The Bay of Plenty Region

Rotorua: The Lake and its surrounding area provides endless opportunities to explore thermal reserves and sites of Maori cultural and historical significance. Then there's the stunning beauty of the smaller Lakes nearby, surrounded by lush and green native bush.

The museum, located in the former Baths is a worthwhile insight into the area with an insight into the areas past, including the destruction of the 'Pink & White Terraces' during the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. A worthwhile short drive down the Lake Tarawera Road past Blue Lake provides opportunities to picnic and swim amongst Postcard scenery.

Urewera National Park,south of Whakatane. Containing the largest area of native bush in the North Island, the country is dense and rugged. The Jewel of the Park is Lake Waikaremoana, a lake setting of isolated and natural beauty.

Kaimai Mamaku situated west of Tauranga. A southern extension of the Coromandel Ranges the Kaimai Range contains some ancient Maori Tracks and old tramways which are incorporated into the many hike and trails in this park.

Whakarewarewa Forest Park, south of Rotorua. All stages of timber production from planting to logging, there are many pleasant picnic and recreation spots catering to walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.
 

A SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES IN THIS REGION

Rotorua   Tauranga / Whakatane   Katikati

Rotorua

Helipro Mount Tarawera flights - ex Rotorua
Helipro offers scenic helicopter flights to Mt Tarawera with a 'fly over' only or landing option. Alternatively take the 'Volcanic Adventure' that takes in Crater Lakes, Tarawera Falls, Mount Tarawera and the renowned thermal reserves of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu
Website: Click here

Helipro White Island trips ex Rotorua
Visit White Island from Rotorua with HELiPRO, experience the unforgettable landscape of New Zealand's most active volcano. Marvel at the steaming vents and crater lake, bubbling hot streams and boiling mud, also learn about the interesting history of White Island.
Website: Click here

Tamaki Maori Village & Concert
Rotorua's Tamaki Maori Village is a window to the world of Maori Culture, protocol, entertainment, crafts and mythology. Located a short distance from Rotorua city the journey into the realm of Tane begins as soon as you step aboard your transfer coach.
Website: Click here

Whirinaki Rainforest Walks
Experience the wonders of the Whirinaki Forest on this one day guided walk. Arguably the best remnant of New Zealand podocarp forest remaining.
Website: Click here

Buried Village. The Village of Te Wairoa was buried buy the eruption of Mt Tarawera on 10 June 1886 an event that also destroyed the spectacularly beautiful Pink & White Terraces.
Excavations began in 1931 to reveal the remains including the schoolhouse, flour mill, Rotomahana Hotel and other features. Today the site is a fascinating and multi faceted visitor attraction suitable for all ages.
Website: Click here

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Fascinating geothermal eco-system, enjoy a range of easy walking, advanced hiking, and boat cruise experiences ranging in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours at Waimangu. A variety of tours including transportation from the Rotorua township are also available.
Phone:  64 7 366 6137
Website: Click here

Rotorua Museum and Bath House, the audio visual on the Mt Tarawera eruption is good, and a soak in the bathhouse is a relaxing way to end the day.
Website: Click here

Paradise Valley Ventures Horse Trekking is set on 700 acres of New Zealand pasture – a working farm with sheep and cattle. There is no better way to see rural life than by horseback. We are the Bay of Plenty’s only Qualmark approved horse trekking operation
679 Paradise Valley Road, RD2, Rotorua 3072
Phone: 07 348 3300
Website: Click here

Tauranga / Whakatane

Swim with Dolphins Tauranga. The Tauranga dolphin company offers a unique and totally natural experience with wild dolphins.
Gemini Galaxsea is sixty feet long and very comfortable. She is a sailing boat, a very dolphin friendly vessel and this voyage is ecotourism at its very best.
Phone: +64 7 578 3197
Phone: Freephone: 0508 BUTLER ( 0508 288537 )
e-mail: taurangadolphins@clear.net.nz 
Website: www.swimwithdolphins.co.nz

Blue Ocean Fishing Charters - Tauranga - operates anywhere in the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Great Barrier Island areas, and base the vessel in either Tauranga and Mount Maunganui or Whangamata. Based Tauranga Bridge Marina ~ PO Box 13-100 ~ TAURANGA ~
Phone:+64  7- 578 9685
Website: Click here

Mills Reef Winery & Restaurant, 143 Moffat Road, Bethlehem, TAURANGA
Mills Reef Restaurant is set atop 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring expansive patios and grassed areas, with plantings of ornamental trees, colourful flowering shrubs and a sea of agapanthus.
Phone: + 7 576 8800
Website: Click here

Waimarino Adventure Park Kayaking Tours include Lake McLaren Glowworm Tour and Sea Kayaking on Tauranga Harbour
36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga
Phone: +64 07 576 4233
e-mail: info@waimarino.com 
Website: Click here

Katikati

Half an hour north of Tauranga, Katikai is farming and fruit growing country with a mild sunny climate, superb mountain and coastal scenery, and in close proximity to bush tramps (hikes), harbour and ocean beaches. Once known mainly for its bird gardens and thermal springs, the town of Katikati has now become famous for its ever-growing number of murals depicting various aspects of the area's history and development. Informative notes about the murals are available from the Katikati Information Centre and from the Katikati Craft and Mural Centre in the town. Open-Air Art Inc conduct guided Group tours of the murals, and these can be arranged through the Information Centre

 

Half an hour north of Tauranga, Katikai is farming and fruit growing country with a mild sunny climate, superb mountain and coastal scenery, and in close proximity to bush tramps (hikes), harbour and ocean beaches. Once known mainly for its bird gardens and thermal springs, the town of Katikati has now become famous for its ever-growing number of murals depicting various aspects of the area's history and development. Informative notes about the murals are available from the Katikati Information Centre and from the Katikati Craft and Mural Centre in the town. Open-Air Art Inc conduct guided Group tours of the murals, and these can be arranged through the Information Centre

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