There is so much to see and do in Te Moananui ā Toi (the Coastal Bay of Plenty) and, whatever you choose, it's sure to make you smile. We've put together nine epic Bay of Plenty experiences below, but it doesn't stop there so explore our website and find your adventure!
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Discover the Bay of Plenty’s renowned coastline with Bay Explorer. Learn about the Pacific Ocean’s depths and admire our abundant marine life and look out for some of nature’s finest creatures that live here including penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks and orca, depending on the time of year.
See our wildlife and learn about our stunning coastline from qualified marine biologists.
We are proud to share our Māori heritage and there’s no better place to experience New Zealand’s indigenous culture than at Mātaatua – an authentic meeting house that travelled around the globe for 130 years before returning to its home, Whakatāne. Mātaatua’s digital light show, ‘HIKO: Legends Carved in Light’, combines history, architecture and technology for a spine-tingling cultural experience.
Authentic Māori meeting house, digital light show.
Tick this off your bucket list and experience the majesty of swimming alongside dolphins in their natural habitat. Our warm coastal waters in the Bay of Plenty attract large pods of dolphins between November and May each year. Join Dolphin Seafaris for an epic adventure – they have a 95% success rate of finding dolphins! You may also see orcas, whales, sea turtles and seals along the way.
Swim with dolphins, wildlife viewing.
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.
Kayaking, glow worms.
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 watcher's 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.
Hot water beach, fur seals, eco sanctuary.
Mount Maunganui’s iconic dormant volcano, Mauao, offers unbeatable views and is steeped in Māori history and ancient myths. Hear about our region’s unique heritage during a walk with Arataki Cultural Walking Trails App. 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.
One of New Zealand's most popular walking tracks.
Kewpie’s popular tour travels through the Tauranga inner harbour surrounded by the Kaimai ranges.
Scenic features include the Statue of Tangaroa, a diversity of landscapes from untouched white sandy beaches, lush green forests, islands and small village settlements, contrasted by the massive and highly developed port infrastructure. Get close-up with cargo and container ships or visiting cruise ships as we travel through Stella Passage and New Zealand’s largest port.
Wildlife includes blue penguins and sea birds (marine mammals can be seen occasionally in season, including New Zealand fur seals, orca and dolphins).
Harbour cruise, scenic views, wildlife.
We love to share our delicious kiwifruit, avocados and fresh produce with the rest of the world. Enjoy the Bay of Plenty’s diverse cuisine at markets, cafés, restaurants and wineries. Pick fresh berries in season and buy products straight from local artisan food producers.
Diverse produce and cuisine.
