Tauranga Domain is the city's main civic park, with mature trees, sports fields, and the historic McLaren Falls nearby. The Domain includes the site of a colonial-era redoubt — earthwork fortifications from the 1860s New Zealand Wars, which saw significant fighting in the Bay of Plenty region. Some earthwork features remain visible.
The Domain is a good starting point for a walk along the waterfront. The harbour views from the park are among the best in the city, with the Mount Maunganui peninsula visible across the water and the working port on the northern shore.