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Welcome to the coastal Bay of Plenty, one of the country’s top holiday destinations for Kiwis, offering a great mix of accommodation, activities, scenic attractions, culture and top dining experiences.  From the beaches and harbour to a thriving kiwifruit industry and Maori culture, the coastal Bay of Plenty is a great holiday destination.

Whether you’re after adventure, beach life or a bit of indulgence, the Bay of Plenty has all the bases covered. Located along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway, the region is home to a beautiful landscape in which to enjoy a full range of activities year-round.

The region's main centre is Tauranga and the coastal suburbs of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa have long been popular with visitors. The region is also home to the heart of the kiwifruit industry in Te Puke, the art-loving town of Katikati, quiet coastal village of Waihi Beach, historic Maketu and the tourist activity centre of Paengaroa.

There are plenty of things to do in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.  Choose from water adventures like white-water rafting, kayaking, dolphin encounters, parasailing and jetboating. There’s also skydiving, scenic flights, blokarting (a locally-invented land sailor), horse treks, cultural experiences, golf courses and a variety of gardens and museums to peruse.

The range of accommodation includes waterfront hotels, motels and apartments, holiday parks in great locations and lodges set amongst orchards and hills.

Read all the news about Bay of Plenty, Tauranga and Mt Maunganui online, including sports, weather, local news, llocal business, entertainment local events, rural news and a job search.  Subscribe to the Bay of Plenty Digital Edition.

Welcome to Tauranga.co.nz - the only address you will need to keep your finger on the pulse of our dynamic region.

We all live, work and play in the Western Bay and don't need anyone to tell us this is the best place in the country. What we need is a site that can give us up to date information about our region; relevant for us and our lives.

This website covers the Western Bay of Plenty area from Katikati through Omokoroa, Te Puna, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, to Te Puke and Pongakawa.

Mount Maunganui’s main street is the main shopping area and is commonly known as “Downtown the Mount”.

Downtown the Mount is located just around the corner from the Port of Tauranga.  Here you will discover nearly 200 shops and businesses, from beautiful boutique shops to surf wear, from exquisite souvenirs and gifts to art galleries and every day shopping. There are nearly 50 cafés, food outlets and award winning restaurants to cater for all tastes, all ages, all cultures and all budgets!

Magnificent Phoenix palm trees provide a relaxed subtropical atmosphere for outdoor dining and relaxed easy shopping. We have lots of free parking, and with the Farmers Market in the car park each Sunday morning there is something for everyone.

An overview for immigrants and visitors on the New Zealand Transport's website about what is different about driving in New Zealand.

There are a few things that you may not be used to when driving in New Zealand. For example:

    * we drive on the left side of the road
    * we have a unique give way rule at intersections
    * using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal.

Make sure you have a safe and enjoyable journey – please take a few minutes to read this before starting out.

MetService is the provider of New Zealand's local weather forecast. City specific weather information is available, including Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and the Bay of Plenty.  There is also a comprehensive rural weather section.

MetService covers mountain weather for ski & snowboarding fans, tide times and marine forecasts for the beach lovers and traffic cams to ensure that you get where you're going on time.

Planning your holiday route in a hire car and wanting to quickly know distances between locations, this calculator will work it out for you.

We are a 100% Locally Owned And Operated Family Business. We specialize in good clean NZ New Holden & Fords.  We can also get any Japanese Imports, we have a trusted agent in Japan that we have used for the past 10 years who goes to the auctions and provides images of all vehicles imported and odometer verified.

We have a wide selection along with commercial trucks and vans so let us know any specific requirements and we can source to your needs.  All vehicles come fully serviced with a new wof and at least 6 months registration and 1000km road user.

Tauranga's regional airline Sunair provides scheduled and charter air services for business and private use. Our scheduled flights operate within the central North Island of New Zealand.

Charters have become a lot more popular as an option for busy corporates to move around the country, where time is money.  We would like to invite those of you who are not already using a charter service to consider requesting a free charter quote to any New Zealand destination. Charters are often the most cost effective option when two, three or more people need to travel at one time. Also, if you require travel to more than one city over a shorter time frame, charters come into their own, offering such flexibility as delaying departure times if required.

Coming to events or shows at Baypark We can Help with all  your rental needs 

Blokarting is fast, clean, and perfect for those who love both speed and sailing.  Designed for both recreation and competition, the blokart landsailer is ideal for everyone. From kids to grandparents, adrenalin junkies to the disabled, everyone can enjoy blokarting.

Blokarting opens up a whole new style of land based racing. Because of its small size and extreme manoeuvrability the blokart is able to be sailed quite safely on any firm surface, from hard sand and short grass to asphalt and concrete.

If you want the thrill of a lifetime, Blokart International at Papamoa offers all the equipment and a great track. Whether experienced or wanting to learn, this is the venue that offers everything you need.

