Home to New Zealand’s top-rated beach, kiwifruit farms, glow worms, street art, and so much more, the region is aptly named the Bay of Plenty. Whether you are looking to relax or for some excitement, you will find plenty of fun things to do in Tauranga (the largest city), Mount Maunganui (coastal beach town), and the surrounding region.
It is a local’s playground, a weekend getaway for other New Zealanders, a key cruise port, and a haven for international visitors.
Unlike cruise visitors, we had several days to explore. While our personal goal was a bit of relaxation, we couldn’t resist many unique and fun things to do in Tauranga and the surrounding area.
Where is the eastern Bay of Plenty?
We explore the eastern Bay of Plenty from Mount Maunganui in the north through Tauranga, Papamoa, Kiwifruit Country, and Whakatane before heading to Opotiki to tour the east cape.
If you are arriving via cruise ship, be sure to check out our complete guide to the cruise port in Tauranga. If you are NOT arriving via cruise ship and your plans are flexible, you might want to check the port of Tauranga cruise ship schedule and avoid crowded days.
Things to do in Mount Maunganui
With so many things to do in Tauranga and in Mount Maunganui, we opted to start with the icon – the extinct volcano rising up from sea level, which is both a sacred mountain to the Māori people and the entrance to Tauranga Harbour.
Hike up Mount Maunganui or walk around the base
The extinct volcano’s Māori name is Mauao, which translates to “caught by the dawn.” Rising 230 metres above sea level, Mount Maunganui’s coastal views from the summit track are unforgettable.
Due to a random turn of events, we didn’t make it to the top and had to turn back about midway up. To that point, the walk was steadily uphill but not too steep. It’s a popular walk that is now labelled “the best” by one of the Game of Thrones stars.
If climbing Mount Maunganui isn’t your thing, another popular track is the 3.4-kilometre path around the volcano’s base.
Swim or surf at Mount Maunganui Beach
No question about it, Mount Maunganui Beach is paradise. The seemingly endless white sand and surf make this a popular destination in the summer. It was included on TripAdvisor’s list of the world’s top 25 beaches in 2016, as well as being voted New Zealand’s number one beach.
Hard to believe from the calm day we photographed, but it is also a popular surfing area. You can rent a board, with discounts depending on the time and day you select.
See the blowhole on Leisure Island
Moturiki (Leisure Island) is a tiny island accessible via a manmade land bridge from Mount Maunganui Beach. You can see the island in the photos above. The blowhole shoots seawater up at high tide on days with wild surf.
We visited on a calm day, so despite the proper timing, there was no splash. However, the island has a lovely nature walk, offering plenty of rock pools and endless views.
More things to do in Mount Manganui
- Relax and rejuvenate at hot saltwater pools (or if you have toddlers, enjoy their water slides). Check for discounts here.
- Take a self-guided street art crawl and discover works from well-known street artists like Askew One, Flox, or Andrew Steel. Ask at any i-SITE for a free street art map or see it here.
- Join the locals fishing off the rocks near Leisure Island.
- Watch the sunset behind Mount Maunganui.
Fun things to do in Tauranga
Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty. Tauranga harbour welcomes nearly a quarter-million cruise ship visitors annually, and the port of Tauranga is now the largest cruise port destination in New Zealand and consistently voted the favourite.
Night kayak to see glow worms
The thrill of night kayaking and the magic of glow worms made our kayak tour on McLaren Lake a truly memorable event. Recently, we discovered discount pricing on the same Waimarino glow worm kayak tour depending on the day you select.
If you have young people in your party, make a full day of it by spending the afternoon at Waimarino Water and Adventure Park. Get deals on a family pass here.
Discover Tauranga street art
Like Mount Maunganui, Tauranga has impressive street art. You can pick up a free street art map at any i-SITE or see it here.
Be impressed by the Tauranga Art Gallery
Tauranga Art Gallery is a fascinating regional art museum featuring a collection of historical and contemporary art in a modern building. It is open every day, and admission is free.
Hang out on the Strand
One of the best things to do in Tauranga is to hang out downtown on the Strand. We choose to have coffee at a cafe on Wharf Street. There is shopping, cafes, restaurants, the art museum, and more in this modern part of the city
Swim with wild dolphins
This five-hour boat trip offers an opportunity to view wild dolphins or actually to get into the water and swim with them. Award-winning guides keep both you and the animals safe. All necessary gear is included, but you will want to bring your camera. Reserve your swim with wild dolphins here.
For those who prefer to stay out of the water, check out this dolphin and wildlife cruise. Also a half-day adventure. Check for discounts on dolphin and wildlife cruises here.
