The Bay of Plenty is located on New Zealand's East Coast of our North Island and includes the main towns of: Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Whakatane and Rotorua.
The Bay of Plenty region is of great Maori significance, with a long history of occupation and Pa sites, (Maori villages) that are dotted throughout the region. The Maori are said to have arrived here around 1000 years ago from Hawaiki (thought to be Tahiti).
It was in fact Captain James Cook who gave the region its Bay of Plenty name after his visit here in 1769, due to the abundance of food and fish, and the friendliness of the Maori towards the Endeavour crew.
You will find beaches and bays, forests and volcanic thermal activity in the Bay of Plenty region. You can choose between city life or surfing at Mt Maunganui or visit the Redwood Forest in Rotorua for some Mountain Biking Thermal Style. Or try a spot of fishing for trout at either Lake Tarawera or Lake Rotoiti. Rotorua lays in the heart of the North Island Geothermal area, with Boiling Mud Pools, Geysers as well as the Historical Maori Village of Whakarewarewa.
White Island is located 50 Km's off shore and is a live volcano, Helicopter flights and tours are available from Rotorua and Cruises available from Whakatane. Your visit to White Island will take you to a baron land alive with bubbling mud pools and where the sulphur colours will astound you. Ask us about the best tour to suit you and your budget,
Sub Regions
Waihi
The Town of Waihi became a gold mining town in 1878 and has ever since been hunting for more Gold. You can visit and see New Zealand's richest gold mine, which today is our richest gold mine in operation. The Martha Mine opened back in 1878 and today still produces almost a million dollars of Silver and Gold each and every week. With tours available so you can really see the workings and history of this open mine pit, as awell as a vintage Railway called "The Goldfields". which operates and runs from Waihi to and from Waikino, where you can find interesting displays of relics from the gold rush era. Waihi has some wonderful Heritage Buildings and the town is very proud of its Golden history. You can enjoy a Heritage trail, which shows places of interest. There are a number of restaurants and cafe's for lunch or dinner.
Tauranga
The City of Tauranga is located close to Mount Maunganui and where you have access to an array of marine adventures such as Sailing, Fishing as well as Dolphin Watching in a stunning coastal paradise. Tauranga is the largest city of the Bay of Plenty as well as being one of the fastest growing areas. Tauranga is also has a major port and Cruise Terminal with the World's Cruise Companies using Tauranga as a Cruise Destination. The main downtown area of Tauranga has many cafe's and Restaurants.
Mt Maunganui
The Mount is what the locals affectionately call Mount Maunganui, this is a dormant volcano with walks that lead to the summit and offering wide reaching views of the Pacific Ocean and the local community. This are has a relaxed style with the main beach being located in the town and runs along the Southern end of the peninsula and Tauranga Harbour.
There are sheltered bays which are great for Swimming as well as a good surf beach. You can Fish and take leisure cruises as well as Dolphin tours.
Te Puke
Te Puke is known as our Kiwi Growing Area of New Zealand as this tasty green fruit loves the Climate and is a national fruit. There are two types the Green and Golden Kiwi both with a delicate flavour. You can visit local growers or visit Kiwi 360 for tours and information and all things Kiwi Fruit. www,kiwi360.com
The local area is also has Cattle, Deer, Sheep and Dairy farms as well as local Honey. Why not visit Te Puke explore th local shops and have lunch in one of the many cafes and or Restaurants.
Edgecumbe
The town of Edgecumbe is a small town and around 15 km's west of Whakatane and is a small town that services the local agricultural requirements. But as with all New Zealand offers some lovely pictures of the surrounding plains and the Rangitaiki River, which travel through the main town.
Ohope
Ōhope Beach is one of New Zealand perfect summer destination, with safe waters for swimming and beautiful beach that has 11 km's of walkable sandy beach and is a hidden treasure of the Whakatāne-Ōhope region.
Ohiwa Harbour is one of the most beautiful and natural Harbors off the region and where you can Kayak to explore the islands, whilst the surrounding hills of Ohope have ancient Maori pā sites.
Murupara
The Town of Murupara once was a staging post until the early 1900's when they started to plant the Forests known today as the Kaingaroa Forest. Today this town is a Timber Town and being the main source of work for the local community.
Mainly Maori populated this region offers a great place to see Maori and their way of life. The region has four Maori Marae Meeting Houses and is close to the Whitinaki Forest and Te Urewera National Park which are great for Hiking and Walkers as well as those who wish to fish and enjoy the outdoor life.
Kawerau
Kawerau is a town located in a district surround the great outdoors, with beautiful beaches and Nature walks through unspoiled New Zealand countryside, this is a place where the pace of life slows down.
