Thinking about moving to Tauranga? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Tauranga.
Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Tauranga is the fifth largest city in New Zealand. Known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and vibrant culture, Tauranga is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. However, like any city, living in Tauranga has its pros and cons. In this article, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of residing in this coastal city.
Pros of Living in Tauranga
One of the most significant advantages of living in Tauranga is its stunning natural beauty. The city is surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, which are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, located just west of the city, offers excellent hiking and camping opportunities. The city’s location on the Bay of Plenty also means that it’s a great place for fishing and boating.
Another advantage of living in Tauranga is the city’s warm, sunny climate. Tauranga is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, with an average of 2,200 hours of sunshine per year. The city’s mild winters and warm summers make it an ideal place for outdoor activities year-round.
Tauranga also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to several art galleries, including the Tauranga Art Gallery, which features a wide range of contemporary and traditional art. The city also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, such as the National Jazz Festival and the Tauranga Arts Festival.
For those interested in volunteering, Tauranga offers plenty of opportunities. Organizations like the Tauranga Volunteer Centre and the Bay of Plenty Conservation Volunteers provide a wide range of volunteer roles, from environmental conservation to community outreach.
Finally, Tauranga is known for its friendly, welcoming community. The city’s residents, known as Taurangans, are known for their laid-back, friendly attitude. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, you’re sure to feel at home in Tauranga.
Cons of Living in Tauranga, New Zealand
Despite its many advantages, living in Tauranga also has its downsides. One of the main disadvantages is the city’s high cost of living. Tauranga is one of the most expensive cities in New Zealand, with high housing prices and living costs. For example, the average house price in Tauranga is over NZ$700,000, which is significantly higher than the national average.
Another downside of living in Tauranga is the city’s traffic. Despite its relatively small size, Tauranga has a high level of traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. This can make commuting to work or school a frustrating experience.
While Tauranga has a vibrant arts and culture scene, it lacks the diversity and scale of larger cities like Auckland or Wellington. If you’re a fan of big city amenities like world-class museums, a wide range of restaurants, and a bustling nightlife, you might find Tauranga a bit lacking.
Another potential disadvantage of living in Tauranga is its isolation. While the city’s location on the Bay of Plenty is great for beach lovers, it’s quite far from other major cities. This can make travel to other parts of New Zealand time-consuming and expensive.
Finally, while Tauranga’s climate is generally pleasant, it can be quite humid in the summer. This can make the heat feel more intense and can be uncomfortable for those not used to humid climates.
In conclusion, Tauranga is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. However, like any city, it has its pros and cons. Whether or not Tauranga is the right place for you will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
