EXPLORE THE BAY BY FOOT
If you love exploring places on foot (or you just love walking), you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of cool short walks all over the Bay of Plenty. Whether you only want to do a short one-hour walk or something slightly longer, there are plenty of options for everyone.
ŌMANAWA FALLS
Te Rere o Ōmanawa (Ōmanawa Falls) is a special place in the rohe of local hapū Ngāti Hangarau, and now, after extensive safety works, the new public walkway is officially open. Walk through lush native bush, past carved pou and tomokanga, before reaching breathtaking lookouts over the powerful waterfall and the wider Ōmanawa Valley.
Duration: Around 45 minutes return (allow extra time for stops).
Start: 103 Ōmanawa Road (car park and information shelter onsite).
Hot Tip: The stairs between lookouts are steep - wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Interpretive panels along the way tell the story of this culturally and ecologically important site.
BOWENTOWN DOMAIN
Enjoy stunning views of the upper harbour, Kaimāī Ranges and the ocean coastline when you walk these tracks. It’s in our nature to celebrate our unique heritage and there are several pā sites dating back hundreds of years within this 128-hectare scenic reserve.
Duration: Anzac Bay to Shelly Bay (30-minutes one way); headland car park to Te Ho pā site (45-minutes return); Anzac Bay-headland loop via Shelly Beach (75-minutes return).
Start at the car park at the end of Bowentown peninsula.
Hot Tip: Anzac Bay and Shelly Bay are safe, sheltered swimming spots so take togs, towels and a picnic with you for an awesome day out.
OROKAWA SCENIC RESERVE
This spectacular coastal track takes you over the headland and down to pōhutukawa-fringed Orokawa Bay. Enjoy panoramic ocean views, lush bush and birdsong along the way. Explore several historic pā sites and old gold mine tunnels.
Duration: Waihī Beach to Orokawa Bay (45-minutes) or push onto William Wright Falls (another 1.5-hours return) or Homunga Bay (2-hours return).
Start: At the northern end of Waihī Beach (avoid high tide and strong swells).
Hot Tip: Wear sturdy walking or running shoes (not jandals) as it’s hilly in places. There’s no toilets or drinking water facilities, and Orokawa’s beach gets deep very quickly so don’t swim here. But trust us, the views are totally worth the trip.
TUAHU KAURI
Walk through regenerating native forest until you reach Tuahu - one of the largest kauri trees in our region. This old Māori route was used as a bridle track in the 1890s and adventurous walkers can explore other day walks and more challenging tracks in the Kaimāī Mamaku Conservation Park.
Duration: 20-minutes one way.
Start: Near the end of Hot Springs Road, 8-kilometres south of Katikati.
Hot Tip: Sapphire Springs Thermal Pools are just up the road so treat yourself to a relaxing soak afterwards.
HAIKU PATHWAY
The Haiku Pathway in Katikati is a short, easy walk that runs along both sides of the Uretara Stream. Along the way, you’ll find over 40 haiku poems, most of them engraved into large river boulders. It’s a flat, stroller-friendly path that’s also great for walking the dog,
Duration: 40 minutes return
Start: Haiku Park in Katikati, 62 Main Road (next to the Robert Harris cafe)
TE REREKAWAU (KAIATE FALLS)
Take your kids on an adventure to see cascading waterfalls and explore this bush-filled ravine. Admire the upper series of falls before continuing downhill to the main lower waterfall. There are several loop tracks which intersect with one another.
Duration: Up to 60-minutes return.
Start: Off Kaiate Falls Road (follow the signposts from Welcome Bay Road).
Hot Tip: This track is well-formed but steep in some places. Take your camera as there are plenty of Instagram opportunities to be had.
MAUAO (MOUNT MAUNGANUI)
No trip to the Coastal Bay of Plenty would be complete without exploring Mauao. The base track is an easy 45-minute stroll and offers stunning scenery (and sometimes marine life!). The hike to the top is about 30-minutes; it's steep but the panoramic views are well worth it.
Duration: base track: 45-minutes; summit: 30-minutes (approximately).
Start: Marine Parade.
Hot tip: Definitely have a camera or your phone handy to take photos, and watch out for seals and little blue penguins frolicking on the rocks.
Download the Mauao Map & Guide to find your way while you explore.
PĀPĀMOA HILLS
Retrace the footsteps of our early Māori settlers by climbing to the summit of the Pāpāmoa Hills. The 360° view is breath-taking and gives you a different perspective on our coastline than from the top of the Mount.
Duration: 60-minutes return.
Start: At the car park off Poplar Lane (off State Highway 2, 17-kilometres south of Tauranga).
Hot Tip: You’ll need to be reasonably fit as it’s steep in places. Take a hat and/or jacket with you as this track’s exposed to the sun and wind. Public toilets are available in the car park.
ŌTANEWAINUKU FOREST
Located just south of Tauranga and Te Puke, Ōtanewainuku Forest offers three family-friendly walking tracks, a peaceful waterfall and a safe home for North Island brown kiwi and endangered kōkako (which are lovingly cared for and protected by volunteers from the Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust).
Duration: Varies, depending on which walk you do.
Start: 667 Mountain Road, Ōropi.
Hot tip: pack your swimming gear! If you walk through to Whataroa Falls, you might want a refreshing dip in the pool at the basin of the falls. Swim to your ability and be aware of your surroundings.