🇳🇿 | 2D1N Tauranga Road Trip (Introvert Edition)

Just 3 hours from Auckland, Tauranga is the perfect solo recharge spot for us introverted working holidayers! Here's my chill-but-adventurous itinerary: 🌅 Day 1: Nature + Art Therapy ⛰️ Mt Maunganui Summit 40-min hike up & back (solo-friendly!) Views: Turquoise ocean + kayakers below 🚣‍♂️ Bonus: Sheep greetings at the trailhead 🐑 🏄 Mt Maunganui Beach SUP/surf paradise (watched from shore with coffee—I’m a spectator, not a participant ☕) 🎨 Tauranga Art Gallery (10am-4pm) Only saw a pop-up exhibit (main gallery under renovation 🛠️) 🖌️ Tauranga City Centre Street art + food pit stops (energy recharge mode) 🌊 Day 2: Coastal Wandering 🚗 Papamoa Beach Road Watched surfers conquer waves (still dry, still happy) 🏡 Historical Village (closes at 4pm) Cute cottages + pretended I lived in 1900s 🥧 Food Highlights Patrick’s Pies (Goldstar Bakery): Life-changing steak & cheese 🤤 Bobby’s Fish Market: "Small" chips = bucket-sized 🍟 😢 Missed But Dreamed Of: 🌿 McLaren Falls Park 🪂 Glowworm Kayak Tour ($50 on BookMe) 🍓 Little Big Market (1st Saturdays only) 🚣 Donut Island Kayak (Group tours = introvert nightmare 😅) #TaurangaForIntroverts #SoloNZTravel #QuietAdventures #WorkingHolidayNZ #NoCrowdsJustViews