Location: Bay of Plenty Region
Top Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region
Top Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region
Top 10 Free Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region, North Island
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. Waiotahe Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Timtimwils81 - New Zealand, null
Very nice beach to swim at, very safe. Lifeguards were also on the beach every Sunday from Nov - Feb.
4. 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
5. Lake Rotorua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,055 reviews
The largest of a dozen lakes formed by volcanic activity, this clear, calm lake offers cruises, kayaking and sailing, as well as great trout fishing.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Lake Rotorua is a fabulous lake and can be reached by a short walk from the city center. It was a very pleasant experience just walking on the pathway at the edge of the lake and watching some interesting wild life including some black swans. Certainly would very highly recommend Lake Rotorua to any traveler.
6. Ohinemutu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By klvmar
Ohinemutu is the site of a Maori village on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Two beautiful structures at this location face each other, the Tamatekapua meeting house and St. Faith's Anglican Church. Both buildings are predominantly white with red trim, and both are embellished with impressive Maori carvings.
7. Ohope Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 568 reviews
Reviewed By KarenM9543
Ohope beach is a neat beach to laze and to swim.we went to west end made sure the surfers were out further than us while swimming was a lovely day
8. Mt Maunganui Main Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,643 reviews
Reviewed By raakel-joy - Tauranga, New Zealand
We love the Mount main beach - The beach, the summit and base walks, cafes, shops and overall vibe ???? One of our happy places!
9. Kuirau Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,151 reviews
Reviewed By FoodObsessedLaura - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Visited this place a few weeks ago and it was my first experience of Rotorua's thermal wonders. I was amazed at all of the bubbling mud pools and clear boiling water holes. There was informative signs all around the park, explaining the thermal occurrences and past stories/theories of how the lakes became boiling. At the end of the walk, I relaxed with my feet in the thermal foot spa. One of the best free things to do in Rotorua and definitely recommend going here.
10. Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,126 reviews
If you love the outdoors this area is for you! Escape into the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets. Famous for its magnificent stands of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods it is just five minutes drive from the city centre. Here you can experience some of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world. Not to mention taking in superb panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake and surrounding district. Entry to the forest, tracks and Gift Shop & Visitor Centre is FREE. There is lots of parking and toilet facilities available. Gates open at 5.30am and close late. Maps and information is available at the Redwoods I-Site and Visitor Centre. Don't forget to also check out the Redwoods Treewalk. This is available at the Redwoods and provides an alternative way to experience the Redwoods both during the day and at night. It is a paid attraction see their listing for more details.
Reviewed By 648judyr - North Vancouver, Canada
Some Kiwi friends had recommended this walk through the woods while we were staying in Rotorua. Very glad we put one foot in front of the other and meandered through this magnificent grove of California redwoods. The trails had different levels of difficulty and also varying lengths of time, but all were clearly marked. A wonderful and peaceful walk in the woods that will get you back in touch with nature.
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