Things to do in Bay of Plenty § Attractions, Activities & Places to Visit

ADVENTURE – TOP PICKS

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.

• Rocktopia Clip & Climb Tauranga wet weather attraction
• Dive Whakatane and discover the marine world where an active volcano alters life
• Dolphin Seasafaris swim with the dolphins in the Bay
• Classic Flyers open cockpit flight is sheer adrenaline
• Take the plunge and float over the Bay with SkyDive Tauranga
• Discover canoe slalom racing on the Kawarau River, seriously social adrenaline adventure. TIP: Check What’s so great about Kawerau

INDOORS – TOP PICKS

Temptation the name is the Bay with its shops, galleries showing creative talent and markets with its foodie treats.

• Western Bay Museum in Katikati is fun, interactive and a great place for kids
• Tauranga Art Gallery with its kids programme, interactive exhibits and contemporary spaces, plus gift shop
• Shopping in Tauranga / Mount Maunganui – cafes, malls and unique collectables
• Leisurely brunch / lunch on the harbourside cafes / restaurants watching water activities, people and chilling out
• Hot pools trail, doesn’t matter what the weather is the beautiful alkaline mineral water will soak away the chill

• Ohope Scenic Reserve exploration combined with Nukuhou SaltMarsh – Cheddar Bay walk
• Cycle the shared pathways along the Bay, the must-do Tauranga CBD to Mount Maunganui
• Whirinaki Forest Park and waterfall loop track, listen to the bird song
• Cycle or walk the Dunes trail with its ocean coastal landscape. TIP: Whakatane to Opotiki is extraordinary
• Discover Opotiki’s Hukutaia Domain walk with its ancient native trees and the place where bones were once buried
• Climb the Mount and walk the base of Mount Maunganui and enjoy the contrast between the bustle of Main Beach and Pilot Bay

FAMILIES – TOP PICKS

The Bay of Plenty is ideal for families with the range and diversity of attractions for kids, adults and family members.

• Evening glow worm kayak on Lake McLaren
• Waimarino Water Adventure Park is a must-do
• Discover Maori heritage at Mataatua Meeting House
• Learn to surf with the kids at Waihi beach
• Follow art trails in Katikati and Tauranga, selfie moments galore
• Picnic on Pilot Bay’s foreshore watching container ships ply their trade
• Te Puna Quarry park and find whimsical creatures on the pathways

• Climb the Mount together for the iconic sunset photo op
• Soak away the sweaty glow in the Mount Hot Salt-Water Pools
• Cruise the harbour with Kewpie on a cute 1950’s vintage boat to Matakana Island
• Follow the hot pools trail and discover quiet places where privacy is a given
• Find Christmas fairy dust year round in Te Puke & find a special memento
• Cruise the Bay (from Whakatane) and dig your own hot pool on Moutohora (Whale Island)

Waihi Beach hosts a summer festival season with the beach the place to hang out. Nearby Katikati joins in the fun with weekend markets and street art for beach goers who need a change of scenery. Savour the sheer enormity of Papamoa Beach with over 16 km of white sandy beach to find a quiet space for yourself and family.

Ohope Beach is an ode to summer with the choice of the safe estuary harbour beach or the Ohope Beach with its summer scene, lifeguards and the thread of cafes. For visitors short on time check Bay of Plenty top 5 beaches where to get a taste of beach culture and beach buffs who want the quiet beaches with space to spare check out Bay of Plenty beaches, places to go.

• Athenree Holiday Park has a marvellous suite of hot pools and they are complimentary for guests camping in the park
• The Mount Hot Water Pools has a must-go attraction with its hot salt-water baths a welcome respite after trudging up the summit to take in the panoramic views
• Oropi is another treat with accommodation and hot pools tempting visitors to stay awhile
• Omokoroa is a hidden treasure with hot pools and camping grounds
• Awakeri Campground rustic setting is home to an authentic kiwi hot pool where the spectacular bush setting is part of the package deal
• Fernland Spa Mineral Pools and campgrounds are a quiet lovely surprise in suburban Tauranga

ITINERARIES AND ROAD TRIPS

The Bay of Plenty is an invitation to let the hair down, wind down the window and take to the road.

Find out what the Bay has to offer on an art, craft and culture trail where living in Maori culture is a contemporary experience for visitors or find a historic homestead 19th century settlers once called home. The Bay with its temperate climate, lush landscapes is a mecca for artists with studios, street art and workshops to linger in. Read more Bay of Plenty art, craft and culture road trip and Bay of Plenty five day family road trip.