RELAX IN THE BAY OF PLENTY

The Bay of Plenty stretches along the eastern coastline of New Zealand’s North Island and is a favourite Kiwi holiday destination. Here you can relax on white sand, play in warm waves, explore the ocean’s depths, try something new and make the most of every day. Tauranga is the region’s urban heart, while coastal towns like Waihī Beach, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Ōhope are the ultimate beach holiday destination.

Muirs Tours cultural home experience

1. MUIRS TOURS HOME HOSTED DINNER EXPERIENCE

A Māori cultural experience viewing historical landmarks in Maketu. Learn about the great migration of Te Arawa Waka from Hawaiiki. You'll be treated to a feast at Deon Muir's (former professional rugby player) home and enjoy a hands on banquet of local and seasonal kai.  

· Introduction to cultural landmarks
· Hear historical stories
· Learn traditional cooking methods
· Feast on hangi, fried bread and steam pudding
· Beverages available

Distance from the CBD: 35 minutes

Total pax: 6 - 35

Website: www.muirstours.com

Experience a night time glow worm kayak tour with Waimarino

2. GLOW WORM KAYAKING

Watch a beautiful canyon come alive with twinkling lights during an evening Waimarino Glow Worm Kayak Tour. Enjoy something to eat and drink as the sun sets before paddling across Lake McLaren, near Tauranga, to witness this magical experience. Daytime kayak tours are also available – enjoy the birdsong and peaceful forest surrounds.

Distance from CBD: 20 mins

Total pax: 94

Website: glowwormkayaking.com

Dolphin Bay Explorer

3. EMBRACE OUR PRISTINE COASTLINE

Discover the Bay of Plenty’s renowned coastline with Bay Explorer. Learn about the Pacific Ocean’s depths and admire our abundant marine life during a day-long cruise. Some of nature’s finest creatures live here including penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks and orca, depending on the time of year. Make the most of your day on the water with a kayak, stand-up paddle board or swim.

Distance from CBD: located in CBD

Total pax: 140

Website: bayexplorer.co.nz OR nzdolphin.com

Riverbug Action Bug Aniwhenua Falls Tourism Bay Plenty

4. RIVERBUG - WAIROA, RANGITĀIKI & TARAWERA RIVERS

Ride the rapids and drift through hidden canyons on a funky inflatable riverbug. Connect with nature and experience Bay of Plenty’s taonga taiao (natural treasures) from a unique perspective. Riverbug pioneers Don and Sabine offer a range of half day riverbug tours from ‘Mild’ (easy) to ‘Wild’ (exciting) for ages 5+ on the Wairoa, Rangitāiki & Tarawera rivers near the main centres Tauranga, Rotorua & Whakatāne. In small groups they offer personal service and operate to regenerative tourism principles.

Distance from CBD: 1 hour 30 mins from CBD

Total pax: 10

Website: riverbug.nz

Moutohora Island web

5. EXPLORE MOUTOHORĀ ISLAND

One of New Zealand’s little known treasures, this Island is home to a range of rare flora and fauna and endangered native species such as tuatara. Moutohorā sits just off the coast of Whakatāne and is a bird lovers paradise. Kiwi, kākāriki (New Zealand parakeets), bellbirds and tui all live here. A guided tour is the only way to access this wildlife sanctuary. You’ll also visit a fur seal colony and enjoy a swim at a natural hot water beach.

Distance from CBD: 1 hour 15 mins from CBD

Total pax: 24

Website: moutohora.co.nz

Rake Healing 2 v2

6. RAKE HEALING

Rake Healing Sand Art workshops work with your group to embrace mindfulness and creativity on the beach. 

Guide Kendrick Smith's 2 hour workshop teaches your group how to create large circle mandala's and other geometric shapes. 

“It’s very repetitive and that’s really good for your brain – it allows you to switch off and just be mindful of that moment."

Distance from CBD: 14 minutes

Total pax: 200

Website: www.rakehealing.com

mountsummit18 9

7. WALK UP OR AROUND MAUAO

Mount Maunganui’s iconic dormant volcano, Mauao, offers unbeatable views and is steeped in Māori history and ancient myths. To hear the stories of this significant cultural landmark, download the Arataki app for a self-guided fully-immersive experience. The base track around Mauao takes about 50 minutes and is one of New Zealand’s most popular walks, while a trek to the top is rewarded with panoramic views across Tauranga and the Pacific Ocean.

Distance from CBD: 10 mins

Total pax: unlimited

Website: arataki.co