The Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty really is what it says it has an abundance of sunshine, golden sandy beaches and bush clad forestry. Busy with cafes and shops and offering many activities. The Bay of Plenty is host to a wide array of traveller's, all keen to experience the wonders of what some call the ultimate holiday destination.
Tauranga is the regions largest residential and commercial area, with sunshine and a fertile landscape, making the township the centre of a large kiwifruit and citrus growing area.

Tauranga is also home to New Zealand's largest port providing exportation of timber, paper, fruit and dairy products.

The waters of the surrounding harbour encompass cobble-paved streets, laden with great shops and street side cafes. Tauranga provides a great base for the recreational sport of fishing. The biggest kingfish and snapper were caught in the Bay of Plenty, according to world records.

The Bay of Plenty is only 2.5 hours drive from Auckland and is one of the most popular New Zealand holiday destinations. The areas of Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui have a spectacular sunny climate and great beaches, which makes it a top spot to experience all kinds of activities all year round.

Skydiving, jet-boating, white-water rafting, windsurfing, diving, dolphin watching, fishing, horse-riding, walking and kayaking are just some of the adventure activities you might want to experience in the sunny Bay of Plenty. There are several walking trails that will take you through wetlands, past waterfalls, alongside the coast and into the inland reserves. Water sports are very popular in the area because of the great climate.

There are many heritage sites, buildings and museums to visit in order to get a flavour of Bay of Plenty's history.

Mount Maunganui is situated under the extinct volcanic cone, which can be seen throughout the whole of the Western Bay of Plenty. Now connected to the mainland by a sand bar, the Mount (as it is called) used to be an island. Nowadays, the area attracts New Zealanders on their holidays and overseas travellers, who enjoy its bar and restaurant scene.

Mount Maunganui has a great shopping mall, the Bayfair Shopping Centre, surrounded by smaller suburban shopping centres with designer and boutique stores; there are many interesting options for every shopper.

Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and the rest of The Bay of Plenty is known for its award-winning cuisine and top restaurants from waterfront dining to a native forest setting where you can enjoy the best of New Zealand cuisine and all ethnic varieties. Fresh fish is a speciality of the area. There's also plenty of entertainment available in the evening, from nightclubs to bars.
Relax on the beaches and enjoy the Sun.

Bay of Plenty Map

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Bay of Plentys climate:

Average Summer temperature; 23c
Warmest months; December to March
Average Winter temperature; 14.7c
Average Hours of sunshine per year; 2260hrs
Average annual rainfall; 1198mm

Popular Bay of Plenty activities

Helicopter or launch trip to the active volcanic island, White Island from Whakatane
A therapeutic dip at the Mt Maunganui hot salt water pools
Walk around the base of Mt Maunganui or take the 1.5km tramp to the summit
A fishing charter to the Marlin waters of Mayor Island (Tuhua)

Key Features   Mauao (Mount Maunganui) Guarding the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, Mauao was the landing place of the Takitimu waka. Takitimu was one of the ocean-going migration canoes that made the trip from Hawaiki to New Zealand in about 1290 AD.   Beach life The stylish surf town of Mount Maunganui buzzes with adventure and activity. There's everything from surf lifesaving and beach volleyball to kite surfing, parasailing, jet skiing and surfing competitions.   White Island Walking on an active volcano is a once in a lifetime opportunity. White Island hisses, fumes, belches and rumbles with geothermal action. It's accessible by launch and helicopter from Whakatane. Key Tips Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are just 2  hours drive from Auckland, on the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway. Tauranga airport is located just over the harbour bridge, only five kilometres from the city centre. 70% of New Zealand's kiwifruit is grown in Te Puke - the kiwifruit capital of the world. Running along the city waterfront, The Strand is the place to find a great bar or restaurant.

BAY OF PLENTY   Population: 178,000 Area: 12,247km2