The Bay of Plenty, with beautiful natural harbours, endless beaches and an easy going lifestyle, is one of the country's most popular holiday destinations.
The Bay of Plenty region has experienced a huge population boom with people drawn to the vibrant, coastal lifestyle. Within the region are pleasant towns and cities offering their own unique lifestyles and wonderful holiday destinations.
The coastal Bay of Plenty’s major city of Tauranga is a cosmopolitan city that’s been experiencing massive development. The coastal suburbs of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa have long been popular with visitors.
The region is also home to the heart of the kiwifruit industry in Te Puke, the art-loving town of Katikati, the quiet coastal village of Waihi Beach, historic Maketu and the tourist activity centre of Paengaroa.
Tauranga
One of the sunniest places in New Zealand, Tauranga is a buzzing city with a population that has soared in recent years. The city is home to range of cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique shopping and a newly developed Strand waterfront area.
Mount Maunganui
The suburb of Mount Maunganui has been well-regarded for years for its top beaches and coastal lifestyle. Many New Zealanders own holiday homes at “The Mount” as it is known, and the beaches are numerous and safe for swimmers and surfers.
Papamoa
Seaside Papamoa has been growing at record speed and it is now full of diverse options for visitors. Located down the road from Mount Maunganui, Papamoa’s long beach is a quieter option than the busier Mount Maunganui areas and there are many access spots along Papamoa Beach Road.
Katikati
The town of Katikati, is known as New Zealand’s ‘mural town’. The community is passionate about art, which is evident throughout the nearly 40 murals which adorn the walls of businesses throughout the town.
Te Puke
Te Puke, the ‘kiwifruit capital of the world,’ is the heart of the country’s kiwifruit industry. Located 25 kilometres from Tauranga along State Highway 2, Te Puke is surrounded by orchards and pack houses. The town hosts an annual kiwifruit festival to pay tribute to the kiwifruit industry and its role in the town.
Paengaroa
Paengaroa is also known as “The Junction.” The village has a large number of tourism attractions and accommodation all set in proximity to both beaches and kiwifruit orchards. The area has great cafés and activities that make the most of the local scenery.
Maketu
Maketu, steeped in history, was the landing place of Te Arawa canoe following the migration of early Maori from Hawaiiki. A memorial on the foreshore commemorates the landing. Maketu is also a favourite place for swimming, boating and fishing, and during the winter locals gather whitebait.
Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach is a popular holiday destination thanks to nine kilometres of sandy white beach and a quiet lifestyle. The township of Waihi Beach itself has a number of accommodation options and its main street includes cafés and takeaways suitable for a day at the beach.
