The popularity of the Bay of Plenty region continues to soar as more people discover the region's irresistible mix of coastal lifestyle, adventure activities and great dining experiences.
Gardens and art are the stars of spring in the Bay of Plenty. The mild climate makes it the perfect time to view the region's finest gardens and local art during the iconic Bayleys' Garden and Artfest held from 10 to 16 November.
The popularity of the Bay of Plenty region continues to soar as more people discover the region's irresistible mix of coastal lifestyle, adventure activities and great dining experiences.
Population: 178,000 | Area: 12,247km2
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
Living life at the edge of the sea
Spectacular beaches attract surfers year round, with Mount Maunganui providing a focus for wave culture. For diving and angling enthusiasts, there are offshore islands, reefs and fishing grounds to visit.
In terms of adventure, local specialities include tours of the marine volcano White Island, blokarting (land sailing), sky diving and dolphin encounters. Or if you're looking for pampering and relaxation, hot pools and spas can be found in many locations.
The name Bay of Plenty pays tribute to the region's ability to produce great food. Around the city of Tauranga are swathes of orchards and gardens growing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados and culinary herbs. Add to this a thriving local wine industry and plentiful fresh seafood and you'll see why the region's restaurant culture is so well developed.
Key Features
Mauao (Mount Maunganui)
Guarding the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, Mauao was the landing place of the Takitimu waka. Takitimu was one of the ocean-going migration canoes that made the trip from Hawaiki to New Zealand in about 1290 AD.
Beach life
The stylish surf town of Mount Maunganui buzzes with adventure and activity. There’s everything from surf lifesaving and beach volleyball to kite surfing, parasailing, jet skiing and surfing competitions.
White Island
Walking on an active volcano is a once in a lifetime opportunity. White Island hisses, fumes, belches and rumbles with geothermal action. It's accessible by launch and helicopter from Whakatane.
Key Tips
The Bay of Plenty is just a few hours’ drive from Auckland on the Pacific Coast Highway and only an hour from Rotorua and the Coromandel.
Tauranga airport is located over the harbour bridge in Mount Maunganui, only five kilometres from the city centre.
More than 80% of New Zealand’s kiwifruit is grown in Te Puke - the kiwifruit capital of the world.
Running along the Tauranga waterfront, The Strand is the place to find a great bar or restaurant.
MEMORY: Submitted by Shelley from United Kingdom
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If you never ever have the chance to do anything else in your life go to NZ you won't be disappointed and you definately want to go back
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Sunny, settled weather is a feature of autumn in the Bay of Plenty. Choose from the multitude of scenic golf courses or go indoor-karting – guaranteed fun in any weather.
Pack a picnic and head for McLaren Falls Park, where you’ll find 170 hectares of lake land reserve and an interesting botanical collection.
The Montana Jazz Festival is held every Easter weekend. Tauranga is alive with people, musicians and colour, creating a Mardi Gras atmosphere.
Join two surfed crazed chefs as they travel around New Zealand filming their TV show 'Surfing the Menu'. Find out how you can go to the same places, do the same activities and have the same experiences as them.
