Mayor Tenby Powell was there to mark the occasion.
He said the likes of Tauranga's Vital Signs survey showed "we need more events like this in Tauranga".
"It's great that people like this want to come into our city and provide events of this nature."
Eve Beckett brought her daughter to "try something new".
She "knows most of the kids" from the Merivale Community Centre and joined them on the ice.
The rink also plans to host a charity fundraiser night but a date is yet to be set.
Entry is $20 per adult, $15 for a child and $9 for preschoolers, with family passes also offered.
Skates are provided and there is no time limit on the ice after entry.