The Bay Of Plenty:

Welcome to our region, the beautiful coastal Bay Of Plenty certainly lives up to it's name, with a sunny climate (one of the sunniest climates in New Zealand), the vast harbour providing fresh seafood and a wonderful aquatic playground. The region stretches from Waihi Beach to Opotiki along the Pacific Highway.

Tauranga is the region's main centre of the coastal Bay of Plenty region and is located at the entrance to one of the largest harbours in New Zealand. There are two large marinas which home a variety of charter boat operators. Downtown Tauranga's The Strand waterfront is the base for a strip of cafes, bars, restaurants and night clubs.

                     

 

Across the Tauranga Harbour Bridge is the best known suburb Mount Maunganui. We're incredibly lucky to have beautiful Mount Maunganui with its white sandy beach on our door step. The area is known locally as 'The Mount', and the mountain itself is called Mauao by the local Maori. Mauao means 'caught by the sun' - Click here to read more about the beautiful Legend of Mauao. It is the focal point standing at 232 metres high. It is a dormant volcanic cone very popular for activities. If you enjoy walking, there are great walks around the Mount as well as tracks leading to the summit for superb views of the beach and surrounding islands. It's well worth the 1.5 kilometre hike, and it's a great pace to watch some parasailing as they take off from the summit, or relax and watch the boats as they head out the harbour to their favourite fishing spots in the Pacific Ocean. Catch a fishing charter for a great day out, or head out to sea for a close encounter with the dolphins.

 

                  

 

Down the coast from the Mount is Papamoa. Papamoa’s long beach is a quieter option than Mount Maunganui areas, however it still boasts two large shopping centres, pubs, restaurants and cafes. Further along the coast is Te Puke which is the heart of New Zealand’s Kiwifruit industry, and it is here you will find the giant kiwifruit outside Kiwi360.

                      

 

The Eastern Bay of Plenty offers a quiet destination with diverse attractions. Whakatane is the main town and is located 90 kilometres east of Tauranga – great for a day trip. Ohope Beach is a favourite holiday spot. Opotiki further down is a great spot to access the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve, which is ideal for hunting, tramping, fishing and rafting. Finally is Kawerau best known for its access to the acclaimed Tarawera Falls. Kawerau is located within the foot of another dormant volcano Mount Edgecumb (Putauaki).

 

         

             

 Islands in the Bay of Plenty – That’s right there are even islands here to explore and there are a lot of island excursions available. The main attraction is White Island (Whakaari) which is an active volcano that offers a unique experience.Whakaari (White Island) as mentioned earlier is an active volcano. Take a launch or helicopter to witness the amazing phenomenon of steaming, hissing and roaring.

Motiti Island is a flat island which is mainly used for agriculture. Tuhua more commonly known as Mayor Island has a wildlife conservation status and has had this since 1953. It is renowned for its world-class dive sites. The water clarity means there are an abundance of marine plants and a great diversity of fish. It also boasts a variety of native birds including Morepork, Tui, the Kaka (brown parrot) and Kereru (wood pigeons). It is a great spot for snorkelling and kayaking. The easiest way to access this island is by taking a guided tour with a local operator who arranges transport and a variety of activities.

                  

 

Wherever you decide to go in the Bay it will be amazing and diverse and so really does live up to it’s name – The Bay of Plenty.

Check out our Attractions page to see a variety or things to do and see whilst here on your next holiday.