4-night Heritage & History trail
Discover the Bay of Plenty’s past
The Coastal Bay of Plenty has a rich history and heritage. It is home to the earliest cave drawings in New Zealand and the landing place of significant founding waka that first brought Māori to these shores almost 1,000 years ago.
In 1769, the region was named the Bay of Plenty by Captain James Cook as he circumnavigated Aotearoa. Less than 100 years later, war would break out and significant battles would be fought in Tauranga and surrounding areas.
Dive deep into the Coastal Bay of Plenty and discover the places that have shaped this fascinating history.
Time
4 Days
Highlights
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, Gate Pā battlefield, Mauao, Mana Māori Experiences, Ōmanawa Falls, Western Bay Museum, Athenree Homestead.
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
1: Discover Tauranga
Gate Pā battlefield
Visit the Gate Pā battlefield, a significant battleground from the New Zealand Land Wars and the only battle site in the country to be set within a city’s boundaries.
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga is one of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Journey through the expansive grounds, and enjoy a guided tour of the historic house and library.
Take a guided tour
Join Mana Māori Experiences for a guided walk of the Tauranga City Centre. You will visit historical sites hidden in plain sight. From ancient pā sites (fortified Māori villages), urupā (burial grounds) and exploring the mission station. You will be transported back in time to learn about and understand a rich history of the Tauranga peninsula (Te Papa).
The Historic Village
The Historic Village is home to a collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga, set in gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds. These wonderful character buildings now house over 50 businesses, including shops and community organisations.
Stay: Clarence Hotel is a 1906 Edwardian Baroque style building that 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
Gate Pā battlefield, The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, Guided walking tour, The Historic Village, luxury accommodation.
2: Discover Mount Maunganui
Mauao Adventures
Get on the water at Pilot Bay | Waikorire and take a Stand Up Paddle boarding or Waka Ama (outrigger canoe) lesson from Mauao Adventures. Learn how to paddle in 15 minutes, learn about the cultural significance of paddling and the surrounding environment of the bay and Mauao. These make for great group activities or making new friends.
Mauao (Mount Maunganui)
One of the most photographed locations in New Zealand is in the heart of the Bay of Plenty – Mauao. Seen from far and wide the dormant volcano 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.
Mauao (Mount Maunganui) access and walking tracks are currently closed due to the weather event of 21 January 2026. For more information refer to Tauranga City Council.
Highlights
Explore Pilot Bay | Waikorire on the water, View one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand.
3: Experience Māori Culture
Te Rere o Ōmanawa (Ōmanawa Falls)
A newly opened walkway leads you through lush native bush to one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular hidden waterfalls. Deep in the rohe of Ngāti Hangarau, Ōmanawa Falls is rich in cultural history and ecological significance. With carved pou, interpretive panels, and panoramic views from three lookout platforms, this is a must-see for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Mana Māori Experiences
To truly connect with the cultural landscape of the Bay, join a guided tour with Mana Māori Experiences. Led by local Māori guides, these immersive journeys through places like Mauao, Papamoa Hills, and Rotorua reveal ancestral stories, sacred sites, and significant historical events. Whether tracing Polynesian navigation routes, visiting a marae, or exploring ancient pā, these experiences offer powerful insights into te ao Māori.
Highlights
Discover sacred waterfalls, walk ancestral trails, and connect with stories passed down through generations.
4: Katikati & Athenree
Western Bay Museum
Located in Katikati’s historic fire station, the Western Bay Museum shares the stories of tangata whenua and early settlers who shaped the Western Bay. Inside, discover a modern, interactive museum with beautifully curated exhibitions that change regularly. From flax weaving to pioneer life, every display is thoughtfully presented to connect past and present in engaging, creative ways.
Athenree Homestead
Travel back to 19th-century settler life with a visit to the lovingly restored Athenree Homestead. Originally built in 1878 by Ulster immigrants Hugh and Adela Stewart, the homestead is a tranquil place to explore local history and heritage. Wander the gardens, learn about early farming life, and treat yourself to a classic Devonshire tea in the charming Refreshment Rooms, located in the old Athenree Station.
Highlights
Step inside a colonial-era homestead, enjoy high-quality exhibitions, and uncover the pioneering stories of the Western Bay.
