Minecraft is coming to life in Aotearoa – and the Coastal Bay of Plenty is your ultimate IRL adventure realm! Get ready for an epic adventure packed with thrills and adrenaline. Start your journey at Waihī Beach if you're coming from Auckland (2-hour drive), or kick things off in Tauranga if you're coming from Rotorua (1-hour drive). Either way, you’re set for four days of stunning views, awesome food, and non-stop excitement. Let’s go.
ItineraryPage.ss
Time
4 Days
Highlights
Skydive, MTB, Ōmanawa Falls, whitewater rafting, surfing, Mount Maunganui, waterfalls, glow worms, TECT Park
1. EXPLORE WAIHĪ BEACH
Check in at Bowentown Beach Holiday Park. Choose a Kombi Cabin for a fun vibe or opt for a villa. Either way, you’ll be right on the beach, ready to hit the sand.
Walk the Orokawa Bay Walk, a 45-minute walk each way through lush bush with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail takes you past towering pōhutukawa trees, kauri, and nikau palms, with the sounds of native birds all around. Once you reach Orokawa Bay, take a break under the trees on a beach that often feels like it’s all yours. The 30-metre-high William Wright Falls is another 45-minutes inland from the northern end of the bay. You’ll need to cross several streams and climb over a few rocks along the way, so make sure to wear good footwear.
For dinner, pop into Flatwhite Café — an absolute beachfront spot with stunning views out to Tuhua (Mayor) Island and the ever-changing ocean.
2. EPIC THRILLS
Drive to Tauranga (about a 1-hour drive) and start your day at Breadhead (2a Saint John Street, Tauranga), where you can grab a delicious breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead.
For something unforgettable, take the Skydive Tauranga experience — 15,000 feet of freefall with one minute of pure adrenaline and views of Tauranga that’ll blow you away. Or, if you’re more into water activities, go on a Riverbug NZ tour and ride the rapids through hidden canyons, drifting past stunning cascading waterfalls.
Check in at Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers in Mount Maunganui for a chilled place to stay. For lunch, you’ve got options: Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina, Rice Rice Baby, or Hello Banh Mi — all local spots with great food and vibes. Head to Mauao (Mount Maunganui), the dormant volcano in the heart of Mount Maunganui. The hike up to the summit is one of New Zealand’s most Instagrammed spots, and the view from the top will leave you speechless. Spend the afternoon exploring the shops on Mount Mainstreet, with surf shops, cosy cafés, and quirky gift shops to discover. For the evening, dive into the bars and restaurants of Mount Maunganui. There are plenty of spots to unwind after an action-packed day.
3. OCEAN, GLOW WORMS & BREWS
Start your morning with an SUP lesson with Mauao Adventures or surf lesson — perfect for getting in the water and trying something new.
Or, if you’re after more adventure, book a jet ski with Aqua 360 and explore the Tauranga Harbour. If you’re visiting between November and April, don’t miss a Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise, where you’ll get up close to some incredible marine life.
If you're into local brews, hit up The Rising Tide for some of the best dumplings and local craft beers, or head over to Mount Brewing Co. for a taste of Tauranga’s finest brews. You can also check out The Island in Papamoa for a relaxed atmosphere and more local craft beer.
In the afternoon, take a trip to Ōmanawa Falls — a beautiful and less-crowded spot for a bit of nature.
For the evening, book a Glow Worm Kayak Tour with Waimarino Kayak Tours. Paddle through an enchanting glow worm canyon for a truly unique and magical experience.
4. TECT PARK OR THE ULTIMATE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
You’ve got two options for this day: Drive to TECT Park for a dose of adrenaline — or head to Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours for the ultimate cultural experience.
At TECT PARK, you can tackle the Adrenalin Forest, go mountain biking, or try your hand at airsoft (check if there’s an open game day, but you’ll need to register beforehand). After your adrenaline-filled day, grab some pizza from Alpino or Rita’s and head to Pilot Bay for a chilled sunset. This is the perfect way to wind down and soak in the stunning views.
If you're looking for a hands-on cultural adventure filled with storytelling, tradition, and adventure, head to Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours. Choose from a variety of packages - from half-day experiences to overnight stays - featuring haka lessons, flax weaving, a visit to the oldest Māori Rock Carvings in New Zealand, and guided walks through the stunning Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. Overnight guests also have the option to enjoy a traditional hāngi buffet feast.