Bay of Plenty travel guide

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Often abbreviated as BOP, this place was discovered by Captain James Cook, after he noticed abundant food supply when compared to the observations he had made in Poverty Bay.

The region has the third-highest regional population density in New Zealand, with only the 11th-largest land area. The major population centres in the region are Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane. The Bay of Plenty is also one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand. Also, significant horticultural, forestry and tourism industries are well established in the region.

Fast Facts

√ Mount Maunganui

√ Kiwifruit 360

√ Blue Ocean Charters

√ Butler's Swim with Dolphins

√ Treat your senses with the lunch and dinner on Lake Rotorua to Mokoia on a cruise with customized menu. Dating back to 1350 AD lake Rotorua is a main tourist hot spot as it houses many historic landmarks. Home to a wildlife sanctuary that has in possession various kinds of flora and fauna, it can be truly felt the moment you set your foot there.

√ With many activities to offer to the tourists they can either opt to go for a swim or surf in the waters in Bay of Plenty. Some of the other major tourist attractions include Waihi Beach, Tauranga Harbour, Maount Maunganui, Papamoa Beach etc.

√ Since Bay of plenty is one of the most commercialized cities in New Zealand, the tourists can enjoy the serene locations over a cup of coffee in one of the many upmarket cafes.

√ Pamper your skin with the first light of the sun in some of the great beaches across New Zealand.

√ There are many other things to do in Bay of Plenty which can keep you occupied throughout your stay and can make your trip a memorable one!

Life in the Bay of Plenty certainly doesn’t come to a halt after hours.

→ Tauranga and Mount Maunganui in particular have a great variety of bars and nightclubs. On the weekend, the Strand in Tauranga is transformed into a pulsating mix of people taking in the crowds and music in pubs and clubs. With regular live music and other kinds of entertainment, the Bay’s nightlife is exciting and vibrant.

→ There’s also a great range of events held throughout the region, including garden, sport, food and wine and art festivals. The Bay of Plenty’s top events include Tauranga Arts Festival, Bayleys Garden and Artfest, the National Jazz Festival and Pro Tour International Beach Volleyball.

→ Other options to keep everyone entertained include theatre and music concerts.

The Bay of Plenty was named so because of the abundance of fruits and foods and its fertile soil properties. The warm condition helps in growing any type of food product including the world famous kiwifruit and other exotic produce like avocados, grapes and other sub tropical fruits.

With so much fresh produce in our backyard, it’s easy to enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables. Restaurants and cafes make good use of locally-grown foods in creative ways.

If you’re looking for a nice place to enjoy a hot drink or a meal, the Bay of Plenty region offers a number of restaurants and cafés located in scenic spots. Or enjoy a nice meal or drink in one of the region’s award-winning wineries.

Enjoy a bit of pampering, shop to your heart’s content but until your budget allows you to. The region is also a shopper’s haven, with homemade arts and crafts, boutique shopping and one of the biggest indoor shopping centers around.

If you’ve worn yourself out shopping, visit one of the region’s great spas or hot pools for a real treat.

♥ Air Activities : - Enjoy all the sights of the region on a flightseeing adventure or try skydiving in one of the best drop zones in the country.

♥ Land Activities : - Hit the great outdoors with mountain biking and golf or guided tours and a range of walks and treks.

♥ Water Activities : - Explore the harbor on boat cruises, go kayaking on the Pacific Ocean or try rafting.

Although buses connect many of the towns and villages, the best way to explore is by car. Most roads are well maintained and clearly signposted, and a car gives you the freedom to explore hot pools and waterfalls tucked down obscure and winding side roads. The Pacific Coast Highway is popular with cyclists, particularly in summer.