City Centred

It's time to have some fun in our city centre. We take a closer look at the latest and greatest activities, including late nights with friends, family activities, and of course food...including some key new openings.

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Here’s a challenge for you — think differently. Think differently about Tauranga’s city centre!
It’s about time we all did.

Sure, there have been some big challenges and those challenges haven’t disappeared. After all,
the CBD is going through transformational change and the disruptions will be with us for some time as developments roll out.

And you've probably read the odd bad-news stories about the city centre 'dying’. But is it really?
We think not.

Yes, it still has a way to go to become a fully revitalised CBD but even now we're seeing the launch
of some pretty amazing and exciting offerings. It's a good time to take a fresh look at just what you, your friends, and the whole family can experience.

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A taste of the new

There’s an ever-increasing number of exciting new eateries opening in the city centre. Here are four
of our favourites right now…

Picnicka

With a menu built on locally sourced produce, and standout design and interiors, Picnicka is the CBD's new bar and grill. From the team behind top-notch local eateries Clarence Bistro and Alpino, this is an all-day affair from morning pastries, delicious light lunch offerings, cocktails and snacks at the bar, and dinners with an array of oysters, and magnificent chargrilled steaks from the Argentinian woodfired barbecue. Situated at Thirty Eight Elizabeth, we can feel another ‘this is the place to be’ sensation coming on.

But First Dessert

Across the road from Picnicka, you'll find Tauranga’s first dessert-only restaurant, But First Dessert.
It’s a divine way to finish off an evening with beautifully crafted desserts, a glass of your favourite wine or one of its spot-on cocktails. This vibrant spot on Elizabeth Street reminds us of the intricate care the French take with their patisseries. The cabinet options, that you can also take away to enjoy at home, are works of art, and they’re created from scratch by chefs on site. The high tea is definitely high on our to-do list.

Nectar

Brand new on The Strand, Nectar is a super-colourful and comfortable all-day eatery where you can enjoy a morning coffee or not-your-usual brunch of crab, bacon and chorizo benedict, as well as small plates and shared mains such as whole market fish. Late-night drinks are also on offer, and the many seating areas and fun design gives it a big-city vibe. It’s a place to hang out and to connect.

Casual Kitchen

Grant McLellan spent over 35 years chasing exotic flavours across the globe, cooking for clients
from a variety of cultures in hotels and super yachts. Now he’s bestowing his love of fresh, great tasting food on us! Casual Kitchen, just open on Devonport Road, offers a range of flavoursome
and nutritious readymade meals. Grant’s created realistic portion sizes that cut down food waste while still leaving you satisfied. He uses in-season local ingredients to ensure freshness and reduce food miles, and biodegradable packaging and plastic-free delivery, so your convenience doesn’t harm the environment.

Heart of the action

Are you looking ahead to the weekend, wanting a fun day out that the whole family will enjoy?
The city centre is bursting with activities that will have mum, dad and the kids entertained. Suzanne Shilton is a local mother of three and she’s made it her mission to find Tauranga’s best family friendly activities. She shares some of her favourites on the Family Fun page on Downtown Tauranga's site. You’re bound to discover something new!

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After dark, Downtown Tauranga has a host of different offerings for grown-ups. Our city is heaving with nightlife on the weekend, so check out its site for the best spots to dance the night away until the early hours. If electronic and house music, or drum and bass isn’t your vibe, then why not give social dancing a go! At La Mexica’s Wednesday dance night, you can learn the steps, experience different cultures and make friends. Rochelle O’Loan is an enthusiastic regular and reckons it’s one of our
city’s “best kept secrets”. Read about her experience on the 12 Hours in the City page on Downtown Tauranga's site.

Own a dog? Love Vegan food? Need a night out with the boys? Keen to add some excitement to your work day in the city centre? Want to check out the latest eateries, boutiques and homeware stores? We're ready to share a host of experiences that you didn’t know were possible, on offer right now,
in the city centre.

To help you rediscover the CBD, check out the revamped Downtown Tauranga website — you’ll find an array of carefully curated experiences. Select a profile that suits you best, see what’s on offer and choose what meets your needs. You can experience your city centre, your way.

For the best of the city, visit downtowntauranga.co.nz

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