The Bay of Plenty is renowned for its sparkling shores and beautiful waters, where prime surf conditions, fishing spots, and long beach expanses attract a plethora of visitors. There’s so much to explore and discover here, making the region a well-loved area to visit in the summer months. These are the best spots to visit in the Bay of Plenty and the fantastic array of experiences available in this part of the country.
1. Tauranga
Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and is an absolute must-visit place if you’re visiting the area. Enjoy pubs and restaurants in the metropolitan hub and a coastline that wraps around the city. Here you can swim, explore the local sea life, or relax and soak up the seafront vibes.
Ten minutes from the city centre, you’ll find the Waimarino Adventure Park, the ultimate water playground. Ride down New Zealand’s only kayak slide, see how high you can fly on The Blob, leap off the UFO trampoline, or test your skills on the low rope course.
Explore McLaren Falls Park, where you can take a walk through a serene landscape of green or relax in a natural pool overlooking a waterfall. While you’re there, visit Marshalls Animal Park for the chance to get up close to ostriches, emus, deer, horses and many other animals.
Fulfill the dream of encountering wild dolphins as you take a Seafari in the open waters of Tauranga. Take a swim with these majestic creatures and see if you can spot an orca or a blue penguin along the way.
Discover the culture and character of Tauranga in the Historical Village, where you’ll find boutique shops and galleries, Māori sculptures, and an array of markets and events. Located among the lush settings of the surrounding gardens, this is the perfect place for arts and culture fans to enjoy an immersive day out.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Tauranga, look no further than the Kaiate Falls. This one-kilometre round trip takes you to the cascading 25m falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool below. Or admire Hairy Maclary and friends on the waterfront of Tauranga while your kids have a runaround on the adjoining playground.
2. Mount Maunganui
Fondly referred to as ‘the Mount’, this area has long been loved by locals and visitors, particularly those from the Auckland area thanks to the less than three-hour drive. Trip Advisor called the Mount the ‘best beach in New Zealand’ and one of the ‘Top 25 beaches worldwide’. Relax on an expanse of golden sand or swim in the warm waves of the ocean. Then soak up the most iconic feature of the area by walking around the 232m tall extinct volcano, Mauao / The Mount.
Take a walk along the man-made bridge to Moturiki Island, a small island with an extensive history. This island has seen it all, having transitioned from Māori pa to a quarry. Today, it’s the perfect spot to soak up some views, listen to the waves crashing through the blowhole, or try your hand at rock fishing.
3. Whakatāne
Enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes and ancient forests here in the ‘Kiwi capital of the world’, where you can hear the calls of the iconic kiwi birds from anywhere in the CBD. Kayak in the mangroves as you weave through the overhanging pōhutukawa trees, searching for dolphins, stingrays and more. Visit one of the most sacred sites in Whakatāne is Te Ana o Muriwai (Muriwai’s Cave), which once extended more than 122m into the hills and could house up to 60 people at a time.
Stay in the lush surroundings of the Awakeri holiday park, where you can soak up the mineral waters in a relaxing hot pool. Enjoy some time in the pest-free oasis of Whale Island, where you can spot several endangered birds, reptiles, and plants. Then dig yourself a pool on the sands of the hot water beach.
Round off your trip to Whakatāne with a kiwi night tour through the Ōhope Scenic Reserve. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot robins, ruru (morepork), and weka as you listen to the sounds of the kiwi. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to spot one of New Zealand’s national treasures!
4. Te Puke
Once you’ve experienced the kiwi capital, head over to the ‘kiwifruit capital of the world’, where you can visit a working orchard, learn the history of this famous fruit, and snap a selfie with the giant kiwi fruit. Whether you’re a foodie, a gardener or merely an intrigued visitor, this horticultural hub provides an array of fun experiences.
Enjoy a short walk around the Otanewainuku Forest, or take a short drive to the coast and relax on Maketu Beach. Plus, learn about the world of the honey bee with an interactive tour through Experience Comvita in Paengaroa. Te Puke is more inland compared to other places to visit in the Bay of Plenty, making the things to do in Te Puke unique!
5. Kawerau
Kawerau is a small town situated in the heart of the Bay of Plenty that provides a gateway to the Tarawera Falls along with an array of other activities. Similar to Te Puke, Kawerau is inland, away from the coast.
Driving through the green scenery of Tarawera Forest, you’ll arrive at Mount Tarawera, where you continue on foot to the epic cascades of the Tarawera Falls. As the water tumbles over a rocky cliff face, you can admire the bush surrounding, including hybrid plants produced by the interbreeding of pōhutukawa and rātā.
Walk up an 820m volcanic cone at Putauaki / Mount Edgecumbe, or ride your bike over the range of terrains at the Onepū Mountain Bike Park. Don’t miss the unique paper mill tour. This timber town is an area that manufactures 900,000 tonnes of product every year.
6. Waihī Beach
At the northern tip of the Bay of Plenty lies Waihī Beach, the perfect place to unwind. Waihī Beach is a small coastal town, roughly 10km from the town of Waihi. Explore the boutique village and treat yourself to a luxury Swiss chocolate at Chez Moi. There’s a beautiful expanse of beach where you can pass time relaxing in the sun, sea, and sand.
7. Ōhope Beach
Just 6km east of Whakatāne, Ōhope Beach is a small settlement on the beautiful East Coast. The Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is a crowd favourite for family summer holidays, and the beach itself was once voted New Zealand’s ‘best and most loved beach’. Head to Wharfside Ōhope for all things fun including e-bike hire, paddleboarding and good food. Stick to the main road and explore the general store and ice cream stores for that classic kiwi vibe. Ōhope Beach is one of those places to visit in the Bay of Plenty where the sun is always shining.
