Local Attractions and Activities

The Bay of Plenty offers a wide range of attractions and activities to offer so you may have to stay a little longer in the Bay.....you have got your rental car to get you there -  so get going!!

From the natural beauty of Mt Maunganui beach and Tauranga harbour, to the vibrant city of Tauranga, not to forget the Kiwifruit capital of the world Te Puke where you will find Kiwi360 and enough adventure activities to fill a week (or two!). For the horse enthusiast Briars Forest and Riverside Ride is a lovely place where you will get some amazing river, farm and ocean views.

For a relaxing day, explore the pristine beach at Mount Maunganui, safe for swimming and surfing; swim with dolphins for the ultimate ocean encounter. There are a range to choose from and we recommend Dolphin Seafaris and Butlers swim with dolphins, or head out for a day's fishing with one of Tauranga's many boat charters like Deep Star Charters. Stroll around the base track of 'the Mount', enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes or take a soak in the salt water hot pools at the base of Mt Maunganui.

Get close to nature and head inland on one of the many walks through native bush in the Kaimai Mamaku ranges, climb to the summit of Mount Maunganui for stunning views of the beach and nearby islands, or take in the tranquility of McLarens Falls Park and while you are there take the kids to Marshalls Animal Park for lots of friendly animals and fun.

For the more adventurous, there's too much to choose from! Try your hand at indoor rock climbing or have a go at glow in the dark miniputt at The Rock House or take to the sky with Tandem Skydiving or even Parasail in the Tauranga harbour. If you don't want to leave the ground, there's a jet stimulator or you can fly back in time by checking out the vast array of planes and paraphernalia at the Classic Flyer and Military Museum. There are also a range of companies offering scenic flights, introductory flying lessons, glider flights, aerobatics or helicopter flights. Spring Loaded Park offers both on and off water activities and it is a great place to take a jet boat ride or try 4WD driving. Hit the track and try Blokarting or have a game of Combat Laser Tag at Game On Activities. A fun day can also be had at Waimarino where you can kayak on the Wairoa River, get Blobbed on New Zealand's 30ft high human catapult, descend the kayak slide or just enjoy the picnic areas with a great kids play area which includes a climbing wall, children's pool and BBQ facilities.

Venture further away and you can have an unforgettable Eco-Adventure to New Zealand's most active volcano - White Island. PeeJay White Island Tours is a Qualmark endorsed tour company. Climb aboard the boat (named PeeJay) and head off to White Island (keep an eye out for the bonus of spotting some dolphins, whales or fur seals). This is where you will venture to the edge of the crater, and discover an ever evolving landscape of hissing fumaroles, lava bombs, glittering crystals and hot thermal streams, all the while being looked after by the guides learning about the workings and history of the volcano.

For the Shoppers in the family you can shop till you drop, because there's plenty to choose from, whether it's the shopping centres located in Downtown Tauranga and Downtown the Mount, Bayfair Shopping Centre or one of the two shopping centres in Papamoa which are Palm Beach Plaza and  Fashion Island. Rain or sun there's shopping to be done!!

Famous for its sea and sunshine, there's so much to see and do around the Tauranga region - talk to us about arranging a long term hire from Tauranga Car Rentals and make use of our competitive long term hire rates and unlimited kilometres. Whether you want to do a little or a lot, the freedom of a rental vehicle from Rent A Dent Tauranga will ensure your stay in the Bay will be an enjoyable and exciting one