The best of coast and country
Thirty minutes’ drive from Tauranga is Te Puke – the beating heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. Explore its unique character, visit a stunning waterfall, and then enjoy some seasonal Italian cuisine in Paengaroa. Afterward, it’s just a hop, skip and jump to historic Maketū, landing place of one of the Bay of Plenty’s founding waka (canoes).
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TAURANGA TO TE PUKE
Start your Western Bay adventure with a delicious breakfast in Te Puke. Stop by Dolce Bakery & Café for freshly baked pastries, doughnuts and great coffee. Or head to The Daily Café, where the atmosphere will leave you feeling good in more ways than one – the café serves delicious food and coffee (kiss the keto diet goodbye when you spot their cheese scones) but it is so much more. Run by the local community, The Daily partners with charitable organisations to make sure they give back and stick to a wholesome, green ethos.
3 Commerce Lane, Te Puke 3119
EXPLORE TE PUKE
Take a stroll through Te Puke and discover its charm! Start with the shops on Commerce Lane for a bit of local shopping. The kids will love the playground in Jubilee Park, featuring a six-metre-high rope climbing tower resembling a kiwifruit vine. Nearby, older kids can test their skills at the skatepark and basketball half-court.
Looking to stretch your legs? Check out Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway— a 4km loop that’s awesome for walking, running, or cycling. The loop track starts at the Hera Memorial in Jubilee Park and crosses the historic Raymond Bridge. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the iconic kiwifruit slices as you enter the town!
Commerce Lane, Te Puke 3119
Highlights
Shopping, culture, walks
RAPARAPAHOE FALLS
After a delicious breakfast and wander around Te Puke, visit Raparapahoe Falls, a three-metre high waterfall that plunges into a cool and clear pool. This Te Puke gem is accessible by a steep and rough one-kilometre track – it can get slippery so leave your jandals at home. The view from the bottom is breath-taking. Cliffs and a fringe of native punga trees rise sharply above the blue pool of water.
282 No. 4 Road, Te Puke 3183
THE TRADING POST
The Trading Post is a charming Italian Osteria, offering brunch, lunch & dinner. Set in a historical farm cottage in Paengaroa with a cosy garden and a fireplace inside. For something extra special, opt for the chef's choice menu and enjoy a delicious four-course experience, highlighting the best of Italian flavours and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
1 Hall Road, Paengaroa 3189
MAGICAL MAKETŪ
This small seaside village holds a rich history. Almost 1,000 years ago, it was the landing place of the Arawa waka (canoe) and the start of one of the key Māori settlements in the Bay of Plenty. Take a leisurely stroll and look out for the signs that tell you the tales of the village’s past. Discover two of New Zealand’s oldest churches, each with their own unique story to tell. If you're up for a walk, check out Kotukutuku Gully, a short 600-metre walking track that is home to over 20,000 native and exotic trees. Just a short drive away in Maketū, you'll find Newdick's Beach—untouched golden sands and stunning coastal views waiting for you!