Bay of Plenty, North Island
including Tauranga
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Bay of Plenty family holidays
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Bay of Plenty family holidays
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Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
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Welcome to the Bay of Plenty
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Walks & Parks
Get Outdoors!
Discover the region's walks, parks, beaches, lakes or rivers.
The Bay of Plenty is one of the most significantly historic areas of New Zealand and it was here that three of the seven original migrating waka made their first landing in New Zealand. Named by Captain James Cook over 400 years later, the Bay of Plenty still lives up to its name. With its scenery and lifestyle, mild climate and beautiful beaches it makes for a perfect family holiday.
Tauranga
Tauranga is the largest town in the Bay of Plenty. The waterfront area has restaurants, water features and a children’s play area. There is a good variety of cafes and restaurants in the town and lots of places to picnic, like the unique Tauranga’s Cascade Fountain Gardens. Tauranga is the departure point for several dolphin encounters while for those after a bit more excitement, just ten minutes away from the city is Waimarino Adventure Park. Surf Lifesavers Tauranga
Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui or ‘The Mount’, is known as the surf capital of New Zealand but its white sandy beach and safe sheltered harbour is also a popular destination for families. The Mount is a good base for visiting Moturiki Island, a tiny island great for walks but also know for its geyser-like displays. Mount Maunganui hosts a variety of events during the summer months with activities for the whole family.
Waihi Beach
Just on the boundary of the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel, Waihi Beach is well known for its nine kilometres of beautiful white sand and is one of the safest beaches in New Zealand. As well as the beach, activities such as bush walks, fishing, boogie boarding and kayaking are all waiting to be tried out by the visitor. At the southern end of Waihi Beach, Bowentown which looks out onto Tauranga Harbour, also offers a safe beach for children as well as attractive parks.
Katikati
Katikati is best known for its art, and 40 murals decorate the walls of businesses throughout the town. Katikati’s soil and climate are ideal for growing kiwifruit, and Kiwi360, south of Katikati in Te Puke, is a great place to learn all about this iconic fruit. The privately owned Katikati Bird Gardens with its secret paths and lily ponds, features a wide range of colourful and native birds and Katikati has its own museum for those interested in the heritage of the region.
Whakatane
Located 90 kilometres from Tauranga, this attractive coastal town is located on the Whakatane River. Over the hill from Whakatane is Ohope Beach, with its 11 kilometres of sand and its safe waters making it a popular beach with holidaymakers. Activities in the area include a huge pictorial maze, watersports and scenic walks.