Our vessel is 7.2 metres in length and carries up to six people with all marine safety authority equipment. The boat is a heavy duty alloy vessel weighing over two tonnes and equipped with a 230 horsepower diesel motor. These allow the boat to cruise at 22 knots to your destination, therefore allowing you to have more time to enjoy your passion for all types of fishing from snapper and tarakihi up to hapuku, bass and even marlin.

All fishing gear can be provided from small boat rods up to rods suitable for big game such as hapuka, bass, bluenose and marlin. Your destination can be to any of the outlying islands either for fishing or purely sightseeing. In addition, tours of the beautiful Tauranga harbour can be carried out on request.

Experience freefall from 12,000 feet. We are located at the Tauranga Airport, which is just five minutes from the Mount Maunganui Main Beach and Port of Tauranga.

With views ranging from Mount Ruapehu to the East Cape we boast one of the most scenic drop zones in the North Island.

We offer a small, personal service that will see you receive individual attention that will make your jump an experience to remember. A full range of photos and videos are available with your jump.  Bookings are essential.

The Ultimate Kiwifruit Experience. Ride the unique kiwikarts through extensive kiwifruit orchards and park-like surrounds. Enjoy superb cafe food, and unique gifts and souvenirs at Kiwi360.

Kiwi360 is a horticultural tourist attraction based on the phenomenal Kiwifruit, one of New Zealand’s most recognisable icons.The property consists of 13.5 ha of park-like grounds.

Visitors gain an insight into the unique conditions in this area, which support the production of the highest quality kiwifruit in the world. They can take the orchard tour, which provides a close look at the growth cycle of the phenomenal green and gold kiwifruit, as well as viewing the post harvest facilities. The tour concludes with free entry to the old Magic Kingdom playpark.

These hotpools are a fantastic place to rest, rejuvenate and revive the body and mind. The five hot pools vary from 32-40 degrees, depending which pool you choose - there are two outdoor covered spa pools (37.5) , private spas, toddlers pool with a slide (37.5), a sit and soak pool (37.5) with massage jets, and an 18m activity pool suitable for all ages (32).

Open Monday - Saturday 6.00am - 10.00pm
Sunday and Public Holidays 8.00am - 10.00pm

You can get cold drinks, hot coffee, enjoy a massage, or come to an aqua aerobics - there are plenty of things to do at the Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools, located at the base of the Mount.

Come and join us for a guided sunset paddle to the amazing Glow Worms on Lake McLaren. This is truly a spectacular sight as we paddle along the bush lined lake to the canyon. As darkness falls the glow worms display the ultimate natural light show. We allow plenty of time for you to float up and down the canyon to enjoy the glow worms and return to enjoy the peaceful lake on the way home. This is a unique experience not to be missed.

If you prefer a daytime adventure come and explore the shoreline of Mauao (Mt. Maunganui) and near by Rabbit Island. You and your guide can explore around the rocks and keep an eye out for dolphins and seals seen from time to time on this paddle. See Mauao, Mount Maunganui and the harbour from a different perspective and enjoy the gentle motion of kayaking.

Hot drinks and chocolates served after the paddle.

The Sacred world of Maori.

Experience Maori culture of New Zealand first hand by visiting a marae (village).  Witness the traditional welcome, the wero (challenge), the welcoming speeches and the hongi (traditional greeting).

Learn of the rich Maori history, explanations of the marae and carvings and you will see that the oral traditions of storytelling are very much alive today. Dine on a traditional hangi (Maori method of cooking under ground) and be entertained by our local cultural group.

Visit and meet the whanau (family) of Paparoa Marae.  Group bookings only.

Waimarino situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from Tauranga city. This tranquil paradise is based around the sport of kayaking and adventure activities. Over the past 30 years Waimarino has become Tauranga's premier adventure location. Our premium kayak tours will enable you to discover some of Tauranga's enchanting waterways and wildlife surroundings in the comfort of a dry, stable kayak. Our glowworm kayaking guides you though picturesque Lake McLaren into the magical glowworm canyon; this is a truly magical, unique and inspiring experience. Waimarino adventure park now has New Zealand's first human catapult known as "The Blob". Get launched up to 30ft in the air on this outrageous activity! Established 30 years ago, the adventure park is a place where you can relax around one of the on-site BBQs while enjoying a great range of activities including New Zealand's only kayak slide, pedallos, a low ropes course and much, much more.

After more than 20 years of experience 'Butler's Swim With Dolphins' provides a classic dolphin encounter for a better opportunity to photograph and swim with wild dolphins in their own environment. The warm, safe waters of the Bay of Plenty are the territory of large pods of common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, baleen, toothed and pilot whales. Butler's mission is to get you into the water with the dolphins. Trips depart daily at 9am and return some time after 3pm. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are provided, along with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Only one trip daily. Booking is essential.

Situated adjacent to McLaren Falls Park, this unique attraction is 35 acres of friendly animals and fun. Well-planned walkways guide you to a close-up and personal encounter with domestic and exotic animals.

