Bay of Plenty - Guide for Backpackers

Plenty of Sand, Sea, Kiwifruit and Geothermal Activity!

The Bay of Plenty is a beach bum’s paradise. It is clear to see why New Zealanders choose the region’s towns for their seaside breaks. The long stretches of sandy beaches bring activities such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, diving and fishing.

As well as “golden” sand beaches there is a “gold” theme in the historic gold mining town of Waihi. Plus, see where the “gold” kiwifruit are grown in the kiwifruit capital of the world! We think we got the most out of the word gold there… Seasonal work opportunities are also plentiful, so find out more in Picking Seasons in New Zealand and Working a Fruit Picking Job in New Zealand.

The Bay of Plenty region is also New Zealand’s most geothermal area, with the famous city of Rotorua containing four different geothermal parks. Natural hot springs can also be found from the outskirts of Rotorua to Whakatane.

Things You Can’t Miss in the Bay of Plenty

Feast your eyes on the giant gold mining pit of Waihi
See poetry etched into the boulders on the Haiku Pathway in Katikati
Swim with dolphins off the shores of Tauranga
Hike Mt Maunganui
Get a picture with the giant kiwifruit in Te Puke
Take a ferry from Whakatane to the active volcano of White Island [Update: Tours on White Island have been suspended until further notice.]
Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.

Waihi and Waihi Beach

Known as the town with the golden past, the remains of Waihi‘s gold-mining history is a popular site. Stand over a 200m deep mining pit or walk down the vintage railway.

11km (7 miles) east of Waihi is the vast Waihi Beach: a mecca for surfing and fishing. The beach stretches over 8km (5 miles) all the way to the Tauranga Harbour where fun activities include kayaking, swimming, aqua bikes and some scenic walks. Don’t miss either sunrise or sunset on Waihi Beach as both are known to cast spectacular colours across the sky.

Katikati

Katikati is worth the visit for its colourful main street. You will see straight away why Katikati is named the mural town. Not only that, but open-air artwork and sculptures are scattered around the town centre.

The millennium project of the Haiku Pathway is a collection of boulders with poems carved into them. The pathway is also a good chance to enjoy the town’s gardens and a tranquil stream.

Check out more activities in the 5 Fun Things to Do Katikati.

Tauranga

Off the coast of Tauranga are fantastic diving opportunities. Explore the reefs, shipwrecks, volcanic islands and you could even swim with dolphins.

A ferry trip to Tuhua/Mayor Island will bring you to some excellent walking tracks around the dormant volcano.

For the adrenaline junkies who like hanging around in trees, the high ropes course of Adrenalin Forest, complete with flying foxes, is a 30min drive from the city. Find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Learn more about the city in our Tauranga guide as well as our 10 Free and Cheap Things to do in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.

Mt Maunganui

Mauao is one of the most popular walks in the Bay of Plenty and for good reason. The extinct volcano is Mt Maunangui town (and the region’s) best vantage point. The walk to the summit takes you past remote beaches and cliffs rewarding you with the view of stretching white-sand beaches on both sides of the resort town.

Taking to the sea is not a bad place to surf, kite-ski, windsurf, water-ski and kite surf. On the land is a great place for a shopping spree in the Bayfair Shopping Centre and Mount Mainstreet. There are plenty of bars to hang out at such as Major Toms, Rosie O’Grady‘s and Latitude 37.

Learn more about that good stuff in our Mt Maunganui guide, as well as some Cheap Eats in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.

Te Puke

Many towns in New Zealand claim to be the capital of the world for something. For Te Puke it is being the “Kiwifruit Capital of the World”, which is commemorated with a giant kiwifruit one of 20 BIG things in NZ.

If you are really into your kiwifruit (who isn’t?) then you can take a tour of the orchards. An alternative way to see the kiwifruit country is by horseback.

There are a wealth of seasonal work opportunities in the area. Have a look at Picking Seasons in New Zealand and Working a Fruit Picking Job in New Zealand to find out more.

Whakatane

From Whakatane, you can catch a ferry to White Island, which is a top dive location and a place to go swimming with dolphins. Plus, walking on an active marine volcano is a definite NZ must do! [Update: Following a major eruption, tours on White Island have been suspended until further notice.]

Visit New Zealand’s most travelled marae, Mataatua Wharenui. Over 130 years the Maori meeting house has been taken to Australia and England and is now back in its original place.

A nice place to relax is Ohope Beach, with safe swimming and sometimes surfing. A nice place not to relax are the mountain bike tracks in the area such as Onepu Mountain Bike Park and Rawhiti. Find out more about biking in Whakatane in Mountain Biking in Whakatane and The 3 Eastland Motu Trails.

Rotorua

The most inland city of the Bay of Plenty hardly needs an introduction. Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland which is obvious from the moment the sulfuric smell hits your nostrils. Take a look around the 5 Insane Geothermal Parks in New Zealand You Won’t Believe Exist.

Rotorua also has a significant Maori heritage where you can do most of the 10 Places to Experience Maori Culture in New Zealand. Watch a compelling Haka and eat the traditional Hangi meal.

Natural hot pools, hikes, mountain biking and more can be done in Rotorua, so take a look at Rotorua – Guide for Backpackers to find out more.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Plenty

For more budget accommodation options, check out our Accommodation Guide to Rotorua and Where to Camp in Rotorua.

If You Have Extra Time in the Bay of Plenty

Jet boat on the Kaituna River
Sail on land at Papamoa: home of the blokart (a go-kart with sails)
White water rafting on the Wairoa River
Take the walking track along multiple cascades at Kaitate Falls
Do some 9 Newest and Weirdest Extreme Activities in New Zealand in Rotorua.
Visit 10 Free Natural Spots Near Rotorua.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page