Eat your way through the Bay

The Coastal Bay of Plenty knows how to do delicious. Our sunny, warm micro-climate makes perfect growing conditions for fresh local produce and the flourishing population of the region has seen an explosion in incredible eateries you simply have to try.

Drop in at the markets, explore the restaurants and cafés, taste the freshest of fish and discover local artisans of craft beer, cheese, wine, chocolate, berries and kiwifruit.

ItineraryPage.ss

Time

4 Days

Highlights

Explore local markets, restaurants and cafés, taste the freshest produce, sample local craft beers and discover locally produced cheese, wine, chocolate, berries and kiwifruit.

Proximity

By Car:
From Auckland: 2 hours and 45 minutes
From Hamilton: 1 hour and 30 minutes
From New Plymouth: 4 hours and 15 minutes
From Napier: 3 hours and 45 minutes
From Wellington: 6 hours and 30 minutes

 

Interior 2 Claire Massong

1: WAIHĪ BEACH

Burgers or Bali?
Lunch at Waihī Beach is a must-do when you’re in the Bay of Plenty. Try one of New Zealand’s best burgers at the Surf Shack Eatery or delight in the Bali-like splendour of The Secret Garden.

Chocolate Heaven
Watch chocolate being made freshly in front of you at Chez Moi in Waihī Beach. This artisan chocolatier uses beautiful ingredients including Lewis Road products and oranges, lemons and mint from the garden.

Dine with a view
Dine at the stunning beachfront Flatwhite Café. Gorgeous facilities – bar areas, decks, amazing views and delicious food. Open seven days from 8:00 am until late.

Highlights

New Zealand's best burgers, artisan chocolate, beachfront dining.

Harbourside 3 of 25 small

2: KATIKATI, TE PUNA & TAURANGA

Wine tasting

Continue on your Bay of Plenty foodie journey with a wine tasting experience at Leveret Estate in Katikati. Discover the estate’s premium tasting room as the wonderful staff guide you on a journey of their new releases and current vintages. For a truly memorable experience, book a scenic flight and wine tasting combo with Adventure Helicopters for the perfect treat!

Nourish your tastebuds

With a delicious menu, scrummy savoury cabinet options, incredible coffee and the best salads in town, Nourish has something for everyone.

Get off the eaten path

Take a food tour with Taste of Plenty to discover the Bay's hidden foodie gems. Discover locally made ice-cream, honey, cured meats and chocolate while you chat with the producers themselves.

Visit the village

Visit The Historic Village: a collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga set in gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds. These wonderful character buildings are home to over 50 businesses including shops and community organisations. We recommend a coffee at the onsite Whipped Baker (look out for the amazing doughnuts!).

Waterfront dining in the Tauranga CBD

A meal at Harbourside is the perfect end to a day of culinary adventures. Enjoy exquisite cuisine made with the finest organic and local ingredients as you take in views across the blue expanse of the Tauranga Harbour.

Where to stay

Clarence Hotel: Built in 1906, this amazing building was once Tauranga’s Post Office. It has now been refurbished into a boutique 10-room hotel, fine dining restaurant and funky bar and bistro.

Highlights

Wine tasting, doughnuts from The Whipped Baker and waterfront dining.

Tauranga Farmers Market 67 v3

3: TAURANGA & MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Visit the Tauranga Farmer’s Market
Buy direct from Bay of Plenty producers and artisans. Open every Saturday from 07:45 am to 12:00 noon, the Tauranga Farmers Market is the place to go for the freshest local eggs, veggies and fruit, yummy pastries, macadamias, local chutneys, smoked fish and more.

Brunch at Eddie’s and Elspeth
Just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Mount Maunganui, Eddie’s offers amazing coffee and delicious breakfasts while Elspeth Bakery offers speciality pastries made by skilled bakers on site. Yum.

Take a Brewbus Tour
You’re about to experience the brave new world of brewing. The Brewbus experts know where the best local brews are made, they’ll get you right inside the craft beer brewing process and drive you safely as you wet your whistle with some of these delicious pours.

Dinner at Izakai
Izakai Bar & Eatery is a delicious and innovative food fusion story. Blending together Māori and Japanese cuisine with the values of manaakitanga and sustainability, this is a unique dining experience that’s a must-do for foodies. Try a hand-crafted cocktail with true local flavour, take in the subtle and elegant Māori inspired design and taste the food that has everyone talking.

Highlights

Produce markets, epic brunches, craft beer tours and Māori Japanese fusion food.

Mata brewery Flavours of plenty festival

4: WHAKATĀNE & ŌHOPE

Award-winning craft beer
Mata Brewery is a family-owned business serving up unique craft beers, delicious pizzas and bar snacks. It’s a favourite with Whakatāne locals so this is a must-do for true local flavour!

Julian’s Berry Farm
If you’re visiting the Coastal Bay of Plenty in late spring and early summer this iconic destination is an absolute must. Abundant with pick your own berries, baby animals, an excellent cafe and the famous berry ice-creams – Julian's Berry Farm is one of the most charming stops in the region.

Fish of the Day
For the freshest fish and chips, visit Gibbo’s on the Wharf in Whakatāne. Sit beside the Whakatāne harbour and enjoy a true ‘catch and cook’ experience.

 

Highlights

Whakatāne's favourite locally brewed beers, fresh berries & seafood, .