Bay of Plenty travel tips
From the fantastic Mount Maunganui/Mauao lookout to endless Papamoa Beach, the incredible active volcano White Island and the historic and modern sights of Tauranga - the best Bay of Plenty highlights, walks, best viewpoints and the best museums!
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Our Bay of Plenty travel tips
- The Bay of Plenty region is an ideal stop between Coromandel and Rotorua
- Early morning or sunset are the best times to climb to the top of Mount Maunganui/Mauao
- If you've ever wondered where New Zealand’s kiwifruit comes from - the region around Te Puke produces more than 80% of it
- The Waihi open cast gold mine close by is an unusual and interesting view
- Only a bit further on towards the East Cape is Whakatane and White Island/Whakaari, one of the most spectacular sights in New Zealand until its eruption in 2019
Living life at the edge of the seaThe popularity of the Bay of Plenty region continues to soar as more people discover the region's irresistible mix of coastal lifestyle, adventure activities and great dining experiences.
In terms of adventure, local specialities include blokarting (land sailing), sky diving and dolphin encounters. Or if you're looking for pampering and relaxation, hot pools and spas can be found in many locations. The name Bay of Plenty pays tribute to the region's ability to produce great food. Around the city of Tauranga are swathes of orchards and gardens growing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados and culinary herbs. Add to this a thriving local wine industry and plentiful fresh seafood and you'll see why the region's restaurant culture is so well developed. Mauao (Mount Maunganui): Guarding the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, Mauao was the landing place of the Takitimu waka. Takitimu was one of the ocean-going migration canoes that made the trip from Hawaiki to New Zealand in about 1290 AD. Beach life: The stylish surf town of Mount Maunganui buzzes with adventure and activity. There’s everything from surf lifesaving and beach volleyball to kite surfing, parasailing, jet skiing and surfing competitions. White Island: White Island hisses, fumes, belches and rumbles with geothermal action. It used to be accessible by launch and helicopter from Whakatane, but since the 2019 eruption it may only be seen from the air or coastal lookout points. Additional tip for the trip to or from Auckland: refresh yourself in the heated Ngatea Public Swimming Pool directly on State Highway 2! |
Spectacular beaches attract surfers year round, with Mount Maunganui providing a focus for wave culture. For diving and angling enthusiasts, there are offshore islands, reefs and fishing grounds to visit.Bay of Plenty highlights and things to do
Mount Maunganui/Mauao: This viewpoint is the main destination for overseas visitors, the small settlement of the same name is located at the end of a long sandspit and beach, complete with a surf beach, hot springs, cafe esplanade and the volcano itself: Mount Maunganui, the 'big mountain', also known as Mauao. The climb up is steep, but the views from top above Tauranga harbour and the beach are spectacular, especially before sunset. Enjoy the recently built shared pathway along the beach beside Marine Parade.- Tauranga: The Strand at the harbour front is the modern centre of Tauranga, don't miss visiting the Te Awanui canoe in its shelter, and further along the Monmouth Redoubt from 1864 with its interesting trenches. On Mission Street you'll find 'The Elms', one of New Zealand's oldest houses from 1838, now an interesting museum with a lovely garden.
- Waihi and Waihi Beach: For something unusual, check out the huge opencast goldmine lookouts in the wild west style township of Waihi. It was at one stage bigger than Hamilton and the goldmine has contributed an impressive amount to the New Zealand GDP. The first mine's 175 kilometres of tunnels were flooded down to 600 metres, after yielding 174 tonnes of gold. The current gigantic mine will one day face the same fate, depending on the price of gold. Waihi Beach 11 kilometres away is a 10 kilometre long stretch of sand and is very popular with holidaymakers. At the Bowentown Heads you'll get amazing views from the summit of an ancient pa site, similar to Mount Maunganui. Katikati on the way is a cute little village with over 70 murals.
Karangahake Gorge: If you drive through this gorge it's worth stopping halfway through, this is a great place to stretch your legs! You'll find a wonderful 7 kilometre long track along the river, following an old tramway line complete with tunnel (torch beneficial) as well as swing bridges near the car park.- Whakatane: In this sunny little seaside town with its strong Maori presence (you'll notice big Pohaturoa Rock in the centre - a sacred site for Maori) you can visit the welcoming carved marae in the lovely harbour or explore the peaceful Whakatane Heads with its big Kiwi population.
- White Island: Whakaari was one of New Zealand's most spectacular travel highlights, visitors even had to carry a gas mask to inspect this popular film location. Safety had to be reevalued since the 9th of December 2019, when 22 people were killed during a surprising and violent eruption. A big blow for this small town, the accident occurred not long after the tour company was taken over by the local Maori tribe Ngati Awa, a serious setback for their finances. As a less dangerous alternative there are still tours to another island off Whakatane, the wildlife reserve Whale Island.
- Further inland, you'll find geothermically heated pools with free entrance in the centre of Kawerau!
Best Bay of Plenty walks
Te Puna Quarry Park - a range of walks in an old quarry, Quarry Road along State Highway 2, 15 kms the west of Tauranga- Orokawa Scenic Reserve - a range of coastal walks, north end of Waihi Beach
- Omanawa Falls - beautiful waterfall (1 h return), access from Omanawa Road along State Highway 29, south of Tauranga
- Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk - along old railway tracks (1 h return)
- Kaimai Summit Loop Track - through native bush (20 min), State Highway 29
- Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway tracks - with good views, between Whakatane and Ohope
- White Pine Bush Track - beautiful bush walk (30 min return), White Pine Bush Road, State Highway 2, near Whakatane
Best Bay of Plenty lookouts
Martha Mine Lookout and Pit Rim Walkway, Moresby Avenue, Waihi- Mauao - Mount Maunganui (232 m high, 40 min one way)
- Bowentown Heads - views from Te Ho Pa
- Lindemann Road Lookout, Lindemann Road, along State Highway 2, north of Katikati
- Sentinel Rock (5 h return), Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, Hot Springs Road, south of Katikati
- Puketapu Lookout and Papaka Redoubt - beautiful views of Whakatane, intersection Seaview Road and Hillcrest Road, Whakatane
- Kohi Point Lookout - views over Whakatane, Kohi Point Lookout Road, Whakatane
Best Bay of Plenty museums
- Whakatane Museum, Boon Street, Whakatane
- Mataatua, Te Manuka Tutahi - wonderful publicly accessible Marae with guided tours, Muriwai Drive, Whakatane
- Tauranga Art Gallery, Willow Street, Tauranga
Map of the Bay of Plenty
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