Bay of Plenty faces the Pacific with a long curve of beach from Waihī Beach to Opotiki. Rotorua sits on its southern lakes, where steam rises from Kuirau Park and Whakarewarewa Forest holds purpose-built redwood mountain bike trails above the city smell of sulphur. Tauranga and Mount Maunganui share a harbour mouth guarded by the Mount, a volcanic cone you can climb in an hour for views over the surf beaches.
Lake Tarawera, east of Rotorua, has boat landings at The Landing for hot springs and shoreline walks where forest meets black sand. Te Puke and the plains between Tauranga grow most of the country's kiwifruit, and roadside stalls sell gold kiwifruit in autumn.
What to do in Bay of Plenty
Whakarewarewa Forest suits half-day rides and walks on graded trails, with hire beside the car park. Mount Maunganui beach breaks draw surfers when swell wraps into the harbour. Lake Tarawera boat trips link Rotorua hotels to walking tracks without a long drive on gravel roads. Bay of Plenty pairs naturally with Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki on a North Island loop.
Booking on adventuro
Compare forest bike hire, surf lessons and lake boat departures on the Book here tab, and check whether your meeting point is Rotorua, Tauranga or the Mount.
