The north island's Bay of Plenty coastal holiday atmosphere attracts Kiwis and international visitors looking for relaxed New Zealand seaside holidays.
The Bay of Plenty region has fertile soils and a warm climate making it an ideal location for the cultivation of produce. Kiwifruit is a delicacy in some countries and the small town of Te Puke is New Zealand's kiwifruit capital. The Bay of Plenty grows most of New Zealand's kiwifruit, as well as grapes, avocados, citrus and subtropical fruits.
The Bay of Plenty has a rich heritage of Māori culture with sacred spots such as Papamoa Hills, Mauao and Maketu, and many pa (fortified village) sites. There are a variety of guided tours to many of these historic sites which highlight the area’s cultural history. Mauao "Mt Maunganui", the sacred mountain at the harbour entrance to Tauranga, translates as ‘caught in the light of the day’.
Māori legend says that the once nameless mountain was spurned in love by another mountain, "Pūwhenua". One night Mauao begged the fairy-like creatures of the forest to take him to the ocean and bring an end to his misery, but the fairy-like creatures fled as the morning's sun-rays struck causing Mauao to be transfixed to his spot.
The Bay of Plenty has year-round outdoor activities in its rich marine environment including swimming with dolphins, fishing for snapper, hapuku, kingfish, and marlin around Mayor Island (Tuhua), as well as deep-sea fishing at Motiti.
New Zealand’s only active marine volcano - White Island - lies off the Whakatane coast. Accessible only by air or boat, there are regular guided tours that explore the island and the active crater edge.
A favourite cruise ship destination, the Bay of Plenty has lots to offer the visiting tourist.
"The Bay of Plenty has year-round outdoor activities including swimming with dolphins or fishing for snapper,"
MT MAUNGANUI - Tauranga
A warm climate, beautiful beaches and matching lifestyle make the Bay of Plenty a year-round destination for active or relaxing holidays.
Mount Maunganui, or ’The Mount’ as the locals call it, has long been a favourite summer holiday choice. Main beach, a long white sand beach, is the scene of many activities from beach volleyball to thundercat racing. It’s also the busiest surf break in the region. If the beach is not your thing there are a variety of stylish shops to choose from in the township.
Location: Just over the bridge from Marsh St out of Tauranga, SH 2.
Hours: 24
Prices: free
Photo courtesy of Chris McLennan
HORSE TREK - Tauranga
There are a variety of scenic Horse treking options available throughout Tauranga. Enjoy your day meandering through Tauranga's beautiful native bush in one of the surrounding towns.
Treks can range from half and hour to 4 days and pricing can vary between $35 to $195.
Photo courtesy of Ian Trafford
HAIKU PATHWAY - Katikati
Popular with locals, national and international visitors the Haiku Pathway is the largest collection of haiku 'stones' outside Japan and the only haiku pathway in the Southern Hemisphere.
Situated along both sides of the Uretara Stream behind Katikaiti's main street, the pathway is a tranquil spot featuring a specially designed footbridge across the stream and consists of engraved rocks and boulders.
The pathway is one of New Zealands Millennium Projects.
Location: KatiKati Township, behind main street.
Hours: 24
Price: free
MCLAREN FALLS PARK - Kaimai
McLaren Falls Park is a 190 hectare pastoral and horticultural park set alongside Lake McLaren. The park is very popular for camping, fishing, kayaking, wedding photos, picnics, bush walks and summertime concerts and home to one of the best botanical collections of trees in the North Island.
If you take the Waterfall Track you can see glow worms after dusk, very enjoyable, strolling to the beautiful waterfall whilst spotting glow worms on either side of the track.
There are camping areas available and a number of barbeques that you can use.
Location: 29 McLaren Falls Rd, Kaimai. Take State Highway 29 (the main road to Hamilton), drive 10 minutes and then turn left into McLaren Falls Road.
Hours: Summer 7.30am - 7.30pm -Winter 7.30am - 5.30pm
Price: free - camping $5
Web: http://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council-facilities/parks-reserves/parks-in-your-area/mclaren-falls-park.aspx
Photo courtesy of Tauranga City Council
TE PUNA QUARRY PARK - Tauranga
Te Puna Quarry Park is the realisation of an abandoned quarry transformed into a scenic park rich with native and exotic trees, plants and flowers. Here you'll explore numerous garden areas complete with ponds and sculptures all accessible by walking trails which enable you to take in the surroundings.
From the upper level of the park you'll have views over the Bay of Plenty.
Location: Quarry Rd. | Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Price: admission by donation
Hours: 10am till 4pm
VINEYARDS
There are a selection of vineyards throughout the Bay of Plenty where you can taste their selections of wines.
Always an enjoyable day out, spend your day relaxing in the Bay of Plenty climate whilst sipping many a delectable option of wine, just be sure to either choose a tour guide or find an alternative option to driving.
The best way to find winery tour service providers is to visit the local information centre.
MARSHALLS ANIMAL PARK - Tauranga
Marshalls Animal Park consists of a 35 acre (14 ha) park homed by various friendly domestic and exotic farm animals, including horses, Tibetan yaks, African ostriches and Texas longhorns.
The park also features picnic spots, a playground and flying fox, and a shop with snacks and drinks.
Location: McLaren Falls Rd, RD 1, Tauranga
Hours: weekdays 10am till 4.30pm - Wed & Thur 10am -2pm
Price: Adults $12, Child $6, Family $32 (2-2)
THE BAYCOURT COMMUNITY & ARTS CENTRE
- Tauranga
The Baycourt Community & Arts Centre caters year round to various performances, events and exhibitions. Features within this modern facility include the Centennial Theatre, the Exhibition Space and the Terrace Rooms.
Visit the Baycourt and check out whats available to view while in Tauranga, there may be a show or exhibition that could be enjoyable.
Location: 38 Durham Street, downtown Tauranga.
Price: Varies depending on show or exhibition
Hours: vary on show
ELMS MISSION HOUSE - Tauranga
The Elms Mission House lends insight into the European settlement of New Zealand.
A handsome Georgian mission house, the Elms was built in 1847 for the Church Missionary Society, the house consists of a complete grand library, which is the oldest freestanding library in the country.
The house is adorned with its original decor, furniture and personal trinkets.
Location: 15 Mission Street, Tauranga
Hours: 9am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri.
Price: free
TAURANGA ART GALLERY - Tauranga
Tauranga Art Gallery was the first public art gallery in the western Bay of Plenty, the Gallery showcases comprehensive and progressive exhibitions including historical, modern and contemporary art.
Location: Cnr Wharf & Willow Sts, Tauranga,
Hours: 10am to 4.30pm 7 days (except Christmas).
Price: free, exhibits may charge.
THE STRAND - Tauranga
Along the inner harbour-front, located in central downtown Tauranga you'll find The Strand, a bustling strip lined with popular restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. Here you'll find energy buzzing day and night.
For those who prefer to shop there are a variety of shops that you can drift in and out of throughout your day, an attractive area which is enhanced on a nice day by the warm climate.
Then return in the evening to enjoy a meal from one of the many great restaurants available or visit one of the night clubs on offer.
Location: The Strand, Tauranga.
Hours: 24
Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Te Puke, Greeton, Papamoa, katikati.
Tauranga Sights
Rob Suisted
