The north island's ​​Bay of Plenty - on New Zealand's north eastern coast - has a year-round mild climate and long sandy beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

 

Located at the entrance to one of New Zealand's largest natural harbours is the Bay of Plenty’s main city Tauranga, also situated beside Mauao / Mount Maunganui - a sacred Māori mountain that’s popular for walking.

Coastal towns Papamoa & Mount Maunganui, very popular summer beach holiday destinations, offer outdoor activities from surfing to fishing to diving and offer beaches with beautiful stretches of white & golden sand.

 

The first Māori settled in the Bay of Plenty in the late 13th / 14th century. As legend tells, they arrived from their spiritual homeland Hawaiki on three waka (canoes) - Te Arawa, Takitimu and Mataatua. Many Bay of Plenty Māori trace their descent back to these canoes. 
The region’s west were settled by the iwi (tribes) of Ngaiterangi, Ngati Ranginui, and Ngati Pukenga from the Mataatua and Takitumu canoes. The east and south to Rotorua were inhabited by Te Arawa descendants.

 

Rotorua is New Zealand's geothermal region and delivers a wealth of mud pools, geisers, attractions and entertainment to keep you interested for days.  A very popular tourist attraction Rotorua has earned itself international status since the arrival of early settlers in the late 1800's.  Enjoy one of the many thermal baths available publically or from the comfort of your own hotel with many hotels and motels pumping geothermal activity into their communal pools as an added service to their patrons.  

Whakatane, an hour and a half's drive east has a wealth of culture, geothermal activity and early heritage for you to enjoy as the opportunity to enjoy the infamous White Island where you can experience a live volcano close up on one of the many day trips available.

 

Mount Maunganui has long been a favourite summer holiday choice for New Zealanders and interrnational tourists. The Mount's "Main Beach", a long white sand beach, holds many activities during summer from beach volleyball through to thundercat racing.  Main Beach is also the busiest surf break in the region. 

 

A beautifully warm climate, white and golden sand beaches and a laid back lifestyle makes the Bay of Plenty a year round destination.

 

 

Bay of Plenty consists of 11 main townships, within three sub-regions.

 

Please click on the region below to go to the area applicable, within the box you'll find the towns relative to the region in question.   Travel distances between sights averages from 30mins to 1hr.