Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is just waiting to be discovered!

From rolling surf beaches and stretches of never ending coastline to sumptuous cuisine and adrenalin-pumping activities, the Bay of Plenty is just waiting to be discovered!

When 18th Century navigator Captain James Cook sailed into the region aboard the Endeavour he was so impressed he aptly named it the Bay of Plenty. The region is still living up to its name and is one of the country's premiere holiday destinations surrounded by over 100km of glittering white sand, crystal clear waters, rolling surf beaches, beautiful harbours and an unbeatable lifestyle.

Located on the East Coast of New Zealand’s beautiful North Island, the Bay of Plenty offers endless choices for locals and visitors alike. Head for the coast and take the opportunity to surf, fish, hire a boat or just dig your toes in the sand and read a book. Drive inland to explore untouched New Zealand forests; discover the charms of inland towns, restful harbour sanctuaries and fresh, tumbling river waters. In the Bay of Plenty there is something for everyone.

Everything you need for your ultimate holiday can be found here - sun, surf and seaside cafes, endless amounts of activities and attractions. In the heart of Tauranga City are a plethora of bars, restaurants and specialty stores so you can party hard or shop 'til you drop'. The pace of life is very leisurely here in the Bay of Plenty. Take the time to sample fresh fruit and vegetables bought from stalls along the road side, chat to the locals and feel yourself unwind.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the region has plenty of thrilling activities on offer. Experience jet boating, sky diving, whitewater rafting, 4W drive escapades or take the whole family to an adventure park for a big day out.
Whether you’re looking to experience New Zealand’s natural wonders, enjoy the vibrancy of cafes, restaurants and shopping or relaxing on beaches, the Bay of Plenty has it all.

History and culture are a vital part of our region and gives us a sense of who we are and where we have come from. We have inherited this spirit from our ancestors and it is embodied in everything we do; it's the way of life of our people, it's our passion for the beach, it's in the practice and traditions of our tangata whenua (people of the region), it's our zest for life!
Within this region are magic towns and cities offering their own unique lifestyles and wonderful holiday destinations

Tauranga
One of the sunniest places in New Zealand, Tauranga is a buzzing city with a population that has just passed the 100,000 mark. With heaps of cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique shopping and the newly developed The Strand, this is St Tropez meets Pacifica!

Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations and is a picturesque seaside town located five minutes’ drive from Tauranga City. Affectionately known as ‘the Mount’ by locals, the Magnificent Mauao (Mount Maunganui) stands tall and proud dominating the region and surrounded by stretches of white sandy beaches and crystal clear rolling surf beaches. Walking up or around the Mount is one of the region’s most popular activities.

Papamoa
Further down the coastline and located just 15 minutes’ drive from Mount Maunganui is the growing suburb of Papamoa. Its relaxed atmosphere, stunning surf beaches and rural boundaries combine to offer a more laid back holiday destination.

Katikati
Renowned globally as the mural town, Katikati is famous for the colourful murals adorning its walls and buildings, depicting the rich history of the area. The town is built on the banks of the Uretara River and it is also known for nearby vineyards, hot springs, luxury lodges and quirky cafes.

Te Puke
Known as the Kiwifruit capital of the world and framed by the majestic Papamoa hills, Te Puke is just half an hour’s drive (21 kilometres) southeast of Mt Maunganui in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Paengaroa
Just minutes from Te Puke is one of Tauranga’s best-kept secrets - Paengaroa and The Junction. This is a tourist haven with 26 tourist-related businesses from adventure, fishing and wildlife parks to the story of the honey bee, great shopping and wining and dining at local cafes.

Maketu
Just 15 minutes from Te Puke is Maketu - home to the famous Maketu Pie and fabulous beaches. Steeped in history, Maketu has deep historic roots and it was here that the Arawa canoe landed with the first Maori migrants from Hawaiki. A memorial to this can be found on the foreshore.

Climate and weather:
The Bay of Plenty is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, renowned for its clear blue skies and consistent warm and fine weather. Temperatures reach between 26°C - 32°C in the summer months and average around 12°C in the winter.

New Zealand’s climate is complex and varies from warm and subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south. New Zealand has four quite distinct seasons: Spring (September - November), Summer (December - February), Autumn/Fall (March - May) and Winter (June - August).

Visit the Tourism Bay of Plenty website