Things To Do Bay Of Plenty

New Zealand

42 out of 52 Places to visit in New Zealand

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Places To Visit In Bay Of Plenty

Waihi Beach

Waihi Beach is a beachside village at the northern tip of the Bay of Plenty. It is 9km of beautiful coastline dotted with many eateries, shops, and boutiques. You can hire a bike to cycle down to Anzac Bay or Bowentown, well-known for beautiful calm waters. Here you can try paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. It is 40 minutes from the north of Tauranga and is considered an old-school kiwi beach holiday. Visitors come here for a relaxed holiday with ice cream, fish, and chips and stay at holiday parks. There are multiple cycle pathways around the beach suitable for all ages. You can swim all day in the waves, go fishing and even collect shellfish. At the north of Waihi Beach is Orokawa Bay which is secluded and only a short walk away. Enjoy a picnic at the beach or venture further inland to William Wright Falls. The Trig Walk is close to this spot, which is a 3km return trail that takes about 90 minutes. At the top, you can enjoy views overlooking Waihi Beach. Another walk is the 20-minute Water Reservoir loop, a flat walk around the Waihi Beach reservoir. Read More

Dolphin Watching

Tauranga is a beautiful coastal paradise located in the Bay of Plenty. This New Zealand destination features white sandy beaches, clear water and you can experience full-day wildlife cruises. You can spot dolphins, seals, whales and even go swimming with the dolphins as the Bay is home to hundreds of pods. In the Bay of Plenty you can spot different marine species such as bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, pilot whales, different marine birds as well as turtles. Boat cruises in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga are a true kiwi nature experience. You can also watch out for New Zealand’s blue penguins, sunfish, school fish, albatross and sharks. The Captain and crew offer educational commentary about marine wildlife. Many cruises offer wet suits and snorkelling equipment. Summer is the best time to spot all kinds of marine life. There are half-day cruises, full-day cruises as well as private charters available. Many tours depart from the Tauranga Wharf. You may also spot leatherback turtles which are the largest species of turtles in the world. Read More

Katikati is a small town located between Waihi Beach and Tauranga and is the perfect stop when you enter the Bay of Plenty. This town is known as ‘New Zealand’s Mural Town’ as various murals are painted across walls and commercial buildings. There are many sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, and carvings on display all across town. They pay homage to early Maori residents and depict the history of Maori. Here, you can see about sixty pieces of art that depict the history of Katikati. Katikati is about a 30-minute drive north of Tauranga and it is a very green town, surrounded by orchards and farmland. This rural town was discovered by settlers from Ulster, Ireland but the Maori had been living here long before European settlers. The volcanic soils are ideal for kiwis and avocadoes and the town is also known as the ‘Avocado Capital of New Zealand’ as the majority of fruit production comes from here. Katikati has grown in popularity in recent years and this relaxed town is a great place to visit. Read More

Matakana Island

Matakana Island is one of the largest coastal islands located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty and stretches across 20 kilometers of land. The island is nestled between the thick pine forest on the Pacific Ocean side and the Tauranga Harbour. This island offers a unique experience and you can go fishing, swimming and surfing. Matakana Island is well known for its beach breaks and a powerful north-easterly swell provides for great sand barrels. This long, thin slice of paradise offers white sandy beaches, orchards, farmlands and pine forests. You can get there by jet ski or private boat cruise from the wharf at Matakana that can also drop you there and pick you up later. The island is inhabited by Maori tribes associated with the Ngai Te Rangi for centuries. This tranquil harbor also has a nesting site on its surf side for various seabirds and you can also spot the endangered New Zealand dotterel. Visiting the inner side of the harbour is also possible on a guided tour that includes a ferry trip and you can experience a unique vantage point of Mount Maunganui and Tauranga. Read More

Motiti Island is a small island located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty and has a rich but divided history. It is 21 kilometers northeast of the coast of Tauranga and currently has about 30 permanent residents. The island has many beautiful sheltered coves and inlets. It also features many avocado orchards and agricultural farms on private land. You can visit this island to go swimming, diving, paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking or just to relax. Many marine wildlife day-cruises stop by this island due to the abundance of marine life. You can spot many tropical fish, sunfish and dolphins when visiting Motiti Island. Boat cruises do not land on the island out of respect for the islanders. There are Pohutukawa trees along the foreshore of the island which has a mixed Maori and European population. The island is composed mainly of volcanic rocks and is a relatively flat island. It is also a habitat of the tuatara species. The south-eastern part of the island has a famous wreckage Taioma which sunk in the early aughts. Read More

