10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region That You Shouldn't Miss

March 15, 2022 Marissa Gamble

The Bay of Plenty (Māori: Te Moana-a-Toi) is a large bight in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stretches from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east, a wide stretch of some 259 km of open coastline. The Bay of Plenty Region is situated around this body of water, also incorporating several large islands in the bay. The bay was named by James Cook after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages there, in stark contrast to the earlier observations he had made in Poverty Bay.
Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region

1. Happy Ewe Cycle Tours

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5.0 based on 915 reviews

Happy Ewe Cycle Tours

Happy Ewe Cycle Tours provide a guided bicycle adventure around central Rotorua. We ride at a leisurely pace to 27 key historical, geothermal and cultural sights. With no hills to climb and very little traffic to navigate our beach cruisers will keep you comfortable as you enjoy the many opportunities to take photos. Then enjoy one of our amazing coffees after your adventure!

2. Real Rotorua

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5.0 based on 415 reviews

Real Rotorua

Real Rotorua offers guided sight-seeing tours of the Rotorua area. Avoid crowds and get off the beaten track with one of our carefully tailored itineraries. ours small group sizes, relaxed atmosphere and friendly driver-guides provide the perfect way to explore some of the stunning locations that locals know and love.

3. Kaituna Cascades

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5.0 based on 1,214 reviews

Kaituna Cascades

Kaituna Cascades is the Original Rafting Company to start taking people rafting down the Kaituna River & over the 7m Tutea Falls. We are located right beside the river & have been there 30 years. The Kaituna river is now super famous for having the Worlds Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall. Awesome scenery, warm water, 11 fun rapids and 3 waterfalls makes this a perfect river for anybody. Open all year round. Minimum age 13+ years old. Come and join our super fun team!

4. Wet 'n' Wild Rafting Company

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5.0 based on 327 reviews

Wet 'n' Wild Rafting Company

With over 30 years safely rafting New Zealand Rivers we have an accumulated wealth of rafting knowledge and experience to share with you. Daily rafting options on the Wairoa, Kaituna, and Rangitaiki Rivers. Multi-day Wilderness river journeys on the Motu and Mohaka rivers. Choose from a unique range of experiences, wild whitewater to leisurely scenic floats. Combine with Helicopter and Mountainbiking. Raft with experienced Guides who take your safety seriously.

5. Kaitiaki Adventures

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5.0 based on 986 reviews

Kaitiaki Adventures

Embark on the ultimate Rotorua Adventure with our experienced local guides. Navigate a wildly beautiful landscape while learning about Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and protection of the land. Go rafting in Rotorua and conquer the 7m Tutea Falls, the highest commercially raftable waterfall in the world. Try your hand at sledging to explore the rain-forest clad Kaituna River. Or, venture into the heart of a volcanic crater when you hike Mount Tarawera. We blend quality adventures with Maori culture for an experience you’ll never forget.

6. Bibleworld Musuem & Discovery Centre

1141 Eruera Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand +64 21 909 842 [email protected] http://www.bibleworld.org.nz
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5.0 based on 50 reviews

Bibleworld Musuem & Discovery Centre

From June 2020, Bibleworld is open by appointment only. Visit our website to book an appointment - www.bibleworld.org.nz Bibleworld Museum and Discovery Centre is an enjoyable and interactive museum for adults and children to learn about the ancient world in which the Biblical events took place. We have a great range of scale models, ancient artefacts, replicas and hands on activities for all ages.

Reviewed By kim60_11 - Sunbury, Australia

We spent a very cold and rainy day in Rotorua, looking for possible indoor activities. So we dropped in to Bibleworld. A very enjoyable and informative visit - the displays are well presented, just enough detail to absorb and the interactive quiz exhibits are fun for adults and children. Congratulations to the couple who put it together; their passion and dedication to the place is obvious and they deserve to have many visitors. Entry is free but donations appreciated.

