Bay of Plenty Information

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Bay of Plenty - Great Surfing , Great Cusine

Famous for its golden beaches, the Bay of Plenty is unsurprisingly popular with surfers and kayakers, who flock here to enjoy the year-round mild climate. Stretching nearly 100 miles from Waihi Beach to Whakatane, there's no shortage of places to catch those waves, and the stunning landscape framing the Bay, is an added bonus that brings visitors back here year after year.

Other popular activities include: land-sailing (known as 'blokarting'); dolphin trips; skydiving; parasailing; and jet-boating; whilst diving and fishing enthusiasts will be kept busy with the wide variety of offshore islands, reefs and fishing spots the Bay has to offer. If you want to wind down altogether, you won't have to go far for that perfect spa or indulgent hot pool - your only problem will be...having to move!

A particular highlight of the area, though, is the cuisine. Named by Captain Cook for its abundant resources, the Bay of Plenty really does deliver on its promise. Fresh, local produce is available as standard and, when combined with the many award-winning wineries in the area, it's easy to see why the region is so popular with 'foodies'.

Surf Town - Mount Maunganui

This chic town, named after the extinct volcano it nestles beside, is popular with surfers and extreme sports enthusiasts. Built on top of a sand bar, the town enjoys both a tranquil, harbour shore and a wild ocean beach. You'll find everything here; from peaceful, sheltered sunbathing, to jet-skiing and surfing competitions. If you're feeling particularly active, the 1.5km hike to the summit of Mount Maunganui itself will reward you with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the area.

Active Volcano - White Island

Situated in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, the Bay of Plenty is home to one of the world's few (and New Zealand's only) live marine volcanoes – Whakaari, or 'White Island', which lies 48km off the coast of Whakatane. Rumbling with geothermal action, there's plenty to see – from mud pools and walls of steam, to the constantly changing colours of the crater lakes. Excursions operate daily by helicopter or boat, and it can get wet, so remember to pack your waterproofs!

Tauranga Harbour

Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and the fifth largest in New Zealand. A picturesque and thriving port, it's a regular host for cruise liners and cargo ships. Hundreds of yachts and smaller boats are housed in two large, modern marinas, so you won't have to look far to find a charter boat operator, ready to whisk you out into the bottomless game-fishing waters of Mayor Island and White Island. Spend some time checking out the eclectic cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs of The Strand waterfront area, before resting your head in one of a range of accommodation options Tauranga has to offer. The nearby beauty spots of McLaren Falls and Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park are also well worth a visit while you're here.

Small Coastal Towns

The network of small, coastal towns along the Bay of Plenty typify the charm of the area. For a laid-back day, head for Papamoa and its endless miles of white, sandy beaches, or spend time in Katikati - the 'Mural Town' – and discover your own artistic flair. A visit to the tiny town of Maketu will give you an insight into the area's important cultural history.

Kiwi Fruit Tour – Te Puke

The town of Te Puke is the kiwi fruit capital of the world. At Kiwi360, visitors can take a guided tour - aboard special 'KiwiKarts' - and learn about the industry and rich culture surrounding it. You can even get to sample all sorts of kiwi fruit-related products in the extensive gift shop and cafe.

Five Things To Do

1. Enjoy the surf at Mount Maunganui

2. Take a volcanic excursion to White Island

3. Skydive into one of the North Island's most scenic drop zones

4. Go white-water rafting on the grade 5-rated Wairoa River

5. Swim with the dolphins off Tauranga's coast

Bay of Plenty Virtual Tour and Video

Click on 'Select View' to view the different Virtual Tours. Click on 'Select Video' to view our guide video.

Getting There

Five miles from the city centre, Tauranga airport serves all other major airports around the country, via Air New Zealand. Flights from Auckland take around 40 minutes, and 75 minutes from Wellington. Budget airline Pacific Blue flies three times a week from Sydney and Brisbane, to Hamilton, from where the Bay of Plenty is an easy 90 minute drive away.

If you prefer a road trip, the region is just a few hours drive from Auckland , and provides a great base from which to explore the central North Island; Rotorua, the Coromandel Peninsula and Lake Taupo are within easy reach.