The Bay of Plenty is one of those places where life naturally moves at a gentler pace. With lush greenery, clean coastal air and endless sunshine, it’s the kind of region that makes you want to breathe a little deeper and take things slow. Whether you’re looking to soak, sweat, stretch or simply sit in stillness, this is the perfect place to recharge and reconnect.
From waterfall walks to forest bathing, the Bay is full of wholesome, soul-restoring experiences that locals swear by. These aren’t just tourist activities, they’re rituals of wellbeing woven into everyday life here. Get outdoors, feel the sun on your skin, and let nature do its thing. Reconnect and restore with visits to wellness retreats, saunas and soothing hot pools. If you’re ready to trade busyness for bliss, here are five rejuvenating wellness experiences to help you truly experience the Bay of Plenty like a local.
1. The Sauna Project
The Sauna Project is wellness with a twist. A wood-fired mobile sauna that lets you soak up panoramic views of the beach while you sweat it out at around 85°C. A business born in Mount Maunganui and saunas crafted from locally sourced Bay of Plenty timber, the original 3m x 2m sauna has sparked a movement, with more popping up across the region and the country. The Sauna Project in Waihī Beach, Pilot Bay in the Mount, and Ōmokoroa offers one-hour sessions designed for contrast therapy: rotate between the soothing heat of the sauna and an invigorating cold plunge into the ocean. It’s a ritual known to support better sleep, glowing skin, and deep restoration. Locals return time and again for the simplicity of it all, no notifications, no distractions, just a good conversation with your sauna buddy, or some quiet time to reconnect with yourself. Blissful, revitalising, and uniquely Bay of Plenty.
2. Hauora Sanctuary
Just 15 minutes from Tauranga, yet feeling worlds away, Hauora Sanctuary in Pyes Pā is a nature-based wellness retreat ‘dedicated to your wellbeing’. Tucked among native bush and birdsong, this peaceful haven invites you to rest, recharge and reconnect. Whether you’re journaling under the trees, relaxing in the wooden barrel sauna, or indulging in a holistic massage, it’s a deeply restorative experience. The sanctuary offers contrast therapy (hot and cold immersion), along with group bookings for wellness days, yoga sessions and the ultimate girls’ getaway. The combination of nurturing treatments and tranquil surrounds makes it one of the Bay of Plenty’s must-do wellness escapes. Being out in nature truly elevates your state of mind. Free from screens and distractions, you’ll find yourself unwinding in a way that feels instinctive, grounded and utterly peaceful.
3. Mount Hot Pools
An iconic wellness spot in Mount Maunganui, the Mount Hot Pools are a must-visit for anyone seeking relaxation by the sea. Nestled right at the base of Mauao, this open-air complex invites you to soak in naturally heated, saltwater pools just moments from the beach. Whether you’re easing into the 39-degree main pool, enjoying the soothing massage jets in the spa pools, or trying the hydrotherapy pool for a full-body recharge, this experience is both rejuvenating and restorative. It’s a family-friendly spot too, with a dedicated children’s area complete with a slide and water fountains. For something more secluded, opt for a session in the private sanctuary pools or treat yourself to a therapeutic massage. Whether you’re unwinding with your partner or bringing the whole whānau along, the Mount Hot Pools deliver on all fronts – salty, soothing, and quintessentially Bay of Plenty.
4. Get into nature
Get back to basics and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty. With its endless coastline, native bush, and hidden waterfalls, this region is made for outdoor renewal. Start by sinking your toes into the soft white sands the Bay is known for, then dive into a surf or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lesson with a local, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to spend some time in the ocean. When you’re ready to head inland, make your way to the Ōmanawa Falls track, where lush native bush leads to a spectacular waterfall setting that feels worlds away. Whether you’re gliding over waves or walking under forest canopies, these grounding experiences are a powerful antidote to modern-day overwhelm. Slow your pace, breathe deeply, and let nature work its magic, because sometimes the best wellness treatment is just being outside.
5. Fernland Spa
Rain or shine, a soak in the thermal mineral springs at Fernland Spa is pure nourishment for the soul. Just minutes from Tauranga, this peaceful geothermal pool complex is nestled within lush native bush, creating a truly tranquil setting. The main pool is filled with 100% pure natural mineral water, geothermally heated and soothing in every sense. Surrounded by tree ferns and birdsong, it’s the ultimate place to unwind and soak in nature’s calm. By night, the gentle glow of ambient lighting transforms the experience into something truly magical.
For those seeking a more intimate escape, Fernland Spa offers eight spacious private pools, each complete with a changing area and private shower, ideal for a quiet wellness moment alone or with a loved one. Campers are also well looked after, with an on-site caravan park that includes complimentary access to the main pool. It’s the perfect all-in-one retreat in the Bay of Plenty: hot pools and accommodation, wrapped in a blanket of nature.
This article was created in paid partnership with Bay of Plenty.
