"We know from extensive community and stakeholder engagement on the vision ... that people want to be able to access the water on the waterfront - be it to dip their toes in, kayak, pull up a rowing boat or paddleboard."
The community feedback on access to water is being treated as a "first stage" process, before the council moves into detailed design.
The council will have a stand at this weekend's Tauranga Marine Show on the waterfront and will be asking people for their feedback on the proposed tidal stairs, Masonic pier and pontoon concept.
Downtown Tauranga manager Sally Cooke said she welcomed any initiatives that would help revitalised the CBD.
"It would just be magnificent," she said.
"Connection with the water is a huge part of who we are as a city.
"We have an iconic waterfront. Wouldn't it be great to build the connection to the water, allowing people to enjoy it."
Crown and Badger owner Colin Milne said the concept sounded good but he would want to have a closer look at the plans.
"But anything that improves the area has to be a good thing," he said.
Lonestar Cafe & Bar owner Trevor Donaghy said: "I'm absolutely supportive of anything that improves the waterfront and attracts more people to come down."
Mr Donaghy, who is also a Bay of Plenty Hospitality Association executive officer, said the more activities on the waterfront the better.
"People activities and people roaming around always attracts more people. Creating another drawcard for shoppers and visitors so they want to come down to waterfront has got to be good.
"Waterfronts are interesting places to be. You only need to look at other cities which have a wharf or a pier they're always a hive of activity."
Councillor John Robson said if the community wants the revamp, they can have it.
"What we've done is sensible. We've allocated money and looked at what we can do in the budget," he said.
"I think connecting the waterfront to the water is a good thing but I'm looking forward to seeing how the community reacts to it. If they want it, the budget is already there. If the community wants this, it can happen."
The $8 million allocated would be spent in the first five years in the city centre and waterfront development to improve streetscape, waterfront and open spaces.
Indicative costs for building the proposed tidal stairs, Masonic pier and pontoon ranges between $2.6 million and $3.2 million.