Waterfront playground and water park
If you’re travelling with children, there are plenty of things to do in Tauranga with kids. One of the best is a giant waterfront playground with climbing structures, water play, and swings.
At the waterfront edge of the park, there are bronze statues of Hairy Maclary and his crew of five kooky canines. The Hairy Maclary series of children’s books were written by Tauranga author Dame Lynley Dodd.
In summer, there is a Tauranga water park. Claiming to be New Zealand’s largest floating waterpark, it tops my summer list of fun things to do in Tauranga with kids.
Other things to do in the Bay of Plenty
Aside from being a beach community, there are a few other interesting and unique things to do in the Bay of Plenty.
Kiwifruit Country
We loved our kiwifruit plantation tour. Allow a bit of extra time to visit the cafe after the tour for samples and then get a scoop of kiwifruit ice cream.
Hobbiton
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, a tour from Tauranga to Hobbiton is the easiest way to explore the Shire. However, if are happy to drive yourself to Matamata (a 45-minute drive), you may want to purchase your Hobbiton tickets in advance. Nothing is worse than arriving only to discover that they are sold out for the day.
Read next: New Zealand Lord of the Rings Filming Locations You Can Visit
Visit Rotorua and explore a Māori village
If you haven’t included Rotorua as a destination on your travels to New Zealand, then you may want to take a tour of this geothermal region.
Reserve your Rotorua highlights tour from Tauranga here
White Island volcano
Update: White Island erupted on December 9, 2019. At this time, all tours to the island have been suspended.
White Island is New Zealand’s (and possibly the world’s) most active marine volcano. Some compare the lunar landscape and active geothermal vents to their image of walking on the moon. The Māori name ‘Te Puia o Whakaari’ translates to ‘the dramatic volcano’.
At 50 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coast, White Island boat or helicopter tours were quite popular before the eruption. Some White Island aerial tours are still operating, but personally, I would avoid them as there are more than enough other fascinating things to do in the Bay of Plenty. For that other-worldly atmosphere, head to Rotorua’s Wai-o-Tapu or Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Where to stay in the Bay of Plenty
We opted to stay at the Papamoa Beach Resort (see our full review). Our beachfront villa was a perfect choice. Papamoa is only a short drive to either Mount Maunganui or Tauranga city, but more importantly, it’s a beach destination on its own. Reserve your stay at Papamoa Beach Resort here.
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We included the Bay of Plenty at the end of our recent North Island driving adventure and arrived after driving around the East Cape. Then we returned to Auckland using this itinerary.
Which of the things to do in Tauranga or anywhere in the Bay of Plenty will you try?
You might also like:
- What to Do in Rotorua New Zealand: A First Timer’s Guide
- Wai-O-Tapu: A Photo Review of Geothermal Rotorua New Zealand
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley: World’s Youngest Geothermal System
- Free Things to do in Rotorua New Zealand
- New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures
Disclaimer: We worked with Tourism Bay of Plenty. Also, we were provided with many complimentary entrances, tours, sample items, or media rates to assist in the writing of this review. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
Lyn
Love the pic of you two on the swing, how cute. There is some nice street art there now, didn’t see any when we were there, must be a sign its time to plan a trip back sometime.
Erin Gustafson
Sign me up for snorkeling and the night kayak to glo worms please! It all looks super beautiful and very much like things we would love to explore as a family. Cheers from Copenhagen.
Rhonda Albom
The night kayak tour was amazing, and I just published a review of it with more photos. Check it out here: Tauranga Nightlife: Consider a Kayak Glow Worm Tour
Rhonda Albom
I haven’t spent enough time in the Bay of Plenty. I am just glad it’s not too far and I can go back some day.
Nancie
My only trip to NZ was a quick one, and I didn’t get to the Bay of Plenty. After reading your post, I will next time. I’m a big street art fan, and I’d love to see the glow worms.
Rhonda Albom
There is so much to see in our tiny country, and few people allocate enough time to see it all. LOL – I have been here 16 years and am still making new discoveries.
Nicole Hunter
With all the volcanos erupting all over the world, I love the idea of doing this White Island Volcano tour. However, clearly there is a lot to do in this area. Definitely a bucket list destination!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – with all the volcanos erupting all over the world, the idea of White Island makes me nervous.
Charlotte
Such an amazing post, I shared on twitter. Thank you🙌
Jessica
Wow, those views are absolutely spectacular! And the White Island Volcano looks like quite a sight to see. I’m also a sucker for street art, so that is also definitely a plus. Definitely adding this to my list! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Miranda @ Migration Expert UK
Sounds like an amazing place to visit and amazing photos by the way, How I wish I can capture picture as good as yours!
