Long before the first Europeans arrived in the Bay of Plenty, Maori were drawn to the area by its easy access to the coast and its “fruit bowl” qualities.
The region, with the major city of Tauranga and the popular Mount Maunganui, is blessed with a mild climate year-round, which enables produce such as kiwifruit and citrus to prosper. The vast harbour, islands and proximity to the open sea ensure that seafood is a local specialty. The region’s legendary beaches attract swimmers surfers, kayakers and kitesurfers throughout the year. Accommodation options such as hotels, motels, holiday parks and lodges make the most of the great coastal views.
The coastal Bay of Plenty region offers a great base for those exploring the central North Island, with easy road access to the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua (just 45 minutes inland) and the snowy peaks and deep lakes of the Taupo region.