Explore the Pacific Coast Highway

Next you’re travelling to idyllic Katikati. Enjoy a peaceful place stroll past its large outdoor murals and tour a working orchard with Avocado Tours (psst, there are snacks, and Tim's guacamole is legendary). If you couldn’t already tell, Katikati is the avocado capital of New Zealand! 

Just a short drive from Tauranga, Ōmokoroa is a laid-back coastal gem perfect for a cruisy day out. Hit some balls at the Ōmokoroa Golf Club, a scenic course with stunning harbour views, then swing by The Rising Tide for some of the tastiest dumplings and a cold beer from Mount Brewing Co. It’s local flavour at its best — relaxed and delicious.

Near the Ōmokoroa peninsula shoreline, rest your head at the Ōmokoroa TOP 10 Holiday Park. Onsite you’ll also find three naturally heated mineral hot pools — perfect to relax and unwind at the end of the day.

If you’re coming to the Bay, you must go to "the Mount", full name Mount Maunganui. This coastal suburb is a bustling hub of surfers, yogis and matcha-drinkers. Enjoy the Mount’s lively nightlife and, of course, a hike up the eponymous Mauao (Mount Maunganui, the conical dormant volcano at the northern and highest end of the peninsula). Admire the Pacific Ocean below and consider whether a stand-up paddleboard, surf or swim are going to be your afternoon activity. Soak up the Mount vibe either at the Mount Hot Pools or over a cold beverage at Astrolabe. P.S. Go to Tay Street Beach Kitchen or The General for your coffee & brunch fix. 

The iconic Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park is as Kiwi as they come, and many families return year after year for their beach fix. Park up here at the base of New Zealand’s most popular short walk, next to New Zealand’s (nearly always in annual awards) best beach, and you’ll see why. We recommend at least two nights here. 

Journey to Tauranga, the country’s fifth largest and fastest growing city. Here you’ll find a foodie scene bursting with manaakitanga (hospitality) and flavours harvested from the region’s plentiful food providence. Wander to the waterfront on The Strand for sea views, sightings of orcas chasing stingrays (most likely in June-July and October-December), and Bobby’s. This fish & chip shop is a New Zealand institution, serving up the freshly battered daily catch on the wharf next to the boat that brought it ashore since 1996. 

To see (what we think is) the most beautiful waterfall in New Zealand, head inland to Te Rere o Ōmanawa. The sacred azure-coloured waterfall is revealed over three lookout platforms accessed through a series of tracks with hundreds of steps amongst native New Zealand bush and panoramic views of the valley. After all those steps, enjoy a smoothie bowl or sweet treat at Ōmanawa Café. 

Those seeking a truly unique experience will head to Waimarino Kayak Tours for an evening paddle through a canyon shining with glow worms. The team will take you to picturesque McLaren Falls Park on the outskirts of Tauranga where you’ll launch at sunset before being guided into the canyon to witness thousands of tiny glowing beacons melding with the stars above. 

Pāpāmoa locals will tell you they never want to leave their sandy stretch for good reason. Beachy Pāpāmoa is best experienced with a morning surf lesson or board rental through Hakanini Surf School, an afternoon hike up Pāpāmoa Hills, followed by a meal at Southeast Asian fusion restaurant Lantern or relaxed bar The Island for wood-fired pizza. 

Tasman Holiday Parks - Pāpāmoa Beach have your coastal escape sorted with their beachfront campground. Complete with a 27-metre heated pool, pizza oven, kids’ playground and everything you could need for a blissful beachside stay. 

Start your final morning here by heading into the hinterland to discover Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world. Te Puke is home to acres of the fuzzy green and gold fruit, along with other local legends like charitable trust The Daily, an award-winning café where profits are directed to the community. 

Wander through Ōtanewainuku Forest — a protected forest that is home to a variety of native birds and has two spectacular trails to either the summit or a refreshing waterfall with a popular swimming hole and picnic spot. Brave souls can plunge into its chilly waters for a refreshing mountain-water swim.