Beach and mountains in one day
Beach or mountains? In the Bay of Plenty, you don't have to choose! Hike up Mount Maunganui for spectacular views, then reward yourself with some R&R on Main Beach. Road trip along the coastline to explore more of the region's many beautiful beaches, including Ōhope and Papamoa.
In Tauranga and the Mount you'll find plenty of dining options and a bustling cafe culture and shopping scene. We recommend taking a bit of time to explore these areas, but you'll likely want to get out and discover some of the smaller coastal settlements along the coast, where you can enjoy great views and - in the case of Maketū - mouth-watering pies.
Definitely don't leave the Bay of Plenty without sampling some of its delicious produce. Te Puke is the "kiwifruit capital" of New Zealand, and also home to over 1,000 avocado orchards. Combined with the various cheese makers, honey producers and other local hot spots, the Bay of Plenty makes a great foodie destination.
The region also encompasses one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations: Rotorua. We're sure we don't need to tell you what's here, but just in case, you can walk among the treetops at the Redwoods Treewalk™, discover Māori culture at places like Te Puia and Whakarewarewa, indulge yourself at some geothermal hot pools, and get out on the water at Lake Rotoiti. South of Rotorua lies Lake Tarawera, home to what was once one of New Zealand's most famous tourist attractions - the pink and white terraces. This wonder of the natural world was buried when Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. You can no longer see the terraces, but you can visit the site where they are buried, learn about the devastating volcanic eruption, and explore the lake either on the water or by foot along the Tarawera Trail.
Let one of our expert travel consultants help you explore the coastal scenery, horticulture and natural scenery of the Bay of Plenty by tailoring a package to suit your needs.