Bay Explorer
30 Minute Scenic flight around the bay of plenty including a remote beach landing for a photograph.
Bay Explorer
School Holidays In The Bay
School holidays are the time to ditch the routine and discover new ways to relax, connect and have fun as a family. A beach holiday in the Bay of Plenty could be just what you need – think sunshine, outdoor adventure, parks and playgrounds, yummy food and unique attractions you’ll never forget!
This region offers so much more than sand and surf (although the beach is pretty great, even in winter). Here are our top picks for family fun in the Bay these school holidays.
AQUA ADVENTURE
Splash out on a family-size treat and book a wildlife tour with Dolphin Seafaris. You’ll see seals, penguins, albatross, whales and majestic dolphins at home in their natural habitat. Or paddle across tranquil Lake McLaren as the sun sets during Waimarino’s Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour. This is guaranteed to wow all ages as you discover a hidden canyon brimming with luminescent glow worms. Truly magical.
If you’re after something more low-key, enjoy a soak at the Mount Hot Pools and let your kids loose on the mini water slide. The Bay’s most famous ice-cream shop, Copenhagen Cones, is right across the road and you can enjoy a stroll around Mauao or along Pilot Bay before or after. Kids will also love the hydro slide, wave pool and new Aqua Station play area at Baywave where they can splash to their heart’s content.
Explore Tauranga Moana on the historic Kewpie; jump onboard their scheduled 1-hour cruise, sit back, relax and take in the sights. You can choose to stay on board for the whole hour, or stop off on Matakana and get picked up by the Kewpie on one of their later stops.
INDOOR ACTION
Tear around a purpose-built indoor electric drift trike track at BayStation or try your hand at wind-powered blokarts. Laser tag and paintball are also on offer here! Put your brain-power and teamwork skills to the test at Flummox Escape Rooms and try to ‘unlock’ your themed room in under 60 minutes, or have a good old family battle at Tenpin Tauranga followed by arcade games and New York-style pizza.
In a virtual world, anything is possible and the Bay has two fantastic experiences your family will love. The Aviator lets you take to the skies and fly a fighter jet, WWII warbird or Iroquois helicopter in one of six incredible VR flight simulators. This is as real as it gets! Meanwhile, The Cave is every gamer’s dream venue. You can explore new worlds, go head-to-head on racing simulators and enjoy retro gaming arcades. Solo and multiplayer games are available for ages 8-years and up.
LOCAL TREASURES
In Te Puke you'll find Kiwifruit Country which showcases one of the Bay’s biggest export earners – kiwifruit. This is a great chance to see Mother Nature at work by exploring a working orchard. Kiwifruit Country offers daily tours and serves up delicious kiwifruit ice-cream at the end, plus lots of other edible goodies.
If your kids are into planes, make sure you visit the Classic Flyers aviation museum. Classic aircraft – some of which you can climb in and out of – are displayed in a huge open hanger alongside vintage memorabilia. Marshalls Animal Park is another long-time favourite here in the Bay. Children can feed and play with all sorts of farmyard animals and check out emus, ostriches, Texas longhorns, Clydesdales and miniature horses, just to name a few. Katikati Bird Gardens is also popular with families. Let your kids run around this wide open space alongside many varieties of birds, some of which wander free while others are in aviaries scattered throughout the gardens.
STAY, PLAY & DINE
The Bay has some wonderful campgrounds and beachside accommodation, so hire a campervan, pitch a tent, book a cabin or rent a bach for the school holidays. Upmarket hotels and motels are a great option too.
Awesome playgrounds are always within easy reach. If you’re staying at Mount Maunganui, visit Hopukiore (Mount Drury) for a good run around. Or if you’re on the other side of the bridge, Memorial Park or the Tauranga Waterfront playground are always popular. The latter is also home to the famed Hairy Maclary bronze sculptures which your kids will love climbing all over.
Family-friendly dining options are easy to find – check out Astrolabe, On the Island, Barrio Brothers, Brooklyn Patio, Grindz Café, CBK Craft Beer Kitchen and Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market for some laid-back fare with plenty of room for kids to be kids.
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EXPLORE SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
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KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
Moutohorā /Whale Island, 9km off the Whakatane coast is a kayaking paradise. We sail to the island by catamaran, enjoy two hours of paddling and visit the hot water beach and geothermal area before home baked morning tea is served on board the yacht.
