The aptly named Bay of Plenty was given its title by Captain James Cook during his exploration of New Zealand and to this day it continues to be one of the country’s largest producers of fruit and one of the busiest ports.
An extremely popular holiday destination, the Bay of Plenty region encompasses several highly visited areas including Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, to name but a few. The region’s major city of Tauranga is one of the fastest growing cities in New Zealand and is home to the country’s biggest export port. As one of the largest natural harbours, Tauranga sees many cruise ships over the summer months and the two marinas play home to over 1000 boats.
Affectionately known as ‘The Mount’ – Mount Maunganui is the dominant feature of the area and every year the beaches attract thousands of surfers and sun lovers. Providing safe swimming spots for families, great surf, long golden sand beaches and of course the opportunity to walk to the summit of Mt Maunganui, this ever popular suburb is a great destination for both young and old and during the Christmas/New Year period it really comes alive with a massive influx of revelers.
A short way down the road from Mount Maunganui is the coastal Papamoa. A rapidly developing area, Papamoa offers a slightly more laid back environment and beaches less crowded than that of The Mount.
25km away sits the ‘kiwifruit capital of the world’ – the township of Te Puke – the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. Aside from producing the green furry fruit, Te Puke also offers many walking tracks, swimming holes and camping areas, along with a selection of shops and cafes, making it an ideal spot for a family getaway.
As the main access point for the active marine volcano White Island, Whakatane is home to operators of tours to this unique natural feature. Boasting a range of restaurants, bars, cafes and a vibrant retail sector, Whakatane is an ideal spot for those who enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle as well as the laid back beach scene. Nearby Ohope Beach provides safe swimming waters along 11km of golden sand shore.
Throughout the region there is a plethora of activities to partake in from wildlife encounters to adrenalin charged adventures. Experience a freefall from 12,000 feet or enjoy a scenic flight taking in the views stretching from Mt Ruapehu to the East Cape. If aerial activities aren’t your thing, the region also offers a variety of land and sea based experiences, such as swimming with the dolphins or enjoying a relaxing horse trek alongside the Pacific Ocean and over undulating farmland.
An extensive range of accommodation options throughout the area make a holiday to the Bay of Plenty affordable for everyone, whether camping in one of the holiday parks or lapping up the luxury in a top class hotel, there is something to suit any requirement and budget.
