardens are an oasis in the centre of town and are an excellent venue for a picnic.
Cross the Marsh St bridge over the railway to the Mission Cemetery. There are several alternative paths in this area but make certain that you continue down to the Anchor Stone
Follow the railway along Dive Cresent to start your return to the CBD; this takes you past the Cargo Sheds to the Fisherman's Wharf, where it is possible to arrange fishing trips or enjoy one of NZ's finest fish and chips shops.
The Strand, photos , the restaurant, coffee house & bar strip leads to the main shopping area & your starting place.
A 3km, or less, stroll to take you around many of the most important historical features of the city, including the Elms Mission Station, the jewel in the crown of this walk.
The Elms Foundation
Tauranga Heritage Walk
TAKE THE WALK !
A 3km, or less, stroll to take you around many of the
most important historical features of the city, including the Elms Mission Station, the jewel in the crown of this walk.
This 3km walk takes you around a selection of heritage sites; for convenience it is described as starting from the i-Site on Willow St in the CBD. There are some two dozen information panels along the trail which are marked by the symbol.
Just down the street is the Old Post Office with its classical Edwardian architecture. Opposite is the venerable 40m high Aspen tree (actually a cottonwood poplar)planted in 1864.
Opposite is No. 1 The Strand, the original Bonded Store built in 1883 that now serves the unusual combination of Newspaper Office by day & restaurant in the evenings.
McLean St leads to the Te Awanui Waka carved by Tuti Tukaokao in 1973.
A short steep path leads into The Monmouth Redoubt a military stronghold in the unrest of the 1860's.
Next door the tropical plant displayhouse is exceptional as are the rose gardens of Robbins Park
The peaceful gardens are an oasis in the centre of town and are an excellent venue for a picnic.
Cross the Marsh St bridge over the railway to the Mission Cemetery. There are several alternative paths in this area but make certain that you continue down to the Anchor Stone
Follow the railway along Dive Cresent to start your return to the CBD; this takes you past the Cargo Sheds to the Fisherman's Wharf, where it is possible to arrange fishing trips or enjoy one of NZ's finest fish and chips shops.
The Strand, photos , the restaurant, coffee house & bar strip leads to the main shopping area & your starting places.