Bay of Plenty

Nestled along the northern coast of New Zealand’s North Island lies what Captain James Cook described as the Bay of Plenty. The name stuck, and the Bay of Plenty today has come to embody its name as several cities and pristine beaches that line the 120 km stretch of sunshine and seaside bliss. Located 200 km south of Auckland, the Bay of Plenty has some of the country’s best surfing beaches and draws travellers from all over the globe. The Bay of Plenty is also home to several geothermal hot springs and other natural attractions.

Dolphin safaris, skydiving, sea kayaking, stand-up paddling, and other activities highlight why the Bay of Plenty is a favourite destination for those looking for an adventure-filled vacation. Swimming amongst dolphins in their natural habitat is one of the highlights of visiting the area. The waters around Tauranga are well-known dolphin sighting locations. Sometimes, even the occasional orca is known to be spotted, making it ideal for swimmers looking for that unique experience. Moutohora, or Whale Island, is home to many endangered and rare species of fauna and wildlife tours are regularly conducted on the island.

Travellers can choose to go sea kayaking through the beautiful Wairoa River. The region is also home to some of the country's finest surf beaches, including Ohope Beach and Waihi Beach. Another popular activity is to hike up to the summit of Mauao, the highest point in the area. The hill is also a site that is of significant cultural importance to the Maori people. New Zealand’s oldest living Kauri tree and the surrounding Tane Forest are another major tourist draw. A virtual show that educates people about the forest and the area’s culture is a great experience.