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Highlights
Explore our coastal paradise and leave feeling restored, invigorated & relaxed.
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
Waihī Beach
Walk the Orokawa Trail
The Orokawa Trail is a stunning 45-minute walk through the bush with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the sounds of birdlife as you pass by towering pōhutukawa trees, kauri, puriri and our native nikau palm trees. When you get to Orokawa Bay, rest under the large pōhutukawa trees on a secluded beach or carry onto the William Wright Falls.
Swim at Waihī Beach
This is one of the loveliest beaches in the Coastal Bay of Plenty. Enjoy your dip and remember to cover up with sunscreen!
Stay: Tasman Holiday Parks - Waihī Beach
Relax, refresh and revive amongst the fabulous 5.5 acres of pōhutukawa trees and picturesque setting at the Tasman Holiday Parks - Waihī Beach.
Katikati
Visit Waitekohekohe Recreational Park
Waitekohekohe Recreational Park on Thompsons Track, 15 minutes south of Katikati, offers mountain bike trails, horse trails, walking tracks and a swimming hole.
Soak in the geothermal Sapphire Springs
There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a thermal hot pool! Sapphire Springs feature three warm outdoor swimming pools and two hot tubs, set amidst a beautiful natural bush landscape. The pools are fed from a natural warm water spring and are between 30°C and 38°C – the perfect way to end the day.
Stay: Sapphire Springs Holiday Park.
Relax at this tranquil holiday park at the foot of the Kaimāī Ranges, set in 32 hectares of beautiful native forest.
Tauranga
Half-day cruise with Bay Explorer
The fantastic Bay Explorer crew will make sure you have an unforgettable cruise, getting up close to marine wildlife such as seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca, and dolphins – making for plenty of amazing photo opportunities!
Your experienced captain and crew will provide a fascinating commentary on the history, geography and culture of the area. They have knowledge of marine wildlife and personally share with you everything they observe.
Magical glow worms
Waimarino Kayak Tours offers some of New Zealand’s most breath-taking kayak adventures.
Relax on the edge of tranquil Lake McLaren, enjoy locally produced refreshments while watching the ducks and swans go about their evening's preparations. At dusk, Waimarino’s kayak tour guides will lead you on to the lake to watch the sun set over the rolling hills. Gently paddle your kayak into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glow worm canyon. This kayak tour is truly a unique and magical experience.
Stay: Watercliff
Sleep completely immersed in nature. Watercliff is located along the banks of the Omanawa River and includes four luxurious and comfortable, self-contained and eco-friendly cabins. Outdoors you’ll find a large semi-covered deck with lounge chairs, a dining area and a BBQ. An outdoor bathtub is also set on the deck - the best way to soak up the beautiful views of the Omanawa River and dramatic cliffs.
Mount Maunganui
SUP lesson and guided tour of Mauao
Immerse yourself in Māori culture and stories with the crew from Mauao Adventures. Take a hikoi (guided walk) around Mauao – a beloved mountain in Mount Maunganui. Discover how Māori lived centuries ago as local guides share legends and history. Learn about current environmental efforts to keep Mauao and the surrounding ocean waters pristine and look out for marine life as you enjoy the beauty of this stunning coastal walk. The Mauao base track is one of the most popular short walks in New Zealand.
Then hit the water for a stand-up paddle-boarding lesson as the crew at Mauao Adventures share their love of the ocean with you.
Walk up and around the Mount
One of the most Instagrammed locations in New Zealand is in the heart of the Bay of Plenty – Mauao. Hike to the top of the dormant volcano for a view that will take your breath away.
Standing 232 metres above sea level, Mauao is an iconic landmark treasured by locals. Mauao means ‘caught by the dawn’ and the mountain is steeped in Māori history and mythology. Several historical pā sites (villages) have been built on this extinct volcanic cone, the evidence of which can still be seen today as you explore the popular walking tracks.
Te Puke
Visit The Trading Post
The Trading Post is a casual bistro offering brunch and dinner. Set in a historical farm cottage in rural Te Puke, the menu features locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients from the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand.
Discover Raparapahoe Falls
Raparapahoe Falls is 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 that 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.