7. Waimarino Adventure Park

36 Taniwha Place Bethlehem, Tauranga 3176 New Zealand +64 7-576 4233 [email protected] http://www.waimarino.com
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5.0 based on 709 reviews

Waimarino Adventure Park

Waimarino Adventure Park is situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from Tauranga city. This tranquil paradise is based around the sport of kayaking and over the past 35 years, Waimarino has become Tauranga’s premier kayaking & recreation location. Waimarino Adventure Park has New Zealand's only kayak slide, The Blob, kayaks, rock climbing, diving boards, Italian Pedallos and plenty more. Grab your swimwear and visit us for a great day of action & fun.Waimarino Kayak Tours offer a great range of kayak tours in Tauranga & Rotorua region including magical glow-worm experiences, fantastic scenery, lake-edge thermal hot pools, catering and transport.Enjoy light refreshments & NZ wine on the edge of Lake McLaren at sunset, surrounded by the ducks &swans. Glide across the calm waters at twilight, before entering our enchanting glow-worm canyon. Our glow-worm kayak tour is truly unique, and a fantastic ‘must do’ experience while in NZ. This glow-worm kayak tour experience is not available in any other location globally. ONLY in Tauranga!Enjoy our kayak tour on scenic Lake Rotoiti, paddle past pohutakawas, (NZ’s Christmas tree) cascading native bush& abundant birdlife along the lake edge. Classic kiwi holiday homes nestle amongst the cliffs & coves. Enjoy the myths and legends of the Maori people linked to Lake Rototiti, before entering the glow-worm cave. Cross the lake to the Manupirua natural thermal hot-pools to relax and reflect on your exhilarating experiences.Please see our website for more information about our park and kayak tour options.

Reviewed By stitches2016 - West Sussex, United Kingdom

Had a brilliant evening!! Cheese and wine on arrival by the river. Then we kayaked along stunning vegetation and trees into some caves to see the glow worms and on our return journey we were fortunate enough to have a full moon to light our way back in the stillness of the evening with occasional night sounds of birds! A very memorable experience.

8. Otarawairere Bay

West End, Ohope New Zealand http://www.ohopebeach.info/recreation-otarawairere.htm
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5.0 based on 53 reviews

Otarawairere Bay

Reviewed By L_DTravellers - Whangarei, New Zealand

This is a short hike from the West End of Ohope Beach. All along the way are amazing views. There are a couple of steep parts, but nothing too trying. The beach is stunning. We were there when the waves were huge, so no way you could go near the water or the rocks. The beach has interesting shells and some tide pools. Worth the walk.

9. Horse Trekking Lake Okareka

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5.0 based on 727 reviews

Horse Trekking Lake Okareka

At Horse Trekking Lake Okareka you can explore 1500 acres of rolling sheep and cattle producing farmland on horseback. You will go on a guided trek through 500 acres of native bush between the volcanic Lake Okareka, Lake Tarawera and the famous Blue and Green Lakes. We have horses to suit all abilities. This is a horse rider’s paradise with stunning panoramic views. We cater for small groups of 1 – 12 people providing you with an exclusive riding experience.

10. Kiwi Jet Boat Tours

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5.0 based on 48 reviews

Kiwi Jet Boat Tours

A trip with Kiwi Jet Boat Tours up the Rangitaiki River can be described as truly unforgettable. Our tour starts in North Island's largest man-made dam, Matahina. The dam was commissioned in 1967 and underwent major re-strengthening in 1987 after the 6.5 magnitude Edgecumbe earthquake. You will begin your tour by travelling across the majestic Lake Matahina, with one of our local experienced operators. The tour will take approximately 75 minutes and will see you career toward spectacular ignimbrite cliffs. You will pass through the natural gorge enhanced by weeping falls, caves, trout pools and neighboring farmland. Your driver will navigate seamlessly through the white water rapids and give you a moment to appreciate the beauty of our backyard, before you arrive at the ever changing Aniwhenua Falls. Kiwi Jet Boat Tours provides you with an all-round thrilling real jet boating experience, with heart racing excitement and gorgeous scenery, you will be left talking about it

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