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is a coastal paradise town located in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. The most iconic point is Mount Maunganui, Mauao, which rises 232 meters above sea level. There is a walking track to the summit of this extinct volcano which takes 30 minutes and you can enjoy sweeping views across the Bay of Plenty. At the base of the mount is the Main Beach where you can enjoy white sand beaches which are great for surfing and sunbathing. It is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland and a 1-hour drive from Rotorua. If you aren’t keen on an uphill climb to the Mount, try the Mauao Base Track which is a short popular walk and boasts good photo opportunities. There are a number of different naturally heated Hot Salt Water Pools at the base of Mauao which are popular for a relaxing soak. There are a number of beachfront cafes, boutiques, bars, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy just a few minutes away at Mount Mainstreet. You can also occupy yourself with dive trips, fishing, blokarting, or book a surf lesson. The Gourmet Night Market is famous for its fresh produce and local selection of foods. Many beachside festivals, concerts, and sporting events take place throughout the year. There is another swimming spot at Pilot Bay on the harbor side, and you can spot cruise ships leaving the harbor. Read More

Moutohora Island, also known as Whale Island is one of New Zealand’s most restricted wildlife sanctuaries located in the Bay of Plenty. This island is pest-free and you can spot many endangered birds, reptiles and plants. It is also a great fishing and diving destination. It is managed by the Department of Conservation but many local tours are allowed to run sightseeing trips. You can also treat yourself to a soothing dip in a geothermal spring at Onepu Bay which is the island's secluded hot water beach. Visitors can keep an eye out for endangered species like the tuturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel), North Island Saddleback (tieke), red-crowned parakeet (kakariki) and tuatara as you make your journey on this island. There are also hot springs at Sulphur Bay. There is fully-trained crew that can guide you across the island and part of many local tour ticket fares goes to the Department of Conservation in their effort to maintain the island. You can also go on dolphin and whale watching tours around the island that depart from Whatakane. Read More

Ohope Beach is 11 kilometers of white sand beach that is flat, easily walkable, and located in the Bay of Plenty. It starts at the Ohiwa Harbour entrance and goes to the West End. The western end, commonly known as West End, is great for kids as the sand slopes very gradually into the sea. It is known for being one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. Ohope Beach is only a 6km drive from Whakatane. It is situated among Pohutukawa trees and has an offshore view of volcanic islands. Otarawairere Bay is a hidden gem in the Ohope area. The Otarawirere Beach is secluded and accessible only by kayaking or walking. It is a 10–15-minute walk and 10-minute kayak trip away from the western end. It is a great spot for kayaking, surfing, or just relaxing. The hills around feature many Maori Pa sites, and the Tauwhere Pa site at the turning to Opotiki is famous. There are two beachfront camping spots at the eastern end of Ohope Beach, where you can also visit the Ohiwa Harbour. The harbor is also a great spot for birdwatchers, and you can spot curlews, oystercatchers, bitterns, herons, plovers, and other birds. The best way to go birdwatching is to hire a kayak or join a guided tour. Read More

Papamoa Beach is 16 kilometers of white sandy beach with walking tracks that provide sweeping views of the Coastal Bay of Plenty. Nature lovers can drive to the base of Te Rae-o-Papamoa, which translates to Papamoa Hills Regional Park. There are numerous trails, but the most popular one will take you to the 224 meters high summit, where you can enjoy 360° views of the Bay of Plenty. The Papamoa Hills was once a complex system of Maori Pa sites, and you can look out for terracing as you make your way to the top. This is a rapidly growing Tauranga region area located just down the coast from Mount Maunganui. The area is dotted with many dining options, shopping and happening bars, premium quality coffee, and brunch spots. Fashion Island and Papamoa Plaza are the hot spots for shopping, restaurants, and brunching. There are many options for beachfront accommodation and a beachfront camping site. The beach is ideal for fishing, surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and other outdoor activities. You can also dig around the beach for pipi, which is popular among surfers. Read More

Te Puke

Te Puke is a small town in the Bay of Plenty located 30 minutes away from Tauranga and is known as the kiwifruit capital of the world. It is a horticulture hub located between beautiful beaches and hills filled with walking tracks. Kiwifruit is a natural delicacy produced here; hundreds of local farmers export kiwifruit all around the world. Kiwi is a superfruit that is one of the biggest exports of New Zealand, and kiwifruit got a boost in production here during the 1970s. You can experience a working kiwifruit orchard and sample what real kiwifruit tastes like. The land here is fertile, and the people are friendly. You can take beautiful pictures of rural New Zealand. Farmers here also grow feijoas, lemons, oranges, and about 1000 avocado orchards. Read More