Bay of Plenty Regional Information
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An unspoiled region with an abundance of sunshine, golden sandy beaches and bush clad forestry. Bustling with cafes and shops and offering a myriad of activities, this unforgettable region is host to a wide array of visitors, all keen to embrace the wonders of the ultimate holiday destination, which is renowned as 'the coast with the most'. Tauranga is the regions largest residential and commercial area, with profuse sunshine and a fertile landscape, making the township the centre of a large kiwifruit and citrus growing area.
It is also home to New Zealand's largest port providing exportation of timber, paper, fruit and dairy products. The waters of the surrounding harbour encompass cobble-paved streets, laden with great shops and streetside cafes, while providing a popular base for the recreational sport of fishing. According to the world records, the biggest kingfish and snapper were caught in the Bay of Plenty.
One of New Zealand's favourite holiday destinations, the Bay of Plenty is just 2.5 hours drive from Auckland. The regions of Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui have a spectacular sunny climate, which makes it a hot spot for all kinds of activities all year round. Skydiving, jet-boating, white-water rafting, windsurfing, diving, dolphin watching, fishing, horse-riding, walking and kayaking are just some of the activities to try your hand at while in the Bay of Plenty. There are several walking trails which will take you through wetlands, past waterfalls, alongside the coast and into the inland reserves. Waterports are also very popular and why not take advantage of the white sandy beaches and sunny weather! Dolphin watching in the Bay of Plenty is well worth the experience! There are many heritage sites, buildings and museums to visit in order to get a flavour of the regions' history. Mt. Maunganui is sitauted under the extinct volcanic cone, which can be seen throughout the whole of the Western Bay of Plenty. Now connected to the mainland by a sand bar, the Mount used to be an island. Nowadays, the area attracts Kiwi holiday-makers and overseas travellers, who enjoy its flourishing bar and restaurant scene. Mt. Maunganui has one of the largest shopping malls in New Zealand, the Bayfair Shopping Centre, surrounded by smaller suburban shopping centres with designer and boutique stores, there are many diverse options for the most discerning shopper. The area is known for its award-winning cuisine and top restaurants from waterfront dining to a native forest setting where you can enjoy the best of Pacific Rim cuisine and all ethnic varieties. Fresh fish is a speciality of the region. There's also plenty of entertainment available in the evening, from night clubs to bars.
