This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Tauranga is gearing up to host the largest-ever Zespri AIMS Games, welcoming more than 14,000 young athletes from 431 schools across Aotearoa and the South Pacific from August 30 to September 5, 2025. The city will be buzzing all week, particularly in Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa, so residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead especially when travelling to and from key locations.
To support athletes and supporters to get to their games, Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council are providing a free loop bus service between Mount Hot Pools and Gordon Spratt Reserve.
The specially branded Zespri AIMS Games buses will stop every 30 minutes at the main venues, Blake Park, Baywave, Mercury Baypark, and Gordon Spratt Reserve, including stops at the Mount Hot Pools and the Mount Mainstreet shops. They are also available for members of the public to travel on.
These buses will also help transport athletes to the two sold-out opening ceremonies at Mercury Baypark on Sunday, August 31, and have proven extremely popular, with many teams registered to ride.
Bus travel is an integral part of Tauranga City Council’s annual Give Back Games initiative, promoting sustainable travel options and helping reduce pressure on the city’s transport network. Athletes who take part in these sustainability-focused activities, such as using the Zespri AIMS Games buses, will earn points for their school towards the Kaitiaki Trophy.
Event and venue-specific travel and parking information has been provided to all registered schools, and participants are encouraged to follow signage and conditions at each venue. Monitoring and enforcement will be in place to ensure safe and accessible movement around the city.
Tauranga is looking forward to hosting this significant event for these young athletes and their supporters.
