Bay of Plenty | Roundabout New Zealand

DISCOVER THE BEST OF BAY OF PLENTY

The name ‘Bay of Plenty’ was given by the English explorer James Cook during his late 18th century exploration of New Zealand who described it as such because of the abundance of materials and resources in the region. Around Tauranga, the most populated area in the region, you can find bountiful crops of fruit, fresh seafood and local wine.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REGION

Tauranga/Mount Maunganui Beaches – Beautiful sand, clear water and a hot climate adds up to the region claiming the top vote as some of the best beach in the whole of New Zealand. You can participate in some extreme water sports, spot the many species of whales, dolphins and seals that live off the coast with a cruise, or simply relax and catch some rays.
Whakaari/White Island – This is New Zealand’s largest and most active cone volcano and gives visitors an opportunity to walk in proximity to bubbling hot lava, but is also a site for scientific research. It lies only 50 kilometres from the coast in the eastern bay. It was so named by Captain Cook because of the continuous plumes of white smoke it emits. It was declared a private scenic reserve in 1953 and visitors cannot land without permission or remove or disturb any wildlife and must leave only their footprints. However, it is easily accessible by authorised tourist operators. The island has also been identified as an ‘Important Bird Area’ because of its breeding colony of about 3000 pairs of Australasian Gannets.
Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park – Forming a natural barrier between Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, this forest range stretches for around 70 kilometres from Karangahake Gorge to the Mamaku Plateau near Rotorua. Māori settlers here formed tracks and hunted and foraged for food and medicines in the rich and resourceful subtropical forest. Follow in their footsteps by exploring one of the hundreds of mapped routes, the best of which are claimed to be the Waitewheta Track and also the hike to the summit of Mount Te Ahora, standing at 952 metres. It also marks the southernmost point that the Kauri tree grows.
McLaren Falls Park – The secluded, picturesque natural park, spanning 190 hectares, is a prime location for kayaking and trekking, deemed suitable for families and beginners. The environment offers a breathtaking and relaxing way to discover many of New Zealand’s native species of fauna and flora, including the iconic North Island Brown Kiwi. After dark there is also an opportunity to witness something magical – trees full of glow worms. Between the lake, the forest and the waterfall there is so much to see and absorb with many tours operating here.
Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park – The Park encompasses a number of important pre-European archaeological features with sites that bear significance to three Maori tribal groups, the Ngaiterangi, the Ngati Pukenga and the Waitaha A Hei. There are at least seven forts in the park and others can be seen in the surrounding landscape. Archaeologists suggest the human history of Papamoa hills dates back to about 1650 AD or even earlier. Papamoa Hill is the highest point in the park at 224 metres above sea level from the summit of which you can see Mount Maunganui’s volcanic cone, Tauranga Harbour and Whale Island.

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The bay contains numerous islands, notably the active volcano White Island, accessible by helicopter, and is also the area where many large rivers meet the sea. Mount Maunganui offers superb beaches attracting sun seekers, surfers and sailors all year round, but also supports the urban lifestyle, alongside Tauranga, with designer shopping, local cuisine, and entertainment and lifestyle facilities.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

There are plenty of ways to discover and explore New Zealand’s heritage in the region. Experience the historic walkway ‘Nga Tapuwae o Toi’ (in the footsteps of Toi). Starting and finishing in Whakatane, the hottest (on average) town in the whole of New Zealand, this superb 16 kilometre walk takes in sea cliffs, the sites of ancient forts, remote bays and forests. See the master Maori carvers at work, visit the Tauranga Art Gallery and Elms Mission House.
Wine and dine award winning restaurants and wineries. Tauranga has everything from fish and chips to premium steak houses and authentic cultural cuisine. The region also features the largest Kiwi farm in New Zealand.
Follow the track up to the summit of Mount Maunganui for the stunning views and then visit the Mount’s hot salt water pools on your way down to unwind.
Enjoy the nightlife and entertainment on The Strand, with live music, pubs and clubs.
Browse the designer stores in Tauranga’s business district.
Take up white-water rafting trip on the lively Wairoa River which has several grade five rapids.