Things To Do In Bay Of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty region is one of New Zealand’s top holiday destinations. The Bay of Plenty region covers 12,200 sq.km of land with several islands in the bay, notably Mayor Island, Whale Island and the active volcano of White Island. Volcanic mountains and geothermal areas dot the landscape with Rotorua being a major tourist site with the surrounding geothermal areas and M?ori cultural centres. The Bay of Plenty is also one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and the fifth-most populous region with the main population centres of Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane. Tauranga, the region's largest commercial centre, was named New Zealand's top city for economic performance for the 2011 year. The Bay of Plenty was named by James Cook when he sailed through the bay in 1769 after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Maori villages there. According to local Maori traditions, the Bay of Plenty was the landing point of several migration canoes that brought Maori settlers to New Zealand. Tourism is a main part of the region’s economy with many activities and tourist attractions offering a multitude of things to see and do.

Best Attractions and free things to do in the Bay of Plenty

1. V8 Trike Tour

If you're looking for a fun-filled adrenaline rush, the V8 Trike Tour is just the place! It's the top 10% Attraction Worldwide and voted #1 Outdoor Activity in Tauranga. The unique and thrilling experience starts on a V8 Chevrolet trike as you explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty. A perfect and memorable way to spend an evening.

2. Kaituna River Rafting

Often the bay of plenty can be too sunny to spend the day in the sun. So, why not send it in the river! Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers! You even take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall!

3. Rotorua

Wherever you are staying in the bay of plenty, it's always worth taking a day trip to Rotorua. With so many wonderful things to do it would be a missed opportunity not to take the drive. From Volcano hikes to mud spas, there's something for everyone!

5. A walk to see the blowhole on Moturiki

Bring your togs and towels, go to the end and jump off of the blowhole into the sea! Moturiki is the most accessible of all the islands. The blowhole is between five and ten minutes' walk from Mount Maunganui's main beach. For the greatest observation point, follow the well-marked trail up the mild slopes and struggle over the boulders at the summit.

6. The Tauranga waterfront

Overlooking the shore of one of Tauranga’s beautiful natural inlets, yet situated just a few hundred meters from the Tauranga CBD, is the iconic Tauranga Waterfront. It's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, or sit with friends and family on a sunny day.

7. Whirinaki forest

Be stunned, take a slow stroll in peace, or take a ride into the mists of this ancient landscape.

Feel the breath of the forest, go through time, walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, under the shade of giants, and be welcomed by the Whirinaki.

This breathtaking walk welcomes all. The whole 25.6 kilometers of it is a huge 2-day feat, but you can turn around wherever.

8. Te Puna Quarry

Riddles in marvelous statues, Te Puna Quarry park has magic to be discovered at every turn.
The gardens are brimming with unique features, including irises, cactus and succulents, a palm grove, bonsai nook, butterfly garden, and so much more, including orchids by the thousands. With our Australian and South African areas, you can experience a taste of distant places.

9. Waihī Beach

Waihī Beach is a lively coastal community on the northern edge of the Coastal Bay of Plenty, with charming boutique shops, cafés, and a 9-kilometer stretch of white sand beach.

This beautiful bay has plenty of walking tracks to explore, including trips to secluded beaches and waterfalls offering panoramic views of the area. Or simply stroll along the 9-kilometer stretch of pristine beach - you can't go wrong!

10. Tauranga Art Gallery

The Tauranga Art Gallery consists of breathtaking pieces of exquisite art, appreciated by everyone. Whether it's a cloudy, sunny or cold day, the Tauranga Art Gallery should be at the top of your bucket list. There is something for everyone to enjoy with the vast variety of art forms the building takes in. Why not take an hour or two out of your day to have a look?

Top fun activities in the Bay of Plenty

V8 Trike Tours Bay of Islands: This is a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike exploring the beautiful Bay of Plenty! Designed and built in New Zealand, these trikes are powered by 5700cc Chevrolet motors. It’s the ultimate in power and excitement!

Kaituna River Rafting: Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers! Enjoy the thrills and spills of the mighty Kaituna River as you take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall!

Evening Glowworm Kayayak tour: Start your incredible evening Glowworm Tour at Waimarino alongside the Wairoa River. Enjoy delicious refreshments while watching the sun set over the rolling hills. At twilight, guides will lead you into the calm waters to discover the magic of the enchanting Glowworm canyon.

Skydive: Start your memorable adventure with a 25-minute scenic flight with breathtaking views of Mount Maunganui and golden beaches expanding as far as the eye can see. Higher up, you'll see White Island, Mount Ruapehu, the Rotorua Lakes, The Coromandel and even Mount Taranaki. And if you still had some breath left after that, freefalling back towards Tauranga at 200km/h on a tandem skydive might help take it away for good!

Best day trips from the Bay of Plenty

V8 Trike Tours Bay of Islands: This is a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike exploring the beautiful Bay of Plenty! Designed and built in New Zealand, these trikes are powered by 5700cc Chevrolet motors. It’s the ultimate in power and excitement!

Kaituna River Rafting: Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers! Enjoy the thrills and spills of the mighty Kaituna River as you take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall!

Evening Glowworm Kayayak tour: Start your incredible evening Glowworm Tour at Waimarino alongside the Wairoa River. Enjoy delicious refreshments while watching the sun set over the rolling hills. At twilight, guides will lead you into the calm waters to discover the magic of the enchanting Glowworm canyon.

Best things to do near the Bay of Plenty

Skydive Auckland: Ready to throw yourself out of a perfectly good plane? Redefine freedom and escape reality at Skydive Auckland with the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand at a thrilling 20,000ft. Imagine the excitement of freefalling at a speed of 200+ km/hr with a spectacular and unique backdrop of both the east and west coasts of New Zealand. After freefall you will enjoy the serenity of a beautiful parachute ride and see stunning views in every direction. As soon as you are down, you will want to do it all over again!

Hologate: See, move and feel the VR dimensions in a completely immersive and realistic way while your body becomes the controller and your mind believes it’s real! Hologate VR lets you live the adventure! You might find yourself in the middle of a massive snowball fight, competing on a challenging rhythm and beat battle or trying to survive a zombie attack together with your friends!

Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise: Enjoy the unique Auckland landscape from the water on our relaxed harbour sailing experience. Take in Auckland’s city highlights; sail under the Harbour Bridge, see volcanic peaks and the iconic city skyline from the best view in town. Sit back and relax or get involved and help our friendly, knowledgeable crew sail our purpose built 50 foot yachts. Enjoy the afternoon on the water with your choice of fresh coffee, tea or a hot chocolate plus a delicious sweet treat.

Weta Workshop Unleashed: Part film set. Part creative workshop. But all is not what it seems. Inside these paint-splattered walls, fantastical worlds are brought to life with Workshop wizardry. We’ve unleashed Horror, Sci-Fi and Fantasy’s most essential residents into the mix: monsters, wildly realistic giants and one GALACTIC robot. Enter Weta Workshop Unleashed. Experience a world where fantasy and reality collide.

Adrenalin Forest: Adrenalin Forest is a multi-level aerial obstacle course that is designed to progress you higher and higher into the trees. We train you to navigate yourself through the series of tree to tree platforms with activities like rope bridges, Tarzan swings, nets, flying foxes and of course loads more. With multiple different courses and around 3 hours of entertainment, fun, challenge and of course Adrenalin. This is a great way to build your confidence while having a good time with your friends, family or work mates