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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Mount Maunganui is a coastal paradise town located in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. The most iconic point is Mount Maunganui, Mauao, which rises 232 meters above sea level. There is a walking track to the summit of this extinct volcano which takes 30 minutes and you can enjoy sweeping views across the Bay of Plenty. At the base of the mount is the Main Beach where you can enjoy white sand beaches which are great for surfing and sunbathing.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Waihi Beach is a beachside village at the northern tip of the Bay of Plenty. It is 9km of beautiful coastline dotted with many eateries, shops, and boutiques. You can hire a bike to cycle down to Anzac Bay or Bowentown, well-known for beautiful calm waters. Here you can try paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Papamoa Beach is 16 kilometers of white sandy beach with walking tracks that provide sweeping views of the Coastal Bay of Plenty. Nature lovers can drive to the base of Te Rae-o-Papamoa, which translates to Papamoa Hills Regional Park. There are numerous trails, but the most popular one will take you to the 224 meters high summit, where you can enjoy 360° views of the Bay of Plenty.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Ohope Beach is 11 kilometers of white sand beach that is flat, easily walkable, and located in the Bay of Plenty. It starts at the Ohiwa Harbour entrance and goes to the West End. The western end, commonly known as West End, is great for kids as the sand slopes very gradually into the sea. It is known for being one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Te Puke is a small town in the Bay of Plenty located 30 minutes away from Tauranga and is known as the kiwifruit capital of the world. It is a horticulture hub located between beautiful beaches and hills filled with walking tracks. Kiwifruit is a natural delicacy produced here; hundreds of local farmers export kiwifruit all around the world.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Katikati is a small town located between Waihi Beach and Tauranga and is the perfect stop when you enter the Bay of Plenty. This town is known as ‘New Zealand’s Mural Town’ as various murals are painted across walls and commercial buildings. There are many sculptures, mosaics, tapestries, and carvings on display all across town. They pay homage to early Maori residents and depict the history of Maori. Here, you can see about sixty pieces of art that depict the history of Katikati.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Whirirnaki Forest is one of the last prehistoric rainforests in the world and is home to ancient trees and native bird tracks in the Northland region. There is 155 km of tramping and cycling tracks suitable for all ages. There are trees that tower up to 205 meters such as the kahikatea, totara, rimu, miro, and matai trees. The forest is cone-bearing (podocarp) and some trees are over 1000 years old it is often referred to as a ‘dinosaur park.’

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Tauranga is a beautiful coastal paradise located in the Bay of Plenty. This New Zealand destination features white sandy beaches, clear water and you can experience full-day wildlife cruises. You can spot dolphins, seals, whales and even go swimming with the dolphins as the Bay is home to hundreds of pods. In the Bay of Plenty you can spot different marine species such as bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, pilot whales, different marine birds as well as turtles.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Motiti Island is a small island located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty and has a rich but divided history. It is 21 kilometers northeast of the coast of Tauranga and currently has about 30 permanent residents. The island has many beautiful sheltered coves and inlets. It also features many avocado orchards and agricultural farms on private land. You can visit this island to go swimming, diving, paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking or just to relax.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Moutohora Island, also known as Whale Island is one of New Zealand’s most restricted wildlife sanctuaries located in the Bay of Plenty. This island is pest-free and you can spot many endangered birds, reptiles and plants. It is also a great fishing and diving destination. It is managed by the Department of Conservation but many local tours are allowed to run sightseeing trips. You can also treat yourself to a soothing dip in a geothermal spring at Onepu Bay which is the island's secluded hot water beach.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Matakana Island is one of the largest coastal islands located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty and stretches across 20 kilometers of land. The island is nestled between the thick pine forest on the Pacific Ocean side and the Tauranga Harbour. This island offers a unique experience and you can go fishing, swimming and surfing. Matakana Island is well known for its beach breaks and a powerful north-easterly swell provides for great sand barrels. This long, thin slice of paradise offers white sandy beaches, orchards, farmlands and pine forests.

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Things To Do in Bay of Plenty

Tuhua Island, also known as Mayor Island is a wildlife refuge and you need to pre-arrange your visit to experience this unique island. The island is 4km wide and a dormant shield volcano that emerged about 7000 years ago from the sea. The highest peak, Opuahau reaches 355 meters and the island also has a large caldera. The volcanic crater has two lakes at sea level, Lake Aroarotamahine which is green and Te Paritu which is black.