Bay of Plenty

The best things to do in Bay of Plenty start where the land meets a long, sunny coast. Bay of Plenty sits on the eastern edge of the North Island. It is one of the sunniest regions in the whole country. Captain Cook named it for its plenty, and the name still fits today. Warm water, white sand and unhurried days set the pace here.

Tauranga is the main city and a busy harbour port. Just across the water sits Mount Maunganui, the region's landmark. The Mount is an old volcanic cone with a summit walk and wide coastal views. Long beaches run south from here toward Papamoa. Inland it turns green and productive, as this is kiwifruit country.

We have gathered our guides so the best things to do in Bay of Plenty are easy to find. Start with the Mount Maunganui guide for the region's most famous walk. Read where to stay in Tauranga before you book a base. Then plan the route with our Bay of Plenty itinerary. Each guide is built from time actually spent there.

There is more to the region than the coast alone. Quiet inlets, harbour towns and slow country roads all sit close by. These things to do in Bay of Plenty suit open-ended, relaxed trips. Use this page as your starting point. When you want official trip planning, the Tourism New Zealand Bay of Plenty page is a good place to begin.