Things to do in the Bay of Plenty

At the western edge of the Bay of Plenty, Waihi Beach is a relaxed surf beach about an hour’s drive north of Mount Maunganui. From the northern end of the beach, a coastal walkway climbs through pōhutukawa to Orokawa Bay, a beautiful bay with no road access.

Katikati, on the road between Tauranga and Waihi Beach, is known as Mural Town. Dozens of murals and outdoor artworks around the town tell the story of the area, so it’s a great place to stretch your legs and grab a coffee.

Te Puke, a short drive south-east of Papamoa, calls itself the kiwifruit capital of the world. Orchards and shelter belts line the roads, and the town is a handy stop on the way to Maketū or Rotorua.

Maketū is a small seaside town with a big history: by tradition, it’s where the Te Arawa waka made landfall. Walk the beach and estuary, and visit the town that gave its name to the famous Maketu pies.

Rotorua is about an hour’s drive from Tauranga. Spend the day at its geothermal parks, walk among the giant trees of the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest or relax by the lakes, then head back to the coast for dinner.

Around an hour and a half east of the Mount, Whakatāne is one of New Zealand’s sunniest towns, with a riverside town centre, bush walks and views out to Moutohorā (Whale Island). Nearby Ōhope Beach is a long, relaxed surf beach.