From our most well-known walking track at Mauao to some of our best kept secrets, Tauranga's parks and reserves offer an incredible opportunity to enjoy our beautiful natural environment this summer.

With beautiful reserves, great for all kinds of activities, including walking, picnicking, biking, playing and more, now is the perfect time to get out and about in Tauranga.

There is an exciting range of events around the city this summer to get involved in, many of which are hosted in our marvellous parks. From sporting matches, concerts and festivals, to exhibitions, family and community events, there is plenty for the whole family.

Kulim Park. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford

'Tauranga and Mount Maunganui's walkways are the ideal way to enjoy our beautiful environment and make the most of the outstanding scenery on offer,” says Tauranga City Council Parks & Recreation Manager Mark Smith.

'From beach to bush, there is so much on offer in Tauranga's parks and reserves that you would be hard pressed not to find a place to enjoy, whether you are looking to do something active or just for a little peace and quiet.”

One of Tauranga's best-kept secrets is the Kopurererua Valley - or 'K Valley' walkways, which boasts an excellent network of tracks linking both the Lakes and the wider Bethlehem area to Cameron Rd through bush and alongside waterways.

If you enjoy riding a bike, there are heaps of tracks around the city to discover. Huharua Harbour Park is an impressive sub-regional park located at the end of Plummers Point Rd, Te Puna, and from this park you can link to the Omokoroa cycleway.

For any art lover, Tauranga is an outdoor gallery, packed with stunning street art created by well-known local and international street artists. And there is more – think public art, sculpture and pottery locations, Maori art, art galleries, studios and organisations. Save the art lovers map to your mobile phone and off you go. It includes locations across Tauranga, including Mount Maunganui you can either walk, cycle or drive to. The art map is a collaboration between Pete Morris of Te Kiteroa Gallery and Murray Clode of Macandmor Art Space.

The full walkways booklet is downloadable with individual maps of the walkways available on each page, making it easy to know where to go.

McLaren Falls Park.