tavonetwo's
Outdoor Exercise Spots
- 116Mount Maunganui Summit TrackMount MaunganuiThe summit track takes you to the top so you can enjoy a 360 degree view. There are a couple of decisions to make on the way up and depending on your fitness levels. Once you get to the top it is compulsary to take a pic and post it to all social media that you have.
- 26Papamoa Hills Regional ParkPapamoaDown the road from the Mount Maunganui and before Te Puke are the Papamoa Hills, not as strenuous as the Mount Summit Track but a view just as good and a climb just as satisfying.
- 31The LakesTauranga SouthA new development just before Tauriko. It has a man made lake and hills, stairs and roads to take you on a good walk and to explore the latest development in Tauranga.
- 42Waikareo EstuaryTaurangaJust outside of the city, is a 9km loop track that takes you around the outside of the estuary. A mix of boardwalk, bush and gravel track its great to do on either a bike or by foot.
- 58McLaren Falls ParkOmanawa190 hectares of lakeland park with wildlife everywhere and plenty of open space. There are numerous tracks that take you in to the bush and to waterfalls. Great family time out with scattered playgrounds everywhere.
tavonetwo's
Markets
- 18Gourmet Night MarketsMount MaunganuiHeld in Coronation Park every Friday Night 5pm-9pm. Its a gathering of all things good and entertaining. With local entertainment and local crafts and food stalls. Its a laid back vibe and great foods to suit everybody who attends.
- 21The Kids MarketTaurangaThis is held every month at the Memorial Hall next to Memorial Hall on a Sunday from 9am - 1pm. It showcases local kids wears and products and offers great exposure for businesses as well as providing you with great prices. There is face painting and activities for the kids to get involved in, right next to Memorial Park so they can run around and play afterwards.
- 319Tauranga Farmers MarketTaurangaEvery Saturday morning at Tauranga Primary School from 8am-12pm. Provides fresh local produce at reasonable prices. At the moment berries are plentiful and are selling well. Every week there is entertainment on hand as well as raffles. Food seminars and education is on show if you are keen to learn and another great way to support local farmers and business.
- 41Kiwi Night MarketTaurangaEvery Saturday Night 5pm-11pm in the Elizabeth Street Parking Building. A diverse range of stalls here and a showcase of local up and coming musicians. See entrepreneurs try and sell there crafts and food stalls offering their twist on some traditional dishes. I recommend tracking down Johneys Dumplings and getting some pork buns.
- 514Little Big MarketsMount MaunganuiIn the Summer its at the corner of Matai Street and Maunganui Road next to Zespri. Its held once a month from 9am-2pm with a special Night Market thrown in for Christmas. A real boutiquey feel with some pretty unique and high end fashion in the mix. They have performers as well like Tiki Taane perform and they real y go all out. If you are around for one of these markets make sure you get along to it.
tavonetwo's
Killer cocktails and mocktails
- 12Platinum LoungeTaurangaDuncan can cater to your favorite tastes by asking you a few simple questions or if you already have a favorite can whip it up to perfection. This place has just acquired an Absinthe Fountain so you can enjoy with the perfect mix.
- 27The Barrio Brothers Mexican RestaurantMount MaunganuiJoel is the man to see here, ask him for my favorite from him the ‘CBM’.
- 348The PhoenixTaurangaJoseph has a wealth of experience and create something out of nothing and cater to your individual tastes.
tavonetwo's
Places to nurse a hangover
- 15Gusto CafeMount MaunganuiHash Stack of the gods. On the Mount Mainstreet so there can be a lot of foot traffic but most probably like you they will be hungover as well. Nice open cafe. They have nice smoothies as well.
- 219Bobby's Fresh Fish MarketTaurangaThe BEST Fish n Chip place in NZ. Everything is fresh and nice. I always go simple if I have a hangover feed. Couple bits of fish, a scoop of chips and some buttered bread. Nice to eat out on the wharf in the fresh air on a sunny day.
- 31KFC - TaurangaTaurangaCant go past the Colonel and go for a Big Bucket of greasy Chicken to share with the boys and soak up that alcohol. Feels good while your eating it but always be prepared to feel a bit dodgy 30 mins after you’ve eaten it.
- 41Espresso 359 bakery CafeTauranga SouthOn Cameron Road just out of the city. This place does $8 Bacon and Eggs and you get a hefty amount if you ask really nicely. Its often open really early so it was a regular stop off on the way home after leaving work at 5-6 am.
- 510Fernland SpaBethlehemGreat place to end a week especially after a hard night out. Thermal pools in the open, not as popular as the Mt Hotpools but is good because theres always space to chill and have a bit of peace and quiet.
tavonetwo's
Places I miss In Auckland
- 15Otara Flea MarketsOtaraWhats not to love about this place. The friendly people, the endless amounts of nice food from all cultures, the cheap and unique clothing. The best island donuts can be found in the hall and the best pork buns are at the end of the food aisle on the right hand side unless things have changed.
- 22Li'l Abner's TakeawaysPapatoetoeUsed to be 24 hours most days and was always busy with hungry Islanders. The home of the famous hokum burger. I tell all my friends about this famous spot and always try and call in for a visit when I’m up there.
- 39Denny's Family Restaurant - Highland ParkHighland ParkWas a frequent with the boys after a night out partying at the London Shed back in the days. 24 Hour breakfasts, I always went for the Millennium Burger and Chicken Melt with Potato and Gravy. Some good laughs and memories were made here with good mates.
- 41Walter Massey ParkMangere EastThe old stomping ground for the Mighty Mangere East Hawks. Trainings with the boys, touch or tag on random game days. Great club rooms with the Mad Butcher shouting BBQs every other week. Good memories and a sore body was often the result on this park.
- 51KFC Mangere EastMangere EastNZs busiest KFC and was the last one still delivering until a few years ago. Nicest in the country and second to none.
tavonetwo's
Nice Coffee around Tauranga
- 141Grindz CafeTaurangaNice Cafe with a good coffee, nice variety of food and customer service is awesome aye Rach?!
- 214The Dry Dock CafeTaurangaRecommended by a coffee enthusiast friend of mine to get him through his long days. Must be a good caffeine kick to keep him up as well. Pop in and check for yourself.
- 345Love Rosie BakeryTaurangaJust outside the main hustle and bustle of the city is a nice cafe with loads of freshly prepared goodies. An awesome coffee at any time of the day and always served with a smile and enthusiasm.
- 42Esquires Coffee House - GoddardTaurangaTucked away in an arcade this little package certainly punches well above its weight. Great coffee while on the run or if you just want to get off the main walkways.