Bay of Plenty

Maunganui Beach, Mount Maunganui

From the base of the volcano Mauao, a white sand surf beach stretches as far as the eye can see. "The Mount" is the colloquial name for Mount Maunganui, a beach town that occupies a peninsula at the southern end of Tauranga Harbour. The peninsula is actually a huge sandbar, with a sheltered bay on…

Bay of Plenty Walks

There are numerous short walks which can be enjoyed throughout the Bay of Plenty region. There is no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Bay’s environment than to step outside for a walk.  The region offers numerous well maintained and easily accessible walking trails, and the warm, se…

Ohope Beach, Whakatane

Ohope Beach, just 6km over the hill from Whakatane is a major draw card for holidaymakers, with its 11 kilometres of golden Pacific sand and safe swimming waters. West End, long a favourite with surfers, is also one of the access points to Otarawairere Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches in t…

Katikati Bird Gardens, Katikati

Kaiate Falls, Tauranga

Walk through the forest to Kaiate Falls, where water tumbles down a ravine in a series of cascades. Also known as Te Rerekawau Falls, Kaiate Falls are the highlight of a forest reserve near Tauranga. You can walk to a ravine where the Kaiate Stream drops over ignimbrite bluffs in a series of nine be…

Otarawairere Bay, Ohope

What a fantastic, secluded beach and, because you can only get to it on foot, it’s a bit of an adventure getting there as well! Worth the effort though, as it really is a special place. Bring your togs and a picnic. You can walk to Otarawairere Bay as part of the Kohi Point Walk from Whatakane…

Maunganui Bluff, Mount Maunganui

Situated approximately 16 kms from Waipoua Lodge, Maunganui Bluff Beach is an amazing example of the wild and rugged west coast of Northland, New Zealand. This untamed coast looks directly onto the Tasman Sea and standing on the beach if you looked out to sea there is nothing for over 2,000 kms unti…

Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools, Mount Maunganui

What could be nicer at the end of the day than soaking in a deliciously hot salt water pool? Right at the base of the Mount, by the camping ground at the northern end of Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty, the Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools have long been a popular draw-card. For $9.50 per a…

Thornton Beach, Whakatane

Thornton Beach near Whakatane is a great destination for a fantastic New Zealand beach holiday with heaps of fun for the whole family. We have many campsites available and various types of accommodation to suit all needs and budgets. The views from our Holiday Park are spectacular. Whale Island is…

Te Puna Quarry Park

Te Puna Quarry Park is being developed by a dedicated band of volunteers from a disused quarry into a world class park. This old scar on the hillside has already become a place of special beauty. From the upper levels there is a spectacular panoramic view out over the Bay of Plenty. There are ponds,…

Briars Forest and Riverside Horse Trek, Te Puke

Come horse back riding with Briars’ Forest and Riverside Horse Trek through gorgeous New Zealand Farm and Forest land trail options. Visit Middle Eire. A fantasy area down by the riverside will delight kids and adults alike. Along the way keep your eyes open, you could see deer with fawns, mag…

Motu Road, Opotiki

Motu Road, or "The Motu", is widely known from its days as one of the longest and most difficult stages in the Rally of New Zealand. The rally was included in the World Rally Championship calendar, so many famous rally drivers have driven this road, including the late Colin McRae whose superiority o…