Corey
Ok – LOVE Hairy Maclary!!!! I haven’t heard that name in so long, and I just got really nostalgic as I used to read those books to my girls all the time. I don’t think I knew the author was from New Zealand! I’m going to have to dig them up. The Bay of Plenty sounds heavenly – night kayaking with glow worms? Sign me up.
Obligatory Traveler
Wow! What a great area. All of the beaches look so calming. Plus there’s art and coffee. Can’t wait to read about your glow worm kayaking trip.
Marie-OR
Wow! Gorgeous and fascinating place! Loved your beautiful photos…seeing the kiwifruit growing was fun.
California Globetrotter
Bay of Plenty indeed! There looks like there are sooo many cool things to do and it’s so beautiful! Definitely pinned this!
Amy Franks
I’ve only been up the mount once and it nearly killed me lol. Other than that yes there is plenty to do here.
Lauren
Oh wow! What a complete list! This is awesome. That photo of the White Island volcano is unreal. That’s definitely the first thing I would do. SO up my alley 🙂
Kay L. Davies
I had no idea a live volcano could be such a tourist attraction! It’s beautiful! And it is so different from the volcano Hawaii is experiencing, which is awful! The closest I’ve been to a volcano was Mount St. Helen’s in Washington State. I actually heard the explosion from my home just north of the international border.
Your first photo is, I think, my favourite.
I’m pretty sure I’ll never get to New Zealand now, and I’m rather sorry now that I know there’s so much to see and do. My husband would enjoy all of it, and I’d enjoy sitting on a beautiful beach, under a big umbrella, watching the sea.
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Shem Hooda
In love with all the photos — especially the sunset and volcano! New Zealand has been on my list for a long long time, and after reading your post about Tauranga, I definitely need to visit soon! I know I would never run out of things to photograph here!
Nathan Anderson
Wow, that photo of the White Island Volcano is jaw-dropping o.O Great post! This has me missing New Zealand something fierce 🙂
Jackie Smith
Wow! If your narrative wasn’t enough, the photos pushed it way to the top of the bucket list. Love the sound of this place and so agree about cruises (I love them, don’t get me wrong, but. . .you can see so much spending even a couple of days somewhere!). Great post.
Handmade Jewelry Haven
Once again you have wowed with the fabulous places you visit!
The street art is amazing!
But…I would probably spend all my time at the beach looking for seaglass!
Thank you for sharing!
– Lisa
Jill
The Bay of Plenty is definitely an apt name. Kayaking with glow worms sounds particularly appealing but I would also would love enjoying the beautiful beach.
Sarah
WOW. This place has it all?!? From those natural wonders (glow worms?!?! Yes please) to even the street art. I would love to go to New Zealand some day and the Bay of Plenty sounds like a good place to start!!
Camila @ Adventitious Violet
Wow that volcano tour sounds amazing! It does look so dramatic!
Tanja
thanks for the tips, great photos
Lisa
I’m completely unfamiliar with New Zealand so I enjoyed reading this a lot! The beach looks so beautiful, and quite remote too. Does it get busy during summer? I also love the art work around Tauranga, especially the mural of the woman, just stunning. I’d also want to take many photos of the volcano and the sunset, it looks spectacular!
Vibeke
I feel so uninformed, I actually had no idea it was volcanoes there. The second picture looks so cool and unreal. Tauranga looks like a place for everyone, families, kids and youth. I would love to see the street art. The nature seems breathtaking and it is good to have activities to do if it rains like checking out the art galleries :D. Thank you so much for sharing.
Deeptha
So much to see and do in Tauranga! There are so many things from your list that I would absolutely love – like the White Island volcano tour (the helicopter tour must offer stunning views), visiting the Kiwi plantations and the night kayaking to see the Glow Worms (never knew there were such tours)! Looking forward to reading your detailed post on the glow worm trip.
Ambuj Saxena
Tauranga was unknown to me till now! I am glad to have discovered it through your eyes! It sounds so much fun and full of activities and excursions!
Rhonda Albom
Tauranga and Mt Maunganui are both great destinations.
Anda
You make the Bay of Plenty sound like such an exciting place to visit, Rhonda. I’d love to visit this region of New Zealand and see an active marine volcano (not from too close, though), eat kiwifruit and admire some street art in Tauranga. Mount Maunganui Beach looks wonderful too. I’m hoping to come visit these places someday too.