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
Mount Maunganui Surf Academy
Mount Maunganui Surf Academy
Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre
Baywave is one of the Bay of Plentys top regional attractions, drawing in over 230,000 visitors every year!
Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre
St George's Church Gate Pa Talks & Tours
St George’s Anglican Church sits where the Battle of Gate Pā took place. We offer talks and tours on The Battle to interested groups. These are tailored for people of all ages from school to adult groups.
St George's Church Gate Pa Talks & Tours
Dolphin Blue
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a dolphin? It is said to be a life changing experience. At Dolphin Blue, we not only observe but also give you the chance to swim with a pod of dolphins.
Dolphin Blue
Katikati Bird Gardens
Beautiful and tranquil gardens set on the edge of the Tauranga inner harbour. Water lilly ponds, natural wetlands, mature trees and plantings the gardens are a delight all year round.
Katikati Bird Gardens
Te Puna Quarry Park
Te Puna Quarry Park is a magical place of special beauty with walkways, panoramic views, native & exotic trees, specialised gardens, ponds, sculptures, butterfly house, picnic lawns, seats, shelters and fun things to do for children. Moderate fitness required as there are several steep paths. Quarry Park is a public park, open every day all day-light hours. It is managed entirely by volunteers. Admission is free - donations very welcome via Give-A-Little or online. Dogs are allowed on the lead.
Te Puna Quarry Park
Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs
A uniquely New Zealand experience. Bath in our 100% pure natural mineral water surrounded by spectacular native bush. Enjoy one of 8 private pools or the ambient main pool . All pools are drained cleaned and refilled daily with pure mineral water.
Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs
Bike the Bay
We offer both independent rentals as well as guided tours on over 100km of local cycle trails around Tauranga. Trails are mostly coastal & enjoy stunning views and easy trail grades. Take our 'guide my ride' service & well show you the way.
Bike the Bay
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Explore the beautiful Ohiwa harbour by Kayak. We have single or double kayaks for hire where you can enjoy a tranquil afternoon kayaking on Ohiwa Harbour.
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs
Fernland Spa is a geothermal pool complex and caravan park in a spectacular setting only 5 minutes from Tauranga. Tranquility and space at an affordable rate. Boarding an Eco-reserve campers enjoy the tranquility. Access to pool included.
Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
During summer, Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters provides the opportunity to swim, view and enjoy dolphins in the Bay of Plenty. Sightings of baby dolphin are incredible. Then we head to Whale Island
and swim with the friendly Kekeno seals.
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
River Rats Raft & Kayak - Wairoa Grade 5 Rafting
The Wairoa courses through a stunning rock and tree lined gorge. The trip combines turbulent rapids with exciting drops to produce top white water action. This dame release river only runs selected Sundays from September to May
River Rats Raft & Kayak - Wairoa Grade 5 Rafting
JO TRICKER GLASS
Come and learn the ancient and fascinating method of creating flameworked glass beads (also known as lampworking) where glass is melted in a flame using an oxygen and LPG torch.
JO TRICKER GLASS
Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
During your travels through the Bay of Plenty and in particular Mount Maunganui, visit the Classic Flyers Historic Aviation Museum for an attraction to visit that combines a unique historic aviation museum with a first class cafe & bar.
Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
Discover the rare beauty of one of New Zealand’s little-known treasures, Moutohorā (also known as Whale Island), home to some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds and reptiles.
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
Rocktopia
Rocktopia is now open at 9 Triton Ave, Mount Maunganui
We offer 26 fun climbs with 31 new challenges on our Clip N Climb walls
There is also 18 climbing walls and 2 boulder caves at Rocktopia. These walls were built by climbers for climbers and have produced some of the best climbers in the world today
At Rocktopia we also have the world famous vertical slide and Leap OF Faith jump
Rocktopia
Discovery Surf School
Discovery Surf School provides surfing lessons of the highest quality for all ages and abilities in a fun and safe environment.
Discovery Surf School
Orca Wild Adventures
The most successful dolphin swimming business in the Bay.
We offer a full day adventure which includes swimming with dolphins, a guided snorkel at a off shore island while your lunch gets cooked for you on the boat.
