Tauranga City Council is making it easier for people to enjoy the city centre this festive season, with two weeks of free off-street parking available from 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
The initiative comes during a period when many office workers finish for the year, and parking demand changes across the city centre. While on-street spaces become busier, off-street car parks and parking buildings traditionally see significantly lower use.
Parking data from the last week of 2024 shows off-street parking demand dropped by over 60% when compared to other weeks in summer.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the free-parking window is a chance to balance demand and help people make the most of the festive season.
“This is historically a quieter period for our off-street parking facilities, so it’s an ideal time for people to make the most of free parking and enjoy what’s on offer in the city centre.
“Whether you’re popping in for last-minute Christmas shopping, visiting the waterfront and playground, catching up with friends for lunch, or hosting out-of-town whānau, this will make it even easier to spend time in the heart of our city.”
Free parking will be available at all council-operated off-street facilities, including the Elizabeth St and Spring St parking buildings, Dive Crescent, Cliff Road, TV3–Wharf St, 160–176 Devonport Road, and Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre on Cameron Road.
Throughout the two-week period, parking machines at these locations will display a free parking message and won’t accept payment.
Throughout the year, council-operated city centre parking is free after 5pm on weekdays, all weekend, and on public holidays.
A 20-minute grace period continues to apply to all city centre parking. To use the grace period, simply park in a paid parking space for less than 20 minutes and there’s no need to make a payment via a parking machine or the app.
For more, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/parking