Location: Bay of Plenty Region
Top Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region
Top Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region
Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region, North Island: The Best Hiking Trails
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. Mount Maunganui Base Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 957 reviews
Reviewed By kpiddy - Brisbane, Australia
Hiking the Mount Maunganui Base track is a wonderful way to discover this beautiful part of the east coast of the north island, the track is very popular with locals for their fitness as are the other tracks which go up to the summit of the mount. The suggested time to complete the 2.5 km track is fifty minutes but can be done in a shorter time. Access to the track is at Mount Maunganui Beach, near the surf club and caravan park, paid parking is available on the street.
2. Mount Maunganui Summit Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,720 reviews
Reviewed By sussan59 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Make sure you've got good shoes on and comfortable clothing, this is a great workout, especially for the baby boomer generation. The track was very dry the day we climbed the mount, ergo it was quite slippery, and we had to watch our step going up. The views once you reach the summit are stunning. The sense of achievement feels pretty good too! Going down, we chose the steep steps which were also a challenge, and our thighs felt it the following day. Overall a great experience!
3. Kaharoa Kokako Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
4. Orokawa Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By I7436OUlizm - Burlington, United States
We hiked from Waihi Beach up into the bush to the jungle and it was a lovely walk. The best reward is the gorgeous secluded beach you end up on at the end!
5. Clearwater Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Clearwater Cruises offers Skippered and Self Drive scenic Charters on the crystal clear waters of Lake Tarawera, Rotorua. Group size 1 to 50. Trout fishing, jet ski, kayaks, on board dining, Hot Water Beach picnics and bathing, parties and functions, water taxi. Enjoy the majestic backdrop of Mt Tarawera and bushy shorelines. Narated history of volcanic eruption and Pink and White terraces.
6. Karangahake Windows Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By N7718OPpaulb - Chesterfield, United Kingdom
This easy walk through the gorge and tunnels is a must do if you are in the area. Good tracks along the river and interesting industrial history. Kids loved the tunnels. Highly recommended
7. Waitawheta Tramway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By D5059XXandrem - Manukau, New Zealand
My companion and I are in our late 50's and we did a day hike to the DOC hut and back. It was a very sunny day, very warm and dry. We had a awesome and challenging time. (challenging distance wise). 20Kms return took us approx 6.5hrs, not counting the 30min break at the hut for lunch. Next time we'll take more breaks on the way back and a towel so we can soak our feet in the river. further up the water is so clear and inviting. Walking besides the river under the cover of bush is awesome. Was impressed with the condition of the track, lots of nice bridges, only 1 river crossing. Path fairly flat (elevation gain of 260m over 10km). Min wet patches. some may find the path rocky in places. We're glad we wore our tramping boots. The Waitawheta Hut is very tidy and decent clean. Highly recommend this walk.
8. Haiku Pathway
9. Katikati Bird Walk - Uretara Estuary & Yeoman Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By CaroleP1642
It’s a great walk, next to the river, easy path to walk, with wide metal path so you can walk side by side, besides the sculptures there are often lots of birds on the river and at present the daffodils are flowering, we do take the dog some times but needs to stay on the lead.
10. Tarawera Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By cdn-npl - New Plymouth, New Zealand
It's a long drive in on gravel roads, and you need a permit ($10.00 from the Kawerau I-Site) - and yes, security patrol the forest so make sure you have one.... and the falls are beautiful. Gushing from a cleft in the cliff high above you, and joined by falls from wider clefts lower down, they roar out of an underground cavern, and leap down the cliff, into a deep pool below. The track is an easy walk, and the viewpoint is directly opposite the falls. The river is deep, clear, and green, the temperate rainforest is thick and lush, and it's an easy walk with wonderful surroundings, and a true hidden gem. Tourists do not often find their way to Kawerau, which is a pity as while the town is not charming, it has these beautiful falls. It also has the only free hot pools in the area (run by the District Council), which are a very pleasant surprise, after the costly hot pools 45 minutes away at Rotorua. Nearby, there is a 'gravity hill' called Magic Mountain, where an optical illusion makes it look like the car is being drawn backwards up the hill. Ask a local where to find it as it is easy to get lost, and be aware forestry roads - including the one to Magic Mountain - close from time to time.
