We took the toll-free route into the city following the picturesque harbour. We stopped on our way and checked out the local Arts Market @ The Cargo Shed, which is an art and craft market where local artists can work and display their products to the public for sale. All the art is made in New Zealand. The market is well ramped with plenty of car parking on hand – the Shed itself is spacious and easy to get around. We spent a bit of time here admiring the works on display and talking to the local artists.
A bit further down the road, we found an extremely busy place right on the waterfront selling fish and chips! The queue was incredible and was an obvious attraction to both locals and tourists alike. We had to try it out and it definitely looked like the place to be for lunch. We parked in the side road that housed the massive local Maori Waka and joined the queue for fish and chips. TIP – You get served up a big portion, the fish is BIG and you get a very GENEROUS scoop of chips! Full marks for the fish – it melted in the mouth delicious!
We found out that Tauranga was the home of the well-known children’s author Lynley Dodd. Down by the harbour front, you can find the incredible sculptures of all our favourite Hairy Maclary characters.
Lynley Dodd Sculptures
The Playground
The Maori Waka