Orca Wild Adventures
Dolphin Viewing and Swimming
Our Wildlife Tour to watch and swim with wild dolphins in the Bay of Plenty is a must on any bucket list! Our 5-hour boat tour departs daily from Tauranga on our spacious catamaran, ideal for viewing and swimming.
Dolphin Viewing and Swimming
Tauranga Mini Golf
Situated within Memorial Park, Tauranga Mini Golf is great day out for all.
Tauranga Mini Golf
Wairoa River Kayak Tour
Explore the upper reaches of the Wairoa River from Omanawa. 10km flat water paddle - guided or unguided options
Wairoa River Kayak Tour
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip
Departing from Whakatane, we offer snorkeling trips around the islands of Moutohoroa and the Rurimas.
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip
Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park
Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park is your family park of choice.
We have all types of accommodation available as well as two chemical free natural mineral pools which are free to staying guests.
Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park
TECT All Terrain Park
Imagine a giant outdoor adventure park where you can create your own dream playground...
TECT All Terrain Park
Mount Hot Ocean Water Pools
Mount Maunganui Hot Ocean Water Pools, Open until 10pm, 7 days per week. Surrounded by golden beaches, cafes and walking tracks, rest and relax outdoors under the majestic 'Mount' in 32 - 39 degree ocean water or treat yourself to an onsite massage.
Mount Hot Ocean Water Pools
BayStation
Come and visit the new home of blokart and have a blast on the land sailing machine. BayStation also has a new activity, the all-new electric Drift Karts are the latest attraction and are perfect for going sideways.
BayStation
Flummox Escape Rooms Tauranga
We have created some of the very best escape rooms in New Zealand that are designed to be immersive and create some team bonding in a totally fun and enjoyable way!
Flummox Escape Rooms Tauranga
Kiwifruit Country
Visit a working kiwifruit orchard and learn about ‘the story of kiwifruit’.
Discover how this unique pocket of land, in the Bay of Plenty, is able to produce one of the worlds healthiest fruits, better than anywhere else.
Kiwifruit Country
Escape Rooms Tauranga
We are NZ's largest all escape room experience and the only original up to 90 min game giving you a longer more interactive experience.
We also have wheelchair access.
Escape Rooms Tauranga
V8 Trike Tours - Tauranga / Mount Maunganui / Bay of Plenty
Our scenic rides take you on a tour of the golden beaches and multi-million dollar houses. We’ll ride through Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City and out to the scenic lookouts across the Bay of Plenty. Voted #1 Outdoor Activity by TripAdvisor 2018 & 2019
V8 Trike Tours - Tauranga / Mount Maunganui / Bay of Plenty
Maddix Bike Park
Hidden away in a picturesque native bush setting only 15km from central Tauranga on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is one of the Bay of Plenty’s best kept dirt bike secrets.
Maddix Bike Park
Marshalls Animal Park
Situated adjacent to McLaren Falls Park, Marshalls Animal Park is a unique attraction with 35 acres of friendly animals and fun.
Marshalls Animal Park
Huntaway Farms Horse Trekking
Huntaway Farms Horse Trekking
Riverbug Tours, Courses & Rental
Experience the Bay of Plenty's waterways from the unique perspective of our NZ invented, single person 'Riverbug' inflatables. Our tours & courses offer safe, fun, educational and cultural filled adventures suitable for all ages and abilities.
Riverbug Tours, Courses & Rental
Kewpie Cruises - Scheduled One Hour Scenic Harbour Cruise
Bay of Plenty's best value activity: It's a special opportunity for families with children under 12 years as they travel free. Hop on/Hop off at Matakana. Departures from Pilot Wharf, Pilot Quay, Mount Maunganui
Kewpie Cruises - Scheduled One Hour Scenic Harbour Cruise
Arataki Cultural Walking Trails
Listen to mountains, rivers, and landmarks speak. Seamlessly receive info about sites of cultural significance at the Mauao base track, using our custom app and proximity tech.
Arataki Cultural Walking Trails
Motu River Jet
Motu River Jet
Motu Trails
Discover Motu Trails — one of the Great Rides on The New Zealand Cycle Trail.
Motu Trails
Memorial Pool
Memorial Pool is a favourite for many locals with the fresh outdoor facilities and heated pools that are great for families with children and swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Memorial Pool
