Discover the Bay of Plenty’s fascinating past

The Coastal Bay of Plenty has a rich history and heritage. It is home to the earliest cave drawings in New Zealand and the landing place of significant founding waka that first brought Māori to these shores almost 1,000 years ago.

In 1769, the region was named the Bay of Plenty by Captain James Cook as he circumnavigated Aotearoa. Less than 100 years later, war would break out and significant battles would be fought in Tauranga and surrounding areas.

Dive deep into the Coastal Bay of Plenty and discover the places that have shaped this fascinating history.

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Time

4 Days

Highlights

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, Gate Pā battlefield, Mauao, Ōmataroa Eco tour, Kohutapu Lodge.

Proximity

By Car:
From Auckland: 2 hours and 45 minutes
From Hamilton: 1 hour and 30 minutes
From New Plymouth: 4 hours and 15 minutes
From Napier: 3 hours and 45 minutes
From Wellington: 6 hours and 30 minutes

theelms

1: DISCOVER TAURANGA

Gate Pā battlefield
Visit the Gate Pā battlefield, a significant battleground from the New Zealand Land Wars and the only battle site in the country to be set within a city’s boundaries.

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga is one of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Journey through the expansive grounds, and enjoy a guided tour of the historic house and library.

The Historic Village
The Historic Village is home to a collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga, set in gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds. These wonderful character buildings now house over 50 businesses, including shops and community organisations. We recommend a coffee at the onsite Whipped Baker (look out for the amazing doughnuts!).

Stay: Clarence Hotel is a 1906 Edwardian Baroque style building that was once Tauranga’s Post Office. It has now been refurbished into a boutique 10-room hotel, fine dining restaurant and funky bar and bistro.

Highlights

Gate Pā battlefield, The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, The Historic Village, e-Bike tour & luxury accommodation.

TBOP Winter 375

2: DISCOVER MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Enjoy a stroll around Mauao (Mount Maunganui)
One of the most Instagrammed locations in New Zealand is in the heart of the Bay of Plenty – Mauao. Walk around the base track or hike to the top of the dormant volcano for a view that will take your breath away.  Standing 232 metres above sea level, Mauao is an iconic landmark treasured by locals. Mauao means ‘caught by the dawn’ and the mountain is steeped in Māori history and mythology. Several historical pā sites (villages) have been built on this extinct volcanic cone, the evidence of which can still be seen today as you explore the popular walking tracks.

Download the Aratakai Cultural Trails app for a self-guided tour that shares the legends of this sacred maunga (mountain) as you walk around the base track.

Harbour cruise and e-bike tour with Te Ara Tourism
This three-hour haerenga (tour) with Te Ara Tourism includes a cruise of Te Awanui Harbour (Tauranga Harbour) and an e-bike tour on the Omokoroa to Tauranga cycle trail. Enjoy historical and cultural story-telling and a visit to Ongarahu Pa at Plummer's Point – one of the most well preserved defensive fortifications known in New Zealand.

Highlights

Explore one of the most instagrammed spots in New Zealand.

Nga tapuwae o toi at sunrise

3: WONDEROUS WHAKATĀNE

Ngā Tapuwae o Toi (The Footsteps of Toi)
This incredible walk will have you following in the footsteps of a mighty chief. The track traverses pā sites of major historic significance, superb native forest and spectacular coastal views. The Footsteps of Toi is a treat for bird watchers with both seabird colonies and forest bird song to delight you.

Ngā Tapuwae o Toi encompasses the dominion of the great chieftain Toi. His stronghold, Kapu-te-Rangi (Pā of Gentle Breezes), is one of the oldest known pā sites in the country.

Ōmataroa Eco Tours
Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Look no further than Ōmataroa Eco Tours and Kiwi Bird Experiences! The breathtaking Ōmataroa forest boasts both the Puhikōkō Reserve and Ngākauroa Wetland - two regions of great importance and stunning natural beauty. Take a guided tour, and be transported through the beautiful native bush, while learning about local Maori history, traditions, and kiwi conservation efforts.

During your tour, keep your ears peeled for the elusive kiwi - after all, you're in the Kiwi Capital of the World™

Stay
Awa Motel – a 4.5-star motel accommodation nestled between the Whakatāne River and a pōhutukawa tree-lined escarpment. Enjoy your stay in one of the micro-village cabins and enjoy breakfast at the onsite café which is a favourite amongst locals.

Highlights

Explore ancient coastal settlements and follow the footsteps of a mighty chief.

Kohutapu Lodge carvings

4: KOHUTAPU LODGE

Discover the oldest cave drawings in New Zealand with Kohutapu Lodge

People have been drawn to the Bay of Plenty for millennia – we’ve even got the oldest cave drawings in New Zealand. Carbon-dated to 1050 A.D., you can see these in Murupara with the amazing guides from Kohutapu Lodge who will entertain you with stories and legends to reveal our ancient past.

Stay: Kohutapu Lodge is nestled on the shores of Lake Aniwhenua and offers affordable camp-style accommodation. Relax and enjoy the natural surroundings and let the hosts show you the hospitality they are world-famous for.

Location:   3836 Galatea Road, Galatea 3079

Highlights

Discover New Zealand's oldest cave drawings - carbon-dated to 1050 A.D..