Summer beckons, The Bay of Plenty is traditionally viewed as an annual Christmas holiday destination for its beaches, beautiful scenery and farm to plate eating culture. Delicious kiwifruit, berry farms, craft breweries, artisan baked goods and deli favourites stock well laden weekend markets. Festivals galore during the summer months create a happy buzz with live music, street entertainers and pop up stalls from Waihi Beach to Opotiki. The rich soil is New Zealand’s fruit basket with avocados, berries and oranges gracing the farm to plate culture of restaurants and cafes.
Linger on art trails, in galleries and studios. The Bay, with its glorious weather has attracted artists, crafty people and creative talent who relish the climate and sense of space the area has to offer.
Unearth the Bay’s secrets and discover places where peace and quiet are guaranteed. And the Bay is a treasure trove of attractions and events year round. Delve into what the Bay has to offer you will not be disappointed.
TAURANGA
The regional hub for the Bay Tauranga & Mount Maunganui naturally attract the majority of visitors with a wealth of attractions from climbing the Mount to watch skydivers and the panoramic views, kayaking to observe glow worms on Lake McLaren or taking a cruise to Matakana Island for a day.
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
Check What’s so great about Kawerau.
Tirohanga Beach Holiday Park
BOOK NOW! CAMPING AND CARAVAN SITES / BUNK ROOMS / CABINS / TOURIST FLATS. Sunny beach front location, dunes trail for kids, cafes and op shops nearby, fishing, large club events. OPOTIKI ACCOMMODATION FOR EVERYONE!
Book now 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
OUTDOORS – TOP PICKS
Apart from the local regional parks of Papamoa Hills Regional Park and McLaren Falls Park there are glorious native bush / forested areas to explore ancient landscapes nearby. For holiday inspiration check out what Whirinaki Forest best bits are or 4 Aongatete Forest special places to visit, things to see and ideas for a road trip to Whitianga with a stop in Aongatete Forest. One of the best ways to explore outdoors for visitors short on time is to check Bay of Plenty 10 short walks.
- 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.
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