Tauranga is a large sheltered harbour in the Bay of Plenty, located 144NM south-east of Auckland, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and has become popular for yachts coming from the Pacific to escape the South Pacific cyclone season.
Matakana Island creates the two entrances to the harbour. The safest and main Port entrance is the Mount Entrance which is 800m wide on the western side of Mt Maunganui. The other entrance is at the other end of Matakana Island’s 14NM Surf Beach in a northwesterly direction at Bowentown Heads.
Both entrances have relatively high Tidal flows 4-7 knots depending on the state of the tide. The Mount entrance is extremely safe and has only been closed due to weather about 5-6 times. The Bowentown entrance is 500m wide with a bar crossing that can be tricky and dangerous.
The entrance to Tauranga harbour is to the west of the 230 metre high Mount Maunganui, which is visible from many miles to seaward. The harbour entrance should be approached from the North East to avoid coming too close to Matakana Bank, which breaks in heavy weather.
The main marked channel to enter Tauranga harbour has 10 metres of water at chart datum, but the tidal streams can be very strong, 4.5 to 5 knots (spring tides).
This is a busy commercial harbour so it is advisable to call Tauranga Port Radio on VHF Channel 12 to check on commercial shipping entering or leaving the harbour.
Tauranga is home to a thriving marine industry. You’ll find boatyards, marinas and haul out facilities that cater for all vessel types and sizes.
The development of the Sulphur Point area has resulted in modern facilities, unlimited access to world-class contractors and complete flexibility for both commercial and private clients.
While the harbour area from Mount Maunganui to Bowentown is very tidal, there are a number of safe and protected anchoring and mooring areas.
37° 37.37'S, 176° 09.87'E (harbour entrance channel)
Last updated: July 2025
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