Winter

Nothing beats sinking into a hot pool and feeling your stresses dissolve and float away – and the Bay has plenty of pools to soak in, under a blue sky or starry canvas. For instance, Awakeri Hot Springs, just 16-kilometres from Whakatāne, is a gem submerged in native bush and birdsong. While Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park has three outdoor pools to slide into, with up to 39 °Celsius of thermal alkaline water sourced from a hot rock stream.

For all the coffee addicts and enthusiasts out there, you can get your caffeine bean fix – and a whole lot more – at the Tauranga Coffee Festival. This annual celebration of New Zealand’s coffee scene features a wide range of brews and street food, along with heaps of entertainment.

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in comforts. So, treat yourself to a delicious hot meal and a drink – or three – at one of the Bay’s many toasty restaurants and bars. Local chefs use signature local ingredients to provide unique Bay and Kiwi flavours, and the craft beer scene is inspired. Be sure to check out the craft beer tour with Brewbus.

If you feel like a little fresh air and some exercise, the Bay has you covered, with mountains, tracks and trails to cycle or walk. Winter is perhaps the best time to visit Mauao, which towers over Tauranga Moana, as there are fewer people around, making the views all the more stunning and tranquil.