Get ahead of the game: Travel tips for Zespri AIMS Games
With more than 20,000 visitors expected in Tauranga for the Zespri AIMS Games, the city will be buzzing all week long.
To make getting around easier, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council are providing a free Loop Bus, Park and Ride services for the Opening Ceremony, and free travel on the Baybus network for athletes and coaches.
Check out some of our travel tips and spend less time worrying about getting from A to B, and more time enjoying the games!
- Travel between venues on the free Loop Buses
The Loop Busesopen_in_new are free for everyone and are the easiest way to travel between key venues in Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa. The buses will operate on a 30-minute loop, including stops at Pilot Bay, Mount Mainstreet shops, Blake Park, Baywave, Mercury Baypark, and Gordon Spratt Reserve. They will run Monday, 7 September to Friday, 11 September, starting from 8.00am each day. Check out the timetable hereopen_in_new. It’s a great opportunity to explore the local area between games too! - Use the Baybus urban network
Athletes and coaches can ride the Baybus urban network for free across Tauranga during the Zespri AIMS Games. Getting to the venues couldn’t be easier – just check out the Baybus urban mapopen_in_new to see which routes will take you where you need to go. Family members and supporters are also welcome on board and can travel using cash or a Bee Cardopen_in_new. - Catch a ride to the opening ceremony
The Opening Ceremony is one of the highlights of the week, and getting there doesn't need to be a challenge. Families, athletes and supporters can register for a free Park and Ride bus service. Simply park at Blake Park or Gordon Spratt Reserve and catch a bus directly to Mercury Arena. It's a great way to travel together, avoid the traffic and arrive right at the door. Register hereopen_in_new. - Allow extra time for travel and avoid the parking rush
With thousands of extra people on the move, roads and carparks will be busier than usual. Plan ahead and give yourself time to find your way. To skip parking hassles, take advantage of the free parking at Mercury Baypark or Gordon Spratt Reserve and take the Loop Bus to the venues. - Make the journey part of the fun
Some of the best AIMS Games memories are made away from the field, court or track. Travelling together on the bus gives teams a chance to chat, celebrate results, prepare for upcoming games and connect with other athletes. After all, the Zespri AIMS Games is about more than just competition! It's about the friendships, experiences and memories made along the way.
