Bay of Plenty, Walks & Parks

Otarawairere Bay is located between Whakatane and Ohope and is only accessible by walking from either West End, Ohope or Whakatene. The short walk (which is part of the Kohi Point walkway) over the hill from Ohope will take about 20 minutes and is suitable for any fitness level. However, if you want a longer walk take the Walking Track from Whakatane which will take you about one and a half hours. The beaches at Orarawairere are secluded and feature sheltered waters, rock pools and shells.

This growing holiday resort has miles of truly spectacular, white sandy beach stretching from Mount Maunganui to the Kaituna River. Papamoa Beach is just a couple of minutes away from the local shops and restaurant, and a few minutes drive to the Bayfair and Palm Beach Plaza shopping centres.

This integrated adventure facility provides appropriate challenges for all children, including those with physical disabilities. The playground provides opportunities for children to experience structured activities and creative play in an interactive environment. The Tracks skate park is also situated in the area.

This family friendly park is being developed by volunteers from a disused quarry into a world class park. There are ponds, tree ferns and other plants plus stone sculptures by local artists. The walking tracks are easy for the moderately fit. Open every day during daylight hours.

The beautiful white sands at Mount Maunganui become the main centre for such activities in the summertime as volleyball and sandcastle building, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe swimming destination. There is a parade of cafes, shops and restaurants nearby.

Pukehina is a seaside village with two dairies, takeaways, restaurant and children’s playground and is fifteen minutes away from Te Puke. Pukehina Beach is a beautiful, 6km long white sandy beach suitable for swimming, boogie boarding and surfing. Shops and local restaurant/takeaway are nearby.

A few kilometers from Whakatane, this beach is one of the safest surf beaches in the country, with 11 kilometres of white sand perfect for walking at low tide. Swimming is safe between the flags at Ohope beach and lifeguards are stationed at Mahy reserve at the bottom of Ohope hill and also along the beach near the camping ground at Port Ohope. Mahy reserve is a great place for picnics, with electric barbecues, tables, playground facilities and parking.

This tiny island was once the site of an aquarium and offers spectacular geyser-like displays from the Blow hole at the seaward end when the big seas are running. The island has great walking tracks, is an environmentally friendly picnic spot and you can fish from the rocks above Shark Alley. Moturiki Island Walk and Mount Drury walk are both easy walks.

These gardens are unique with their water features and fountains, some of which include controls to allow visitors to experiment with the designs. This hands on experience is set amongst lakes, trees and flower gardens and even a wobbly bridge. Visit the garden after dark and be entranced by more than 200 lights which transform the gardens and light up the fountains and cascades with coloured lights.

Waihi beach is one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. There is plenty of room to relax and play on the nine kilometers of beautiful, white sand. There is a modern shopping centre close by with restaurants.

Mount Drury is opposite Moturiki Island across Marine Parade from the beach. The ten minute walk follows a well established loop track through mature native and exotic trees. There are great views of the Pacific Ocean and the offshore islands from the peak.

Bowentown, the headland at the southern end of Waihi Beach overlooks Tauranga Harbour. An eight kilometre white sandy beach stretches from Bowentown to Waihi Beach. At the southern end of Waihi Beach, just inside the harbour entrance, is Anzac Bay, a calm beach safe for swimming at all tides or exploring the rockpools and where there are changing rooms and toilets plus shady pohutukawas and barbecues.