Salt Spray Surf School
Learning to surf the waves is truly an exhilarating experience and there is no better place to learn then the white sands of Ohope Beach.
Salt Spray Surf School
LET'S HAVE SOME FUN
The Bay of Plenty has long been a favourite holiday destination for Kiwi families, and with over 125 kilometres of coastline and some of the best beaches in New Zealand, it’s easy to see why.
But there’s more to the Bay of Plenty than just our amazing beaches. Read on to find out about some of the other amazing activities in the Bay. It’s sure to make you smile!
1. LEARN TO SURF OR SUP
There’s no better time to learn the basics of surfing or stand-up-paddle boarding; our safe beaches and gentle swells provide the perfect conditions for learner surfers. Book a lesson with one of the many surf schools dotted along the coast. You’ll be “hanging 10” in no time!
2. CLIMB TO THE TOP OF MAUAO
Did it even happen if you didn’t ‘gram it? The iconic view from the summit of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is one of the most instagrammed spots in New Zealand and is well worth the short (but steep!) walk to the top.
3. EXPLORE THE REGION BY BIKE
From meandering coastal and riverside trails to adrenalin-pumping mountain biking through a forest, the Coastal Bay of Plenty has an ever-expanding network of epic places to ride your bike.
4. DISCOVER SOME OF THE BAY'S HIDDEN FOODIE GEMS
Take a tour with Taste of Plenty and uncover some epic local foodie experiences; from ice cream, snags and honey, to locally brewed cider, wines and plenty more.
5. DISCOVER THE CULTURE
The Bay of Plenty is steeped in history and culture – spend a day exploring. You’ll be surprised by what you might find!
6. EXPLORE OUR BIG BLUE BACKYARD
Get up close to our amazing marine wildlife – it’s an unforgettable experience! Head out on a boat tour with Dolphin Seafaris or Bay Explorer and get prepared to be amazed.
7. CREATE YOUR OWN GIN
Choose a distillery tour or dive into a hands-on gin-making experience with Matahui Distillery! Explore over 20 botanicals in the Flavour Library, craft your own signature recipe, and take home a bottle of your unique creation.
8. SOAK IN A THERMAL HOT POOL
There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a thermal hot pool. No matter where along our coastline you’re staying, there’ll be a hot pool within easy reach.
9. TAKE TO THE SKIES
Time to tick something off the bucket list! Adventure Helicopters offers a range of scenic flights including the Mount Magic flight which takes you up and around, yep, you guessed it, Mount Maunganui.
10. EXPLORE AN ECO-SANCTUARY
Located just off the coast of Whakatāne is Moutohorā (Whale Island) - a pest-free oasis that is home to many native New Zealand birds, reptiles and plants. Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary, KG Kayaks and Diveworks all have a DoC concession to land on the island.
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PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY
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Mount Maunganui Surf Academy
Mount Maunganui Surf Academy
NZ Surf Academy
NZ Surf Academy is a respected surf company operating across Northland, Matakana Coasts, Orewa & Mount Maunganui. We promote surf lessons, surf tours, school & holiday camps, corporate team building, family surf days, beach education, surf culture and adventure.
NZ Surf Academy
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Bay Explorer
Enter nature & wide open spaces on a Bay Explorer wildlife cruise. Explore our big blue backyard and watch dolphins swimming up close. Join us for a shared lifetime experience and help protect wild marine animals. A great family friendly half-day.
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Bay Explorer
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 6-hour boat tour departs daily (November to May) from Tauranga on our spacious catamaran, ideal for viewing and swimming.
Dolphin Viewing and Swimming
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
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
Mount Hot Ocean Water Pools
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. Accessibility friendly facility.
Mount Hot Ocean Water Pools
Mount Magic Scenic Flight
A peek at the Bay and thrill of a chopper ride, taking in views of the city, Mount Maunganui and glorious sandy beaches.
Mount Magic Scenic Flight
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
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
Whale Island aka Moutohora is a wildlife sanctuary 9kms. from Whakatane. Its surrounding waters contain an abundance of Marine wildlife. The Island hosts an abundance of rare and endangered Flora and fauna.
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
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
The Elms | Te Papa, Tauranga
Set in the heart of Tauranga, The Elms | Te Papa is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's oldest heritage sites. It is best known for its iconic Mission House and award-winning heritage gardens. The sites rich history dates to pre-European times.
The Elms | Te Papa, Tauranga
Tauranga Art Gallery Toi Tauranga
An exceptional art experience in downtown Tauranga. Discover and enjoy a constantly changing programme of inspiring artwork from leading local, national and international artists. Browse our retail space for unique gifts to take home.
Tauranga Art Gallery Toi Tauranga
10 Free Activities in the Bay
Family and friends staying this weekend? Here are some of our favourite free activities to keep them entertained!
Family Experiences in the Bay
There are loads of fun activities for you and your family to experience while you're in the Bay of Plenty.