Immerse yourself in the Bay of Plenty experience from private retreats, hot springs, quiet walks, funky brewery tours and a day exploring an island sanctuary. For an urban fix enjoy strolling The Promenade, Mount Maunganui people watching, checking out the cafes, restaurants and shops. Enjoy Tauranga’s harbour stairs and find the street art trail for the best photo locations.
WHERE TO TAKE SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHS
- Papamoa Beach sunset as the sun slowly dips beneath the horizon with views in either direction worthy for your memory moments
- Mount Maunganui summit, a classic location with tempting cafes below as a reward for the climb
WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE
- Hairy MClary sculptures, find your inner child and laugh about the stories you read
- Harbour cruises looking towards the Mount & Tauranga
- McLaren park with its spring / autumn foliage, the shimmering lake and quiet walks
- The wetlands boardwalks with the horizon lengthened against the jointed rushes
Read more Top 10 Bay of Plenty walks for inspiration.
INDULGE
Mineral hot pools
Ferns grace the geothermal mineral hot pools entrance. At night soft lighting creates a romantic atmosphere. There are private pools as well as a main pool. You can even book a cabin and stay the night. Fernland Spa offers a quiet private space to relax after a day exploring the Bay of Plenty.
Check out more hot water pools and mineral springs in the Bay of Plenty.
DISCOVER
Sail Away to uninhabited island with Tour of Moutohorā/ Whale Island.
Moutohora / Whale Island is a predator free sanctuary for rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles. Look closely on the sand for bird tracks indicating the threatened tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterel is nearby. Listen to the song of the boisterous tīeke/North Island saddleback and enjoy the views of regenerating bush. The tour includes time to dig an impromptu spa at Onepū Bay, Moutohorā’s secluded hot water beach. Consider the option of snorkelling to discover underwater life.
Your journey starts in Whakatane, a short one hour drive from Tauranga.
RELAX AND REVIVE
OTANEWAINUKU FOREST
An easy forest / bush walk, the rimu loop commences from the carpark. You will pass enormous mature trees, ferns and hear birdsong. Otanewainuku Forest in Oropi is a must-do for nature lovers. The unlogged primeval forest is under the guardianship of Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust. Share their story together and enjoy the peace and quiet of a hidden gem.
KATIKATI HAIKU WALK
Therapy for the soul. Haiku (peace) poems are carved into boulders and etched into the pavement surrounding the park. With the Uretara Stream running through the park, a footbridge and places to sit, contemplate and relax into the moment, the walk is very special. Katikati offers visitors a beach culture away from the bustle of the Mount.
Read more about What’s so great about Katikati, Bay of Plenty
FIND A QUIET BEACH
Bowentown, between Katikati and Waihi Beach is where to escape the crowded popular Waihi & Mount beaches. At the end of the peninsula is the seaside beach community of Bowentown and the Bowentown Domain. Anzac Bay offers plenty of space, coastal walks and relaxation.
Read more What’s so great about Waihi Beach and Camping options in Waihi for those who wish to be near the sea and sand in Bay of Plenty camping places to stay.
OUTDOORS ADVENTURE
A FRESHWATER SHOWER AT HOMUNGA BAY
Feel like stretching the legs and a challenge? Secluded Homunga Bay is a great couples getaway beach destination. Dense pohutukawa forest surrounds the track from the northern end of Orokawa Bay. While the track is well maintained it is steep in parts with good footwear necessary to navigate the path to the quiet beach. Carry water and a daypack with you. Water flows from the rock faces directly onto the beach. The walk requires a medium degree of fitness for the 12 km walk. Check Homunga Bay Walk.
Insect repellent is advised.
EAT, DRINK AND SAMPLE YOUR WAY AROUND TAURANGA
BREWBUS has got you covered for a night’s entertainment.
Meet the brewers in their orchards, hidden in industrial estates or opposite a glorious sandy beach and discover the world of brewing and sample great food along the way.
A good time guaranteed.
STAY – GLAMPING
GLAMPING RETREAT | phoenixvalleyretreat
ROMANTIC STARLIT NIGHTS, a bubbling creek, Phoenix Valley is a little pocket of privacy located a mere 15 minutes from the centre of Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. The luxury campsite is nestled into a fir tree forest on top of a hill looking down across the valley floor – perfectly positioned to capture views of the towering pumice cliffs, and the crystal clear stream running past the poplars lining the banks.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
