EXPLORE THE WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY
Bike, boots or boat; no matter which mode of transport you choose, an outdoor adventure in the Western Bay of Plenty is sure to make you smile!
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Highlights
Cycling tracks for all the family, epic walks and amazing hot springs!
Cycling
Explore Katikati by bike with approximately 20 kilometres of off and on-road trails around the area. You’ll be treated to beautiful harbour views, New Zealand’s one-of-a-kind Haiku Pathway, bird walk sculptures, and the comings and goings of Katikati’s lucky residents.
If you've ever wanted to explore an old gold mining area and rail tunnels, jump onboard a full-day e-bike tour with DayTrippers and explore the Karangahake Gorge (just outside the Bay of Plenty region, near Waihī).
Walking tracks & trails
Orokawa Bay & Te Ho Pā
The Western Bay of Plenty is home to some pretty spectacular short walks and hidden gems. From the northern end of Waihī Beach, you'll find a walking track (check the tides, it's not always accessible) that will take you over to the secluded Orokawa Bay; the 45-minute walk is popular among both locals and manuhiri (visitors) and gives you sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and out to Tuhua (Mayor Island). Keen for a longer walk? Check out the DOC site to see the other walks you can link up with to make a day of it.
If you're a lover of an early morning walk to catch the sunrise, then we highly recommend visiting Te Ho pā at the Bowentown end of the peninsula.
Highlights
Explore the Bay by foot - choose from a huge range of stunning walking & hiking tracks.
Waitekohekohe Recreational Reserve
There’s plenty on offer for mountain bikers, with fiv trails graded two to four (about 1hour of riding).
The Mountain Bike Trail Carpark is situated at 360 Thompsons Track, Katikati.
The trails in this area have been built by Rob Metz, the founder of Zerode. Rob has many years of experienced mountain biking and has constructed trails that are a pure pleasure to ride.
Starting with a beginner loop, grade 1, this track weaves its way through the small pines.
From there head to the grade 2, 3 and 4 trails which are all downhill tracks. Riders need to either make use of the forestry tracks to head back to the top of the trails or weave your way via the grade 3 uphill track.
Riding all trails will take you about an hour. There are plans underway to construct additional grade four tracks through the native bush area.
There is no access to the Mountain Bike Trails from the equestrian area. Please head to 360 Thompsons Track for access.
Highlights
Mountain biking, Equestrian tracks, Swimming holes
Hot Pools & Hot Springs
Sapphire Springs
There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a thermal hot pool! Sapphire Springs has the largest geothermal pool in the region, and two hot tubs. The pools are fed from a natural warm water spring and are between 30°Celsius and 38°Celsius; a soak there is the perfect way to end the day.
Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park
Located at the northern end of Tauranga Harbour, Athenree Hot Springs is a great place to relax after a day's hiking or exploring the Western Bay of Plenty. There are two natural mineral pools at Athenree Hot Springs: the larger pool is at 33-35°Celsius with an average depth of 1.3 metres and also has a shallow section for toddlers. The smaller adult pool is at a temperature of 39.5°Celsius.
