Number 11 is indulgence and a touch of adventure, a perfect combo
Number 1 is unmissable … and great for families
ADVENTURE 11 TOP PICKS IN THE BAY OF PLENTY
The balmy weather, the year round temperate climate encourages visitors to get out and into the action whether on the water, in the air or through forests. Adventure activities embrace the chance to soar in a hot air balloon, fly a classic World War I vintage plane or dive among sub-tropical reefs. There are plenty of things to do from a helicopter flightl to testing your climbing skills on a roped course at Adrenaline Forest. Discover that adventure is sky high with SkyDive Tauranga with thrills, views and exhilaration building holiday memories.
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Classic Flyers open cockpit flight is sheer adrenaline
Grab the opportunity to suit up and enjoy the thrill of flying a vintage World War I fighter plane. The Classic Flyer Museum is outstanding. It is not a polished museum rather a living place where restoration takes place in front of visitors. The Classic Flyer Museum and complex sums up the experience aptly as a place aiming higher than first class.
… Read more Classic Flyer Museum attractions, things to do
LOCATION
Tauranga Regional Airport precinct.
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Dive Zone Whakatane and discover the marine world where an active volcano alters life
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KAITUNA CASCADES RAFTING
Take the plunge, unleash the holiday spirit and raft the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world with Kaituna Cascades Rafting. The Kaituna River is home to Tutea Falls, a roaring juggernaut 7 metre high waterfall daring the raft to take the drop. Professional rafting guides enjoy finding your wild side as you take on the challenge of Tutea. No rafting experience is needed, all that is required is a change of clothes.
LOCATION
Tauranga to Okere Falls (Katuna Cascades Rafting).
60 km, 52 minues.
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Dolphin Seasafaris swim with the dolphins in the Bay
Dolphin Seafaris offers amazing encounters with dolphins using safe swim bars to hold on to while in the water. This is an unforgettable dolphin excursion that is perfect for the whole family. Dolphin Seafaris ecotours depart daily during the summer season from November to May. Included in the price is your wet-suit and snorkelling gear hire, as well as hot drinks. Free parking is available at Tauranga Bridge Marina from where tours depart. Winter tours tours explore the marine world of seals, penguins, albatross, whales and dolphins. Tours are weather dependent and a minimum number of 10 passengers is required.
Ethical statement
There is not guarantee that you will be able to swim with the dolphins, as Dolphin tours are regulated by the Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Permit. There are times when legally and ethically you can not swim with dolphins.
LOCATION
Tauranga Boat Marina, Berth D1, 101 Te Awanui Drive, Mt Manganui.
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SkyDive Tauranga TAKE THE PLUNGE AND FLOAT OVER THE BAY
The broad sweep of Mt Manganui Main Beach, Pilot Bay and Mt Manganui summit with the glint of kiwifruit orchards and rural views create a patchwork of colour and light for your skydive experience. It’s stunning. The tandem dive starts with a flourish. A scenic flight of 20 – 25 minutes swoops over the Bay of Plenty with Mount Ruapehu and Rotorua lakes on the horizon. Then its freefalling, tandem skydiving with an experienced jumper at 200km/h. The sky’s the limit with this adventure.
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DISCOVER CANOE SLALOM RACING ON THE KAWARAU RIVER
Canoe slalom racing is seriously social adrenaline adventure. Kawerau has a purpose built venue for canoe slalom racing with a whitewater slalom course. It has recently been upgraded with a new viewing walkway and electronic timing system. The Tarawera River sits at the foot of Putauaki and passes through a stunning scenic reserve. Perfect for casual paddlers and spectators to enjoy the action on the river. Contact the visitor information centre for details.
Check What’s so great about Kawerau for details.
LOCATION
Kawerau Visitor Centre for further information.
Paddle a sea kayak for comfort while on the placid waters of Lake McLaren and the Wairoa River. The stunning Mangapapa Canyon is home to glowworms and deep mossy falls. The popular tour depart at sunset to maximise the sense of timelessness as glowworm lights bounce light back from the darkened water creating a multitude of pin pricking lights. It’s a great introduction to Lake McLaren. McLaren Falls park is one of the Bay of Plenty’s hidden gems. It is home to one of NZ’s most diverse botanical collection of trees. There are day time kayak tours on Lake Rotoiti, Lake McLaren and the Wairoa River.
LOCATION (pick up from Tauranga)
Tauranga to Lake McLaren distance (driving).
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LAKE KARAPIRO and Mighty River Domain
Kayak to hidden waterfalls or join an early evening exploration of secret glowworm caves. Discover where crowds relax on grassy banks watching New Zealand’s premier water sports venues. Lake Karapiro, Mighty River Domain is the venue for sporting and cultural events. Explore the stunning location with Boatshed Kayaks on either a guided or self-guided tour.
LOCATION
Tauranga to Mighty River Domain distance.
78 km 1 hour 10 minutes.
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ROCKTOPIA CLIP & CLIMB Tauranga wet weather attraction
Need to get indoors then Rocktopia is the place to be.
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ADRENALINE FOREST BAY OF PLENTY
Climb your way to success at 20 metres above ground level. Adrenaline Forest offers beginners small steps at 1 metre above ground level. Visitors build confidence with each swing bridge, rope nets to cross and flying foxes to navigate. For the intrepid and experienced enthusiasts take up the challenge of 20 metres above ground level in the tree canopy. Grab the opportunity to participate in a multi-level aerial obstacle course where you decide what your limits are.
LOCATION
Adrenaline Forest Bay of Plenty is located in TECT, All Terrain Park, Pyes Pa Rd, Tauranga.
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ADVENTURE HELICOPTERS – SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
Fly like a bird and grab a scenic helicopter flight. Take off from Tauranga Airport and see the Bay from above with Adventure Helicopters. A popular flight is 30 minutes with whistle stop aerial views of Papamoa hills, Kaimai Ranges, Matakana beach and the Mount. There is even time to stop for a photo moment on a quiet beach. Adventure Helicopters has a great safety record with a policy of Twin engine safety operating the modern Bell 427, powered by twin Pratt & Whitney turbine engines. This ensures that in the highly unlikely event of a single engine problem, that a safe landing will be effected.
Check out Things to do in Bay of Plenty § Attractions, Activities & Places to Visit. Diversity and ease of access to the Waikato with its New Zealand top attractions from Sanctuary Mountain, Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton just a short drive away.
Travel pack information
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