Bay of Plenty Overview

The Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of the Coromandel peninsula. It's 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.

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.

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