BAY OF PLENTY - North Island, New Zealand

The prosperous port city of Tauranga at the western end of the Bay of Plenty is the hub of this region along with its adjoining suburb of Mt Maunganui. Tauranga, blessed with the beautiful Tauranga Harbour, is a strategic port city, is one of the fastest growing cities in Aotearoa today and forms the fifth largest urban area in the country.

The temperate climate initially attracted the retirees, then home business owners and company executives able to work online. This resulted in an affluent society which created demand for more facilities, in turn fuelling the growth of this region, and a great cafe scene.

The peak summer season sees a surge in visitors from December to February. Outside these times, the region is sure to entice you into exploring its delightful offerings. Mt Maunganui township is presided over by its namesake, a spent volcanic force.

In addition to its beautiful beach and a few great walking trails, it is home to a vibrant cafe and bar scene. Tauranga is the best exit point for trips to the Matakana Island and Tuhua Island. There are great commercial operators who take visitors on boats to swim with dolphins, sailing trips and cruises around the harbour.

Just outside the city limits, there are a couple of adventure parks offering quadbiking trips. Kayaking is a favourite pastime. Horse riding is an interesting activity. For the more sedate, there are opportunities for wine tasting and picnicking. There are great swimming spots at McLaren Falls.

In contrast, the eastern Bay of Plenty along the Pacific Coast Highway is a primarily rural setting with orchards and kiwi fruit farms. It is also good sheep country. This region is laidback and slow moving.

The eastern Bay of Plenty is increasingly Maori country. This was where the first Maori reached New Zealand in their waka or canoes. Whakatane is known as the birthplace of Aotearoa.

Te Puke is the Kiwifruit capital of New Zealand. Whakatane is the largest town in eastern Bay of Plenty. It forms a good base to explore the volcanic White Island and the bird reserve of Whale Island. Opotiki forms the gateway to the East Cape in one direction and Gisborne in the other.

Tauranga

Tauranga is the largest port city in western Bay of Plenty with a strategic harbour and a plethora of sights and sounds on offer. It is the fifth fastest growing city in New Zealand today.

Tauranga - More information

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is an adjoining suburb of Tauranga. It has a beautiful beach and a vibrant cafe and bar scene. It lies beneath the extinct volcanic cone of Maunganui which is clearly visible throughout the western Bay of Plenty.

Mt Maunganui - More information

Whakatane

Whakatane is the largest town in eastern Bay of Plenty on the banks of the Whakatane River. It is the best base to make forays into the volcanic White Island and the bird sanctuary of Whale Island.

Whakatane - More Information

White Island

White Island, 50 kms offshore from Whakatane, has some incredible attractions. It has amazing volcanic activity with steam, ash and gas spewing from a crater lake sixty metres below sea level. The crystal clear water around the island makes it an excellent spot for diving.

White Island - More Information

Bay of Plenty Transportation

For western Bay of Plenty, the Tauranga Airport between Tauranga and Mt Maunganui receives visitors on Air New Zealand flights from Auckland and Wellington.

The Tauranga Visitor Centre is on Willow St. The DOC office is on Chadwick Rd. The local Bay Hopper Bus covers most local areas in the vicinity with a half hourly run from Tauranga to Mt Maunganui. Taxis are the common mode of travel after 6pm.

For eastern Bay of Plenty, on State Highway 2, long distance buses between Rotorua and Gisborne stop outside the Whakatane Visitor Centre on the corner of Quay St and Kakahoroa Drive. Whakatane Airport, located 10 kms to the west of the town, receives flights daily from Auckland. There is a local bus service to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

Bay of Plenty Accommodation

Bay of Plenty Activities