BAY OF PLENTY
Calling Code: +64 7
The Bay of Plenty enjoys a sunny climate, ideal for
growing avocados, kiwi fruit, citrus and other subtropical fruits
for which the region is famous. Along with timber, paper and dairy
products, the fruit is exported through the Port of Tauranga,
New Zealand's largest export port and also the commercial centre
of the Bay of Plenty.
Next to Tauranga is the popular holiday resort of
Mt Maunganui.
"The Mount" as it is affectionately known, has great waves for
surfers, as well as a harbour where people can swim safely.
North of Tauranga ia Katikati, known for its murals and craftspeople.
It has an inner harbour that is great for fishing and boating
activities. The surrounding area is dotted with small farms, some
of which raise exotic animals such as emus and ostriches.
The Bay of Plenty, from Waihi Beach to Cape Runaway along the Pacific Coast Highway, has outstanding surf beaches, with Mt
Maunganui and Ohope the most popular. The entire bay offers magnificent waters for big game fishing with Mayor Island, a world
renowned base for the sport. Inland waterways host jet-boating.
The Bay of Plenty is also rich in Maori culture and history. Maketu
is where the great waka Arawa made landfall after it had crossed
the Pacific Ocean from the traditional Maori homeland Hawaiki.
The whole Bay is rich in the history settlement and folklore.
At the centre of the Eastern Bay of Plenty is historic, sunny Whakatane. The area is one of
New Zealand's richest farming and forestry regions.
Off the coast is the volatile White Island (Whakaari), which is an active volcano. On occasion it burst into life and spews ash into
the atmosphere. The island is becoming known for scuba diving adventures.
Southwest of Whakatane is Kawerau, which is known for its pulp and paper mills. The mill uses
one of NZ's natural resources - geothermal steam - to help fire up its machinery.
Opotiki is the gateway between the Bay of Plenty and Eastland,
either by the inland route to Gisborne or the road around East
Cape, both popular for tourists. Opotiki has the Waioeka Scenic
Reserve where activities such as river rafting, swimming and canoeing
are popular.
The diverse geography o the region creates a natural playground
for visitors who can climb through mountain ranges one day and
stroll through public gardens the next.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
 | The Western Bay
Tauranga, Papamoa Beach, Mount Maunganui, Matakana Island, Mayor Island, Galatea |
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| The Eastern Bay
Te Puke, Whakatane, Ohope, Opotiki, Athenree, Awakeri
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| Eastland
Omaio, Te Kaha, Whanarua Bay, Waihau Bay,
Hicks Bay, Te Araroa, Tikitiki, Ruatoria,
Te Puia Springs, Tokomaru Bay, Anaura Bay, Tolaga Bay
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