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About the Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand

An unspoiled region with an abundance of sunshine, golden sandy beaches and bush clad forestry. Bustling with cafes and shops and offering a myriad of activities, this unforgettable region is host to a wide array of visitors... (click to view a bigger image)

An unspoiled region with an abundance of sunshine, golden sandy beaches and bush clad forestry. Bustling with cafes and shops and offering a myriad of activities, this unforgettable region is host to a wide array of visitors, all keen to embrace in the wonders of the ultimate holiday destination, which is renowned ‘the coast with the most’.

Lots of sun and fertile landscape...
Tauranga is the regions largest residential and commercial area, with profuse sunshine and a fertile landscape, making the township the centre of a large kiwifruit and citrus growing area. It is also home to New Zealand’s largest port providing exportation of timber, paper, fruit and dairy products.

The waters of the surrounding harbour encompass cobble-paved streets, laden with great shops and streetside cafes, while providing a popular base for the recreational sport of fishing.

Game fishing to die for!...
The Bay of Plenty’s premier game fishing waters extend to offshore islands, offering an abundance of fish catches including snapper, kingfish, tuna, marlin, terakihi, hapuka, shark and the giant albacore, (unique to the Bay of Plenty). According to world records, the biggest kingfish and snapper were caught in the Bay of Plenty.

Many fishing charters are operational with experienced guides displaying great knowledge of game fishing destinations. Mayor Island and White Island, New Zealand’s only active island volcano, are two plentiful spots, with Mayor Island being a world-renowned place for fishing. A wide array of sheltered bays and inlets are easily accessible to the enthusiastic diver.

Surf and sand...
Located five minutes from downtown Tauranga is the awe-inspiring form of Mount Maunganui. Renowned for its Maori history and pristine walking tracks, Mauao (meaning ‘caught by light’ in Maori mythology), offers magnificent views ranging from the characteristic fishing wharf and stone jetty, to the many islands encompassing the mountain and the spectacular view from the 232m high summit.

The base track is a simple walk taking approximately one hour to complete, while offering stunning island views of Tuhua (Major Island), Motiti, Mityruju, Motuotau and Karewa Islands. Karewa is the habitual sanctuary of the tuatara, small lizard specie similar to that of larger prehistoric creatures. Various paths leading to the summit range from vertical bush climbs to elevations of a much lesser gradient.

The coastal areas of the Bay of Plenty are an enticement of golden sand and saltwater beaches, while the centre of the Eastern Bay of Plenty provides a rich landscape of farmland and forestry. The mainland boasts mineral hot springs, with two pleasurable complexes located in Tauranga. Wineries are also within close proximity. Mills Reef Winery is a mere ten minutes drive from downtown Tauranga, while Morton Estate Winery is located approximately 50kms Northwest, in the artistic town of Katikati.

Plenty of adventures to get you going!...
There are many exciting activities and attractions within the region including horse riding, jet skiing, jetboating, parasailing, tramping and many more. Thrill seekers can indulge in the tandem skydive plunge from the back of an airplane, or alternatively be catapulted vertically at over 160kms, while securely fastened into the sturdy frame of a bungee/bungy rocket machine.

Island Air adventure fights are available for a breath-taking aerial view of the popular tourist orientated Coromandal Coast, White and Mayor Islands and the impressive Kaimai ranges, which provide a wealth of serene native bush. The vintage auto barn in Te Puke, located 31kms South of Tauranga, offers a spectacular classic car selection, where visitors can view the vehicles at close range.

Boiling mudpools and thermal activity...
Travelling 75kms outside of the Bay's region, will take you on a popular day trip to Rotorua, where you will be surrounded by the unmistakable smell of sulfuric geysers and bubbling mud pools. Rotorua is located in the central North Island and is renowned for it's incredible thermal action and extinct volcanoes. The city portrays a lifestyle rich in Maori culture and visitors are warmly welcomed with traditional Maori concerts and customs.