5 Best Hotels in Tauranga, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty

Dating from 1903, the Edwardian-style building that now houses this stylish, luxurious hotel was originally the local post office, behind whose grand facade (check out the French antique tiles that line the roof) lie some of the city's most luxurious lodgings. Accommodations include Queen Deluxe, King Executive, and King Premiere rooms, the main differentiating feature being their size. The hotel is just on the edge of town, about a five-minute walk to the shops and restaurants as well as being handy to the waterfront.

This bright, modern inn features spacious, self-contained studio and one-bedroom units, all with cooking facilities; you can also order breakfast (full or continental) to be delivered. The bathrooms have spa baths. The motel is in Tauranga's central district, so you're in walking distance to the wharf, restaurants, and shops. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

This luxurious hotel in central Tauranga has earth-tone guest rooms that look out either over the city or the harbor. In terms of design and attitude, it’s a groovy little place with big-city character. In winter, you'll be greeted with a cozy fire in the foyer. Fresh continental or cooked breakfasts can be delivered to your room.

This resort complex offers much more than you would typically expect from a holiday park; it has the widest range of accommodations in the area, and they're all on the beach, about a 10-minute drive from the Mount Maunganui crowds. Choose from camping and campervan sites, cabins with shared bathrooms and kitchen, self-contained holiday units, or sleek beachfront villas just feet from the dunes. The resort is popular in peak summer holiday season (Christmas to end of January), so it's better to come another time of the year; the climate is always mild and nothing beats a good walk on the beach in winter, plus the pool is heated.

Perched over the edge of Tauranga Harbour, this is one of the city’s higher-end hotels. There are several guest room categories (executive rooms to a three-bedroom penthouse), and the best have over water views. All of the bathrooms have bathtubs (unusual in this region) along with heated floors. Facilities also include an infinity swimming pool. With great water views the hotel's restaurant and bar are frequented by locals and guests alike for meals or cocktails. This is also a popular conference hotel, so book well ahead.