Scenic Highlights

Top Bay of Plenty scenic highlights

Beautiful coastal landscapes are the Bay of Plenty's specialty, but you'll also find mountains, forests and tranquil rivers. At any time of the year, the region is highly photogenic.

Scenic highlights at a glance

The legend of Mauao

Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is the Bay of Plenty's most prominent landmark. Guarding the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, the volcanic cone stands a proud 232 metres tall. It was the first landfall for the region's Maori ancestors. Maori mythology tells the story of how Mauao arrived in the harbour.

Once upon a time, three mountains lived in the foothills of the Kaimai Range. One was Puwhenua, a shapely maiden mountain who was in love with her neighbour, the lordly Otanewainuku. But Puwhenua was admired by another mountain, and he strove to win her favour. When she asked his name, he confessed that he had no name. For this she spurned him in favour of Otanewainuku.

In his despair the nameless one asked the Patupaiarehe (fairy folk) to cast him into the ocean. That night, for they could only work in darkness, the Patupaiarehe strove to drag him through the forest and foothills to the sea. His body gouged through the land, creating the Waimapu Valley and Te Awanui (Tauranga Harbour).

As the first rays of the sun lightened the sky, the task was incomplete. The Patupaiarehe had to abandon the mountain, and he became stranded forever at the head of the isthmus that guards the entrance of the harbour. He stands there to this day and the inhabitants of the region named him "Mauao" which means, "trapped by the light" or "greeter of the sun".

White Island, New Zealand's only active marine volcano

By launch or helicopter, you can visit New Zealand's only active marine volcano - 321 metres of geological excitement.

The volcanic energy that rumbles beneath the restless landscape materialises as steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud and sulphur vents. White Island is one of the most amazing eco-tours in New Zealand - an experience you'll never forget.

Harbour, beach, bays and islands

Beautiful Tauranga Harbour has a thriving port and enjoys regular visits from cruise liners and cargo ships. Two large, modern marinas house over a thousand yachts and launches.

There are numerous charter boat operators ready to take you beyond the harbour entrance to the deep blue game fishing waters of Mayor Island and White Island.

Stretching all the way from Waihi Beach to Whakatane, the Bay of Plenty's surf beaches offer endless hours of fun for swimmers and surfers. The bays and beaches of Tauranga Harbour promise a different style of coastal scenery - peaceful and sheltered. Visit Omokoroa Beach for a restful day at the water's edge.

	MEMORY: Submitted by Kirsty from United Kingdom " Bringing in Hogmany on Mount Maunganui Beach then clearing the cobwebs off on the First of the year with a trek up the Mount itself!! "
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