EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
There's no shortage of fun outdoor adventures to be had in Tauranga & Mount Maunganui. Choose from a plethora of cycle trails, walking and hiking tracks, ocean and beach adventures, and activities for those who love to get their heart rate up! No matter where your Bay of Plenty adventure takes you, it's sure to make you smile.
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Highlights
Explore the Bay of Plenty by bike, on foot, on the water or from the air.
Proximity
By Car (to Tauranga):
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
Cycle trails
What better way to see the Bay than by bike? Te Moananui ā Toi (the Coastal Bay of Plenty) is blessed to have a huge range of great cycle trails suitable for all types of cycling, from mountain biking and commuting trails, to guided e-bike tours through the city and surrounding region.
Tauranga
Tauranga is a great city for cycling. Use the Cycle Trail map to discover a great selection of coastal and inland rides, offering up a great way to explore the city. Bring your own bike, or hire an e-bike from Electrify Mount Maunganui.
For something a little more fast-paced, check out Oropi Grove MTB Park, Summerhill, or TECT Park for some epic off-road mountain biking.
Highlights
Enjoy a chilled out bike ride around the region, or get the heart racing on some epic mountain bike trails.
Hiking & Walking
Ōtanewainuku Forest
Located just south of Tauranga and Te Puke is the Ōtanewainuku Forest, which is not only home to some great family-friendly walking tracks and spectacular waterfalls, but it is also home to the North Island Brown Kiwi (lovingly cared for and protected by the Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust).
Mauao
It wouldn't be a trip to the Coastal Bay of Plenty without walking up or around Mauao. This mountain is one of New Zealand's most popular short walks, after all. Meander around the base track, spot seals (and sometimes orca) and sea birds while you admire the stunning views (allow about 45-minutes). Or, head up to the summit - it's worth the climb! You'll be treated to 360-degree views at the top that are definitely worthy of your memory bank. Download the Arataki Cultural Trails app to learn about the history of Mauao as you explore it.
Papamoa Hills Regional Park
Located just out of Te Puke, the Papamoa Hills Regional Park is home to a great selection of walking trails. Enjoy panoramic views as you walk through native bush and forest, past ancient pā sites and open grassland to the summit at 224 metres.
Highlights
Explore the Bay by foot - choose from a huge range of stunning walking & hiking tracks.
Ocean Adventures
With over 125 kilometres of coastline, the Bay of Plenty is the perfect place to visit for an adventure on the water! Cast a line out to catch your dinner, or maybe you're keen to take a guided tour to get up close with our marine life?
Fishing
There are plenty of places to go fishing in the wider Tauranga region. With wharves and jetties dotted all over the place, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to go! For something more serious, book a charter with Tauranga Marine Charters or Blue Ocean Charters.
Kayaking
For an unforgettable experience, book an Evening Glow Worm Kayak tour with Waimarino; you'll be treated to an amazing evening kayaking on Lake McLaren before arriving at a glow worm-filled canyon – it's breathtaking!
Dolphin & Wildlife Tours
Here's one for the bucket list. Jump on board with one of the experienced local operators for your chance to get up close with dolphins, seals, whales, sea birds, and other amazing marine wildlife for an unforgettable experience! Check out Bay Explorer, Dolphin Blue, or Dolphin Seafaris to see which tour suits you best; they all offer something completely unique.
Scenic Cruise around Tauranga Moana
Sit back and relax onboard the Kewpie as you cruise around Tauranga Harbour on a 1-hour scenic cruise. This historic boat is a local icon and offers a fun way to see the Tauranga and Western Bay region. You have the option to disembark on Matakana Island and get picked up later if you want to make a day of it.
Highlights
Get out on the ocean and explore the Bay by boat!
See the Bay from the Sky
Time to treat yourself! For the ultimate indulgence, book a scenic flight with Adventure Helicopters and see the Bay from above.
Adventure Helicopters
Go on a scenic heli flight with Adventure Helicopters. Choose between the Kaimai Classic, the Surf Safari or the the Mount Magic - you won't regret it.
Skydive Tauranga
Take it to the next level with the most beautiful skydive in New Zealand. Enjoy a scenic flight to an altitude of 10,000, 12,000 or 15,000 feet and then - jump! Skydive Tauranga would love to help you tick a tandem skydive off your bucket list.
Highlights
See the Bay from above with an unforgettable scenic flight (and skydive, if you're that way inclined!).
Where to stay
There's plenty of accommodation to choose from during your time at the Mount and Tauranga. Some popular options include: Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers, Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, Mission Belle Motel, The Beaumont Apartments, or Mount Backpackers.
If you're looking for accommodation in Tauranga City, some great options include: Trinity Wharf Hotel, Hotel on Devonport, Clarence Hotel, Hotel Armitage, and Wanderlust New Zealand.
Where to eat
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to eat in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.
Downtown Tauranga has a wide range of delicious eateries, from high-end waterfront dining at Harbourside, to arguably some of the best falafel at Falafel Metro. Stroll along The Strand and choose from one of the bars, restaurants or cafés and sit back, relax and watch the world (and a few boats) go past.
Mount Mainstreet is a busy hub of restaurants, bars and boutique shopping. No matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find something tasty to satisfy your tastebuds. The laidback surf vibe at Astrolabe is appealing if you're after a casual meal or drink and it's great for families with its large outdoor area. For something a little more fancy, head to Solera or Alpino. Rice Rice Baby is a staple in the Mount; it's always busy and once you've been, you'll see why!
