The Top 7 Outdoor Experiences in the Bay of Plenty

1. Waterfalls

Come to the Bay of Plenty for the beaches, and stay for the waterfalls. Head inland to find these picturesque freshwater falls and rock pools amidst native forest and even along beach walks. Many are just a short stroll away, meaning you can see a few in one day exploring the outdoors. Kaiate Falls are a 30 minute drive from Tauranga, and the main walking track to the falls even boasts a view of Mount Maunganui (Mauao). Kaiate Falls and surrounded by beautiful native bush and the towering falls spilling into the large pool below make this one of the most incredible waterfalls to visit near Tauranga. For more fresh forest air in Tauranga check out McLaren Falls Park. The waterfall track is spectacular, though the park is also a top spot for picnics, camping and kayaking on Lake McLaren. Stay a while longer and check out the evening glow worm kayak tour in the area. Choose between a 40-minute return walk or a 1-hour 20 minute walk to experience Te Rere O Ōmanawa Falls, with a spectacular viewing platform to view this culturally significant wonder.

For waterfalls in more towns throughout the Bay check out Raparapahoe Falls in Te Puke, Homunga Bay in Waihī Beach where the waterfall is right on the beach, and Wairere Falls in Whakatāne. Visiting waterfalls is even a top wet weather activity in the Bay of Plenty, with rainfall making these cascading waterfalls even more dramatic. If you’re seeking low impact travel in New Zealand, a day out exploring the waterfalls across the Bay of Plenty will tick the boxes.

2. Coastal cruises

Boat cruises are the perfect way to explore coastal Bay of Plenty. Cruise around Tauranga Harbour, Pilot Bay in Mount Maunganui, Matakana Island and Whakatāne. See the sights, spot wildlife and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Explore Moutohorā (Whale Island) off the coast of Whakatāne; a wildlife sanctuary home to restoration projects and an abundance of native plants and wildlife. Cruise with Diveworks Charters, and enjoy a walking tour of the island before cruising back to Whakatāne.

Explore the Bay of Plenty coastline with Bay Explorer on a half-day adventure spotting dolphins, seabirds, whales and if you’re lucky, turtles! If swimming with dolphins has always been on your bucket list, make it happen with Dolphin Seafaris. This wild adventure is one of the best outdoor experiences in the Bay of Plenty.

For the ultimate sightseeing tour that doesn’t take up a whole day, check out Kewpie Cruises and their one hour scenic harbour cruise. It’s the ideal way to see The Mount from the water. Hop off and spend the day on Matakana Island with a picnic and some stunning swimming spots, before getting picked up by the cruise boat in the afternoon.

3. Nature walks

One of the best ways to experience the outdoors is with a leisurely walk on a local trail. Across the Bay of Plenty there are plenty of nature walks to enjoy, from short strolls to longer hikes. These walks provide an opportunity to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and connect with the natural world, all while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

One of the biggest natural wonders in the Bay is Whirinaki Forest. There’s 155 km’s of walking and mountain biking tracks through this ancient North Island forest. Surround yourself in a mass of 1,000 year old trees, towering high above creating an impressive canopy.

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi is a loop track that links Whakatāne and Ōhope Beach with native forest, stretches along the beach and three unique reserves. This 16 km round trip is a fantastic dose of Bay of Plenty nature walks at their best.

With just 20 minutes up your sleeve you can swap the streets for the forest and immerse yourself in lush greenery on the Athenree Wetland Loop Walk. This walk between Waihī Beach and Athenree is well worth a visit, as the restoration project providing a habitat for native flora and fauna is award-winning, and has helped this trail become home to some of the largest populations of endangered species in the Bay of Plenty.

Find more walking tracks and trails in the Bay of Plenty here.

4. Cycle trails

See the sights by bike in the Bay of Plenty. With kilometres of trails from coastal to bush, cycling is a sure-fire way to see some of the best places in the region. The Marine Parade Coastal Path is a great, laid-back start to cycle trails in Mount Maunganui. Cruise along the 3km pathway to soak up views of the sandy shores and ocean waves before grabbing a coffee from the Sandbank Cafe.

Tauranga offers an urban cycling experience, with the Tauranga Eastern Link cycleway and off-road tracks exploring historic sites like Gate Pā. For a top outdoor experience in the Bay of Plenty, check out the Motu Trails, including three main trails starting in Ōpōtiki. Tick off experiencing one of the Great Rides on The New Zealand Cycle Trail with this eastern Bay of Plenty gem.

Cycle alongside the beautiful estuaries at Ōhiwa Harbour on the Ōhope Harbourside Trail. Think peaceful, serene and birdlife in a peaceful harbour setting. Ōmokoroa Cycle Trail is another easy trail, perfect for exploring a small town in the Bay of Plenty.

Summerhill Recreation Farm in Papamoa is the ultimate spot for mountain biking in the region. With plenty of grade 3 trails and something for beginners through to advanced riders, these tracks will suit a social day out on the bikes.

5. Hot pools and wellness experiences

Indulge in a soak in beautiful hot pools for a luxury spin on outdoor experiences in the Bay of Plenty. After a day of discovering waterfalls and walking through ancient native forests, a little wellness session with rejuvenate the body and soul. The Bay of Plenty is home to geothermal resources, meaning you can relax in hot springs with pure mineral water and often be surrounded by lush native bush. Fernland Spa in Tauranga is the perfect to soak in the outdoors and Sapphire Springs near Katikati combines hot pools with quitenssiantal summer accommodation.

A must-do hot pools experience in the Bay of Plenty is Mount Mauganui’s hot salt water pools at the base of the Mount (Mauao). This iconic spot is the ideal way to relax in the outdoors.

Between visits to the hot pools, experience a beachside sauna session with The Sauna Project, or check out Panacea Sauna with an outdoor cool down garden in Mount Maunganui. Discover the appeal of hot and cold therapy, Bay of Plenty style.

Spa treatments from Body and Soul and Mount Skin and Body will top off any day spent outdoors soaking in hot pools.

6. Surf lessons

The Bay of Plenty’s coastline is a paradise for surfers, offering excellent conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. Mount Maunganui is a prime spot to catch some waves, with its long sandy beaches and consistent surf. Several local surf schools provide lessons and equipment rental, making it easy for newcomers to get started. Instructors focus on eco-friendly practices, ensuring a respect for the ocean environment while teaching you the skills to ride the waves. Surfing in the Bay of Plenty is not only a thrilling outdoor activity but also a wonderful way to connect with the natural beauty of the region.

7. Visit one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites

Explore the rich history of the Bay of Plenty with a visit to The Elms Te Papa Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites. This historic mission house, dating back to the early 19th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s colonial past. Wander through the beautifully preserved gardens and buildings, and learn about the interactions between early European settlers and Māori. The Elms provides a unique opportunity to connect with the cultural heritage of the Bay of Plenty while enjoying the serene surroundings of this significant historical site, perched atop a hill overlooking Tauranga.

For tips on caring for the Bay of Plenty as you travel, check out some great points here.

This article was created in paid partnership with Bay of Plenty.