Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Living life at the edge of the sea

The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and a sunny, easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a blissful holiday is here.

The Pacific Coast Highway touring route brings travellers into the bay, and the city of Tauranga is often their first port of call. Located on a stunning harbour, Tauranga is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and stylish shopping.

Across the harbour, the horizon is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mauao. The mountain is shrouded in legend and history; it also 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 doesn’t stop until it reaches Whakatane, 100 kilometres to the east. Whakatane is the launching pad for expeditions to White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano.

White Island is an active volcanic island, 48 kilometres of the Bay of Plenty coastline. The volcano and private scenic reserve are accessible by boat and helicopter. If the conditions are right, visitors to the island can walk right inside the main crater. The smell of sulphur and the noise of the fumeroles makes for an amazing sensory experience. Click on the image for larger version

Key Features

Mauao (Mount Maunganui). Guarding the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, Mauao was the landing place of the Takitimu waka. Takitimu was one of the ocean-going migration canoes that made the trip from Hawaiki to New Zealand in about 1290 AD.

Beach life. The stylish surf town of Mount Maunganui buzzes with adventure and activity. There’s everything from surf lifesaving and beach volleyball to kite surfing, parasailing, jet skiing and surfing competitions.

White Island. Walking on an active volcano is a once in a lifetime opportunity. White Island hisses, fumes, belches and rumbles with geothermal action. It’s accessible by launch and helicopter from Whakatane.