Bay of Plenty Experiences
On the sunny North Island, the Bay of Plenty is a big draw for both tourists and locals with its stunning natural beauty, myths and legends and geological curiosities. With so many things to do there, it really is a Bay of Plenty!
Bay of Plenty Experiences
Explore the Beautiful Beaches of the Bay of Plenty
One of the main attractions of the region are the glorious beaches that line its perimeter. These are some of the best beaches in the world and include Waihi beach popular with surfers and part of the Orokawa Scenic Reserve, historic Maketu the landing spot for some of the early Maori from Hawaiki with its gorgeous rugged coastline, and Mount Maunganui with its clear waters, pristine white sands and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Perfect for beach lovers of all varieties!
Mount Maunganui deserves an extra mention, as there is much more on offer here than just the beach. Steeped in lore and legend, the mount itself stands proudly looking out over the Pacific Ocean, and guided walks to the top of it bring the folktales to life. As well as spending time in the friendly town that sits behind the beach, you can also go rock climbing, relax in local hot pools and even get a flight in a bi-plane!
Explore by Boat or Helicopter
Thirty miles off the coast of Whakatane lies White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano and one of the best experiences in the Bay of Plenty! Reached by boat or helicopter, a visit to White Island involves being guided around the rock-strewn crater of this oceanic volcano, where 19th Century mining works are still clearly visible and you can learn about the metallic elements of the bubbling stream and even taste the powdery yellow deposits that are found there. It is a geological wonder that sees volcanologists from all over the world flocking to its ashen shores. And if you’re lucky, you might even see orca and dolphins on your trip over!
For something a little different, why not try a glow-worm kayaking tour? It’s hard to forget your first experience of glow-worms and their otherworldly beauty, but seeing them from a kayak in the darkness of a canyon will certainly make it unforgettable. A lovely, peaceful and well-guided kayak through calm blue waters takes you to veritable galaxy of glow-worms that light up the walls of the canyon as you drift along.
This is just the tip of the iceberg (or should that be volcano?) when it comes to things to do in the Bay of Plenty, so drop us a line if you’d like to find out more. Here at Silver Fern, we’re a friendly bunch of shameless New Zealand enthusiasts, some of us have travelled the country extensively and the rest have lived there. We’d love to share our knowledge and passion for New Zealand with you, and you can rest assured that we know all the best things to do in the Bay of Plenty!
Ready to Explore the Bay of Plenty?
We specialise in planning tailor-made itineraries focused on your personal interests. Want to have a chat? Our team are always on standby ready to answer any questions you may have. Talk to someone now by calling +44 (0) 1636 813 544. Alternatively, email us or use our handy contact form to request a call back.