Bay of Plenty Regional Information
Bay of Plenty | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
The sunny climate and beachy atmosphere of the Bay of Plenty make it a place to have fun. Laugh with the locals while you sample the easy going lifestyle in the Bay of Plenty.
Bay of Plenty Overview
The Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of the Coromandel peninsula. The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here—sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.
The Pacific Coast Highway touring route brings travellers into the bay, and the city of Tauranga is often their first port of call. Located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbour, Tauranga is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and stylish shopping with a nautical theme.
Two large marinas in Tauranga hold over a thousand yachts and launches, and there are numerous charter boat operators ready to take you out to the marlin waters offshore.
The resident population of the Bay of Plenty region was 257,379 as of the 2006 census.
Bay of Plenty Highlights
The thousands of visitors who were once lured to the Bay of Plenty by its beautiful beaches are now discovering Tauranga as a cosmopolitan lifestyle city where they can enjoy first-rate cuisine and local wines in any of the many cafes and restaurants. The shopping is tasty too. And when selecting accommodation, this city has it all—from boutique hotels and handy motels to beach baches and backpackers lodges.
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)
The deep blue of the Pacific Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, the vista interrupted only by surfers, wind surfers, small islands and boats carrying keen anglers in search of the stuff fishing legends are made of. There's enormous scope here for adventure seekers.
Across the harbour from Tauranga, the horizon is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mauao. The mountain is shrouded in legend and history and provides an excellent hiking challenge. Mount Maunganui, the resort town at the base of the mountain, is focused on surf, adventure and fun.
The white sand beach that begins here at Mount Maunganui doesn't stop until it reaches Whakatane, 100 kilometres to the east. Whakatane is the launching pad for expeditions to White Island. White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano, and also one of the most accessible active volcanos in the world. Steam billows from its main crater and spurts of ash keep things interesting for visitors.
Also discover Te Puke, 'the kiwifruit capital' of New Zealand.
Photographer: Ben Crawford
(www.bencrawford.co.nz)
Main Centres in Bay of Plenty
- Tauranga - the major centre of the area
- Mount Maunganui - a popular holiday spot renowned for its surf and swimming beaches
- Te Puke - The Kiwifruit Capital of New Zealand
- Katikati - New Zealand's Mural Town
- Whakatane - the main town of Eastern Bay of Plenty, and base for boat trips to White Island, an active offshore volcano
Useful Bay of Plenty Links
To help plan your Bay of Plenty holiday choose from the main categories below:
- Bay of Plenty Accommodation
- Bay of Plenty Tours
- Bay of Plenty Attractions and Activities
- Bay of Plenty Transport
- Bay of Plenty Cuisine and Dining
- Bay of Plenty Shopping
- Bay of Plenty Visitor Information
Bay of Plenty Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Bay of Plenty region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Bay of Plenty region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Bay of Plenty region.
History
History of the Bay of Plenty region.
Bay of Plenty Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Bay of Plenty.
