by Raashka Mannie | Photos by Tauranga Art Gallery Foundation
Tucked away in the breathtaking Bay of Plenty region is Tauranga, the busiest city around, sitting on the edge of the Pacific Coast and offering you sparkling seaside views. Tauranga brings you some of New Zealand’s most beloved beaches, particularly Mount Maunganui, with a penchant for water sports and sailing. Embracing all this watery bliss, the venues in Tauranga often boast serene views, whether it’s the luxurious Trinity Wharf or a cosier, smaller option amongst more greenery, such as Eagle Ridge. From Tauranga’s boisterous and yearly jazz festival to the McLaren Falls, you’re sure to find plenty of entertainment around the city, ensuring that your function is a smashing success. If you’re looking for one, we have a Bay of Plenty guide for you to peruse through, too.
Miss Gee's Bar & Eatery is a specialty cocktail bar in the heart of Tauranga. Doubling as a venue, Miss Gee's hosts events with 75-130 guests. Complete with vibrant decor, an eclectic menu and the best tunes in town - Miss Gee's is a cost-effective yet incredibly funky spot for your shindig!
Tauranga Art Gallery
Tauranga Art Gallery is a light-filled venue amidst the city. Rich with colour and creativity, it's a modern space with standards as high as its ceilings. Available after hours, the Gallery provides AV equipment, catering and event management for your event of up to 180 guests.
Trinity Wharf
Few event and conference venues can match the outlook at Trinity Wharf. A premium, family-owned venue designed to highlight the beauty & spirit of the Tauranga harbour, Trinity Wharf does just that. Built on three piers that extend over the water, the hotel boasts panoramic harbour views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Tauranga Racecourse
Tauranga Racecourse is one of the most comprehensive event venues in town. With seven spaces for hire, outdoor areas and full licensing - it's a blank space venue with the amenities to make anything possible. With catering options courtesy of Food 101, Tauranga Racecourse hosts conferences, weddings and cocktail parties of all shapes and sizes.
Classic Flyers
Classic Flyers is a former aeroplane hangar turned multi-purpose venue located at the entrance of Tauranga Airport. Purpose-built with an emphasis on functionality, this dynamic venue offers 6 event spaces with capacity for over 1,000 guests. Complete with AV equipment, catering and liquor licensing - Classic Flyers is fully equipped for meetings and corporate events. Within walking distance of the Airport; Classic Flyers is the perfect venue for guests flying in from out of town
The Tauranga on the Waterfront
At The Tauranga on the Waterfront, it's all in the name. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more refreshing conference venue than The Tauranga on the Waterfront. With full-length windows and French doors, this Tauranga venue boasts a bright and airy interior - with spaces for seminars, break-out sessions and networking.
Baycourt
Baycourt is Tauranga's premium performing arts and events facility. Since its opening in 1983, Baycourt has been an integral part of the arts and culture community of the Bay of Plenty. With a show-stopping theatre, breakout spaces and an industrial shed-style space, Baycourt hosts various events - from conferences and weddings to performances and celebrations.
Mercury Baypark
Enjoy an exceptional event experience in the sunny Bay of Plenty with Mercury Baypark. An extensive events and sporting precinct, Mercury Baypark hosts large-scale events thanks to 13,000 m² of available inside space, on-site parking for up to 5,000 vehicles, large outdoor areas, and a 17,000-seat stadium. With the added benefit of in-house catering, audiovisual and marketing services - you're all set for success on a whole new level.
Sixteenth Avenue Theatre
16th Avenue Theatre is a charitable society that has been managed by volunteers since 1936, making it one of the oldest continuously operating drama groups in New Zealand. Not only home to a community of passionate artists, 16th Avenue Theatre is available for partial or exclusive hire. With a 150-seat auditorium, break-out areas, a full bar, kitchen and dressing room - 16th Avenue Theatre hosts meetings, stage productions, conferences and more.
Clarence Bistro
Clarence Bistro is a classy venue with a touch of romance. Want live music, a DJ, bar service and beautiful floral decor to set the scene? Say no more; the dedicated team at Clarence Bistro will look after you. Whether you want to book a private room or take over the entire venue, Clarence Bistro is an intimate and refined space for 20 to 100 guests.
Persimmon Lane Villa
Only minutes from Tauranga CBD, Persimmon Lane Villa is a boutique venue framed by three acres of established gardens. Named after the property's original persimmon orchard, this Tauranga venue provides a charming venue for events with up to 60 guests.
The Yacht Club
The Yacht Club offers a premium function venue overlooking Tauranga Harbour towards Mount Maunganui. With the capacity to host 200-250 guests, The Yacht Club is a stress-free venue with spectacular views, plenty of parking and onsite catering. The Yacht Club is the sunniest spot in town for a relaxed birthday, awards evening, corporate function or celebration
Black Walnut
David Le Photography Black Walnut is a rustic venue set amidst acres of black walnut trees, mature gardens and woodlands. This Pahoia venue showcases several ceremony and photography locations, as well as a beautiful glasshouse for your reception.
Ātaahua
Ātaahua is a Tauranga venue that embodies the meaning of its name beautifully. Framed by elegant European-inspired gardens cloaked in native bush, Ātaahua sets a stunning setting for your wedding or special occasion.
Eagle Ridge
Eagle Ridge is the country estate of our dreams. The 25 acre-property encompasses two charming homesteads, beautiful lawns and onsite accommodation. Not to mention award-winning service, exceptional cuisine and top-tier facilities.
L’Orangerie
L'Orangerie is a countryside wedding venue with a touch of French flair. Nestled amidst acres of farmland and native bush, L'Orangerie exudes the ambience of rural France. The reception space is a barn structure with a rustic interior: aging beams and all things vintage. As a family-run venue, the L'Orangerie team take the utmost pride in hosting each wedding with a tailored approach.
Waverly On Wairoa
Set on the edge of the Wairoa River, Waverly on Wairoa is a purpose-built events centre with all the bells and whistles for your big day. The lawn makes for a beautiful waterside ceremony, while the venue can seat up to 150 guests for your reception formalities. Thanks to a large on-site kitchen, you can bring your favourite caterers!
Mount Maunganui Golf Club
Mount Maunganui Golf Club is another legendary local spot. The tree-lined venue has undergone renovations to create an elevated dining room seating 50-150 guests. Venue hire includes the whole property, so you can venture across the luscious greens in golf carts with your bridal party post-ceremony!
The Orchard
The Orchard is a sunny restaurant in Bethlehem, less than ten minutes from Tauranga. This 100+ seat restaurant boasts an enclosed courtyard as well as an indoor area, available for hire for your birthday or celebration.
Waters Edge
An affordable seaside venue with million-dollar views? Yes please. Overlooking Tauranga Harbour and Memorial Park, The Waters Edge is a stylish space in the centre of Tauranga. The venue seats 120 guests, and thanks to a large commercial kitchen - BYO is easy!
Fountain Gardens
Fountain Gardens is the forest venue of our dreams. Just 20 minutes from Tauranga, this venue will take you a world away. The serene pathway will lead you to the ceremony platform, a magical location amidst the native bush. Celebrations can continue across the lawns, with your reception taking place in the permanent marquee.
Fernland Spa
Fernland Thermal Mineral Pools is a lush oasis for a relaxed gathering - whether that be a sporting group, birthday celebration, Christmas party or even a small daytime wedding. Framed by beautiful gardens, Fernland provides an events pavilion, onsite parking, outstanding thermal hot pool facilities and a commercial BBQ. With the gentle sounds of the waterfall and native birdsong as your soundtrack, Fernland is a BYO venue like no other.
