Beyond the glittering Strand of Tauranga and golden sands of Mount Maunganui, the Bay of Plenty, true to its name, has plenty to offer visitors.

Action-packed adventures

If you're craving excitement, the Bay of Plenty is sure to delight you.

  • Learn to surf in the playful waves off Mount Maunganui's world-famous white sand beaches with one of the reputable surf schools in the region.
  • Go fishing. Catch a charter boat to the waters off Motiti and Tuhua (Mayor Island) in search of a deep-water catch, or stay on land and drop a line off Salisbury wharf in Mount Maunganui's Pilot Bay. 
  • Jump on a boat to see and swim with the region's friendliest dolphins with one of the many tour operators in the region.
  • Enjoy a guided kayaking trip on the Tauranga Harbour, Wairoa River, or a night-time glow worm tour on Lake McLaren.
  • Dare yourself to take a white-water rafting trip on the lively Wairoa River, which has several grade-five rapids.
  • Mountain bike the Dunes trail beside the sparkling Pacific with panoramic views spanning to the ranges of the East Cape. 
  • Mountain bike through Oropi Grove or Tauranga’s TECT All Terrain Park where you can also test your balance at Adrenalin Forest high wire adventure course.

Get close to nature and wildlife

Boasting the sunniest climate in the North Island, the Bay of Plenty is a great place to enjoy the outdoors year-round - whether you want to challenge your fitness or simply seek out the perfect picnic spot.

  • Swim with dolphins and seals, and watch whales play in their natural habitat
  • Visit Kaiate Falls in Welcome Bay, a beautiful native bush reserve where the river runs through a series of stunning waterfalls.
  • Take a walk on Moturiki Island, which connects to the main beach at Mount Maunganui. During an easterly swell, the blow hole puts on a spectacular show.
  • Visit McLaren Falls, 170 hectares of lake land reserve. It's stunning in any season.

 

Urban lifestyle meets beachside relaxation

Just five minutes apart, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui offer a brilliant combination of urban lifestyle and beachside relaxation.

  • Follow the walking track to the top of Mount Maunganui (Mauao) for truly breathtaking views.
  • Experience the nightlife on The Strand in Tauranga with live music, pubs, and clubs.
  • Enjoy a day on the sand at Mount Maunganui's Main Beach, or along the calm waters of Pilot Bay.
  • Browse the designer stores in Tauranga's business district or the surf shops and wonderful gift galleries along the Mount Main Street. 

 

Local flavour

The Bay of Plenty has a great mix of local and world-class cuisine. Fresh seafood is a specialty in many restaurants due to the regions' proximity to the sea.

  • The Strand along the waterfront in Tauranga offers everything from the region's best fish and chips to premium Steak Houses and up-market bars to authentic cultural cuisine.
  • Across the harbour bridge, you'll find exceptional cafes on the beachfront opposite the Mount's main beach, as well as on Maunganui Road in the shopping district - a great selection of fine dining as well as a casual 'beachie' vibe.
  • Explore local viticulture at two award-winning wineries - Morton Estate in Katikati and Mills Reef in Tauranga. Both offer free wine tasting.
  • Take a tour around a working kiwifruit orchard with Kiwi 360.
  • Visit the award-winning Fresh Fish Market on Dive Crescent for some of the country's freshest, tastiest fish and chips.
  • During harvest time, stop at a roadside stall to pick up your fruit and veggies, fresh from the growers' gardens.

History, Art and Culture

Arts figure prominently in Tauranga, with the main gallery and creative quarters located in the city centre.

  • Experience the historic walkway Ngā Tapuwae o Toi (in the footsteps of Toi). Starting and finishing in Whakatāne, this superb 16-kilometre walk takes in sea cliffs, ancient pā sites, bird colonies, remote bays and pohutukawa forest.
  • The Tauranga Art Gallery(opens in new window) on the corner of Wharf and Willow Streets delivers exhibitions of historical, modern and temporary art.
  • Learn about the region's history at the Elms Mission House.
  • Visit the famous battle site of Gate Pā on the edge of Tauranga. 
  • Pick up a mural guide map from Katikati's information centre, then stroll the streets to inspect the town's hand-painted murals.
  • Take a look at the works of master Māori carvers along the main street of Ōpōtiki.

 

Where to next?

Hamilton

Taupō