Rhonda Albom
White Island is one of New Zealand’s highlights, and being only a few hours from Auckland, it is easy to get to the Bay of Plenty.
Elizabeth Stewart
WoW! I think I need to visit!
Rhonda Albom
Everyone does 🙂
Sara
WAIT. A glow worm is actually a thing!? I LOVE THAT. These pictures are absolutely beautiful, especially the one of the sunset. I’d love to visit Tauranga, but the flight seems SO long to get there. I wonder how long I would actually want to spend in the region to justify the (very, very) long flight. There just seems to be so much natural beauty and so much to experience!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, glow worms are a thing, and it is their bottom that glows. As for travel, we have a rule in our family, a minimum of one day for every hour of travel – so we try not to go to the states for less than 3 weeks, Europe for at least 7 weeks, etc.
L. Diane Wolfe
Absolutely beautiful. I would play in that water park.
The Blow Hole reminds me of the Devil’s Punchbowl in Oregon.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, I have seen photos of it with wilder seas, and it did look like Devil’s Punchbowl.
Christina Pilat
This all sounds so amazing! Visiting New Zealand has always been a dream of mine. 2 of my best friends lived there for a year and it just looks like such a beautiful place.
Rhonda Albom
New Zealand is so beautiful. We came 16 years ago and are still here.
Indrani
Incredible fun things possible there. 🙂 Love the wall art.
The Kiwi garden looks great. Kiwi plucking should be fun.
Rhonda Albom
If you really think picking Kiwifruit would be fun, you can apply for a 10-week job picking fruit job, complete with a working visa and a chance to see New Zealand.
Comedy Plus
I’m exhausted just seeing all the things that are available. What a fun area.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ♥
Rhonda Albom
LOL – there is the beach for relaxation, so you don’t have to be exhausted.
Natalia
I’ve never heard of this place, but I know that New Zeland is a wonderful country. I just love the pictures and the description of the places. You made me feel like visiting them soon. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Tauranga is a very popular New Zealand cruise port.
Judee
Thanks for sharing your travels. Such beautiful photos of nature and I love the street art-
Rhonda Albom
There is so much street art in the two cities. Amazing and huge collections.
Nancy
Breathtaking scenery! BTW… how did it get the name “White Island”?
Rhonda Albom
Great question, one which I had to look up. Here’s the answer from Wikipedia, “It was named ‘White Island’ by Captain Cook on 1 October 1769, possibly due to the white steam emanating from it; alternatively he may have been referencing the guano deposits that once covered the island.”
Nancy
Thanks for the research and for the beautiful post!
Karla
The first thing I’m going to do is to take a plunge in the hot salt water pools! How many days do you think I need to do all those fun things in Tauranga? And also, how much should I prepare?
Rhonda Albom
To do it all, probably a week, but it really depends how long you want to spend relaxing on the beach.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
You got my attention with Hobbiton! That I’d like to see.
I’d also explore that offshore volcano. By boat of course.
Rhonda Albom
Hobbiton is one place I haven’t been yet. Maybe one day.
stevebethere
Thanks for the tour Rhonda loved the photos, the street art is fantastic 🙂
Have a tanfastical week Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
The street art really is fantastic. I have tons of photos of it and may do a post just about the art.
Barbara Radisavljevic
That looks like a place where you’d have to be dead to be bored. So much to see and do! I’ love to walk the beach or see the volcano, and I know I’d love McClaren Park and Falls. I have never seen such lush kiwi plants before as those in your photo of the kiwi farm.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – although it is true, there is plenty to do, something for everyone. As for the Kiwifruit – check out my full review of the Kiwifruit Country for loads more photos.
Lady Fi
Looks wonderful!
Patricia G.
Great, sharp photos! Beautiful scenery! The street art looks really beautiful and unique. 🙂 If I have the opportunity to go to New Zealand again, I would love to swim with the dolphins! That sounds like an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Rhonda Albom
If I get back to Bay of Plenty in the summer, I would love to swim with dolphins too.
Joyce Lansky
Very cool photos! I especially like the one of you and hubby in the swing.
Ryan Biddulph
Neat list Rhonda. We never made it to Tauranga but did spend a day in Rotorua as we flew to the South Island. This region of NZ does rock; from the people, to the culture to the natural beauty, you have a winner. Heck, all of NZ is a winner. I am going to miss this place in a few weeks but also know Kelli and I will be back…sooner than later, hopefully.
Rhonda Albom
I know you didn’t get to Tauranga, but you were living in the Eastern Bay of Plenty when you were in Opotiki, so you know first hand how beautiful the region is.