Walks, Beaches & Wildlife in the Bay of Plenty

Visit Waitekohekohe Recreational Park 

Waitekohekohe Recreational Park on Thompsons Track, 15 minutes south of Katikati, offers mountain bike trails, horse trails, walking tracks and a swimming hole.

Soak in the geothermal Sapphire Springs

There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a thermal hot pool! Sapphire Springs feature three warm outdoor swimming pools and two hot tubs, set amidst a beautiful natural bush landscape. The pools are fed from a natural warm water spring and are between  30°C  and 38°C – the perfect way to end the day. 

Stay: Sapphire Springs Holiday Park.

Relax at this tranquil holiday park at the foot of the Kaimāī Ranges, set in 32 hectares of beautiful native forest.

Half-day cruise with Bay Explorer

The fantastic Bay Explorer crew will make sure you have an unforgettable cruise, getting up close to marine wildlife such as seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca, and dolphins – making for plenty of amazing photo opportunities!

Your experienced captain and crew will provide a fascinating commentary on the history, geography and culture of the area. They have knowledge of marine wildlife and personally share with you everything they observe. 

Magical glow worms

Waimarino Kayak Tours offers some of New Zealand’s most breath-taking kayak adventures. 

Relax on the edge of tranquil Lake McLaren, enjoy locally produced refreshments while watching the ducks and swans go about their evening's preparations. At dusk, Waimarino’s kayak tour guides will lead you on to the lake to watch the sun set over the rolling hills. Gently paddle your kayak into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glow worm canyon. This kayak tour is truly a unique and magical experience.

Stay: Watercliff

Sleep completely immersed in nature. Watercliff is located along the banks of the Omanawa River and includes four luxurious and comfortable, self-contained and eco-friendly cabins. Outdoors you’ll find a large semi-covered deck with lounge chairs, a dining area and a BBQ. An outdoor bathtub is also set on the deck - the best way to soak up the beautiful views of the Omanawa River and dramatic cliffs.

SUP lesson and guided tour of Mauao

Immerse yourself in Māori culture and stories with the crew from Mauao Adventures. Take a hikoi (guided walk) around Mauao – a beloved mountain in Mount Maunganui. Discover how Māori lived centuries ago as local guides share legends and history. Learn about current environmental efforts to keep Mauao and the surrounding ocean waters pristine and look out for marine life as you enjoy the beauty of this stunning coastal walk. The Mauao base track is one of the most popular short walks in New Zealand. 

Then hit the water for a stand-up paddle-boarding lesson as the crew at Mauao Adventures share their love of the ocean with you.

Walk up and around the Mount

One of the most Instagrammed locations in New Zealand is in the heart of the Bay of Plenty – Mauao. 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.

Visit The Trading Post

The Trading Post is a casual bistro offering brunch and dinner. Set in a historical farm cottage in rural Te Puke, the menu features locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients from the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand. 

Discover Raparapahoe Falls

Raparapahoe Falls is a three-metre high waterfall that plunges into a cool and clear pool. This Te Puke gem is accessible by a steep and rough one-kilometre track that can get slippery so leave your jandals at home. The view from the bottom is breath-taking. Cliffs and a fringe of native punga trees rise sharply above the blue pool of water.

Moutohorā Island Sanctuary tour

Moutohorā (Whale Island) is a pest-free oasis that is home to a number of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles. Board Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary's comfortable catamaran for an easy cruise to the island before being taken on a fully-guided tour of the island.

Keep an eye out for a threatened tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel), boisterous tīeke (North Island saddleback), Tuatara, or kākāriki (red-crowned parakeet) as you journey through the regenerated native bush before you dig yourself a soothing geothermal spring pool at Onepū Bay, the secluded hot water beach of Moutohorā. This is your opportunity to see New Zealand’s wildlife as nature intended it and discover one of New Zealand’s little-known treasures.

Kiwi bird conservation in the Kiwi Capital of the World™

Discover the nocturnal world of wild kiwi with the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust in the Kiwi Capital of the World™, Whakatāne. Set out after dark on the self-guided Fairbrother Loop track or book a guided night walk. Listen for the call of kiwi who get quite chatty after dark, and discover all sorts of fascinating creepy-crawlies that come out at night.

Stay: Wainui Seaside Glamping

Relax in the peaceful bush setting and enjoy native bird song as you relax in your own lotus belle glamping tent or barn.

Tāne-mahuta - God of the Forest experience - Te Urewera

Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in this unique and ancient rainforest with the guides from Te Urewera Treks. Plant your own native tree to create a legacy that will last 1,000 years.

Enjoy the magical Whirinaki Forest and walk under fully mature native trees planted by nature hundreds of years ago. Discover Arohaki Lagoon where you’ll get to see the largest collection of kahikatea trees in New Zealand.

Stay: Whakatau rainforest retreat

Deep in Te Urewera is a glamping experience like no other. Stay in a glamping structure or a canvas bell tent. Self-cater, or select the Manaaki package that includes a local to host you, provide and cook meals. Enjoy the sounds of native bush while you admire the brilliant stars on a clear night.