Children are able to feed and play with a host of farmyard animals and see the unusual Tibetan yaks, giant African ostriches, Texas longhorns, several breeds of sheep, deer, goats, birds, pigs and horses from the mighty shire to cute miniatures.

The park is set up with picnic spots complete with tables affording you to take in the attractions at your leisure. A great observation spot at the top of the hill offers a panoramic view for miles. Pony rides for children, flying fox, playground and at times bottle-fed lambs, kids and piglets. A well-stocked shop with essentials, tea, coffee, pies, ice creams, EFTPOS and, if desired, animal feed.

Qualmark 4 Star ASURE Macy's Motor Inn and Conference Centre has 19 self-contained units, serviced daily. With 2 Conference Rooms, maximum seating in theatre style for upstairs Skyview Conference Room is 50 delegates, downstairs Pool Terrace Conference Room is maximum 30 delegates, both Rooms with overhead projectors, flip charts, white boards, TV and video available.

ASURE Macy's Motor Inn is the closest motel to QE2 Park and Tauranga Citizens Club. Located 5 minutes from down-town Tauranga and 5-10 minutes from Mt Maunganui, Bethlehem, Mills Reef Winery and Tauranga Hospital. ASURE Macy's Motor Inn is ideally placed for you to enjoy all aspects of the Bay of Plenty region.

Quest Mount Maunganui Serviced Apartments are ideal for your accommodation needs be they for business or pleasure. As a main centre for summertime activities, 'The Mount' hosts everything from surf lifesaving events to beach volleyball, parasailing, sandcastle building, boating, sailing, surfing or any other sort of water sports. Surf lifesaving guards assist safe swimming in the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and Pilot Bay offers perfect safe swimming, windsurfing, kayaking and boating in the harbour. Easy access, safe free underground parking, broadband, SkyTV, a gym and nice quiet spacious apartments are all sort after benefits to your stay at Quest Mount Maunganui.

The Mount has some fine restaurants, cafes and shopping set next to some of New Zealand's most amazing beaches. These are all in close proximity to each other so you can spend the entire day out walking from place to place while soaking up the beautiful sunny Mount weather. We really love our beautiful region so why not visit us and experience it for yourself?

Quest Mount Maunganui is now a proud member of the Bay of Plenty Sustainable Tourism Charter. This means that we proactively promote sustainable tourism through use of eco-friendly products and practices in order to help preserve our beautiful natural asset.

The Sebel Trinity Wharf Tauranga is Tauranga's only internationally branded hotel and has been designed to take full advantage of the magnificent Tauranga Harbour views. 

5 reasons to stay at the Sebel Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Waterfront Bar & Restaurant - chic yet casual with sun drenched terraces, comfy lounges, interactive eating and cooking, drinking and relaxing spaces. Halo Lounge and Dining offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, espresso, dessert, supper, casual drinks, socialising, people watching and relaxing with good company and your favourite beverage.

Spectacular inner Tauranga harbour views - Built over 3 piers to allow spectacular Tauranga Harbour views.  Anchored by parklands on one side and a magnificent natural Tauranga Harbour on the other, most rooms enjoy either a leafy outlook or peaceful harbour views.  The city side rooms are shaded by ancient Potukawa trees or face into the sunny central driveway of the hotel.  No matter what your choice of accommodation you can always enjoy the water lapping beneath your feet in the expansive lounge and restaurant built out over the harbour.

Convenient central location and easy access - Easy access to the airport, Ports of Tauranga, Mt Manganui and the CBD.  Tauranga is New Zealand's fastest growing city.  The commercial heart of the central business district is a leisurely 5 minute stroll along the waters edge into the centre of town.

Large flexible conference facilities - Light and airy conference facilities accommodating between 10 to 500 guests.  Brand new and featuring all the style service you have come to expect from The Sebel Trinity Wharf Tauranga.  Tailor-made events with a wide range of activities at your doorstep.  With three unique conference facilities all connected to the central restaurant facility that divide and divide again to create as many as 5 small and large areas.  The Exhibition Hall features 347sqm of trade or event space;  The Pool House with views over the infinity edge swimming pool, with provision to break out on to the sunny pool deck. The Trinity Conference centre is the show piece of the hotel with its ability to divide into 3 smaller areas, with internal or external deck access to the restaurant, a private reception lobby and direct access to the hotel helicopter pad and pontoon.

Tauranga's only full service 4 star hotel - Everything you would expect from a full service hotel and more.  At the heart of The Sebel experience is Halo Lounge & Dining built out over Tauranga Harbour with spectacular views of the busy port to the North and the peaceful tranquility of the old harbour to the South. 

Hi, we're Dave and Sue, and we're your hosts at Seagulls Guesthouse - our newly refurbished, guesthouse accommodation near the heart of Mt Maunganui. We want you to enjoy your stay on this beautiful stretch of coastline in the Bay of Plenty.  We have 16 years in the hospitality industry.

So if you're looking for great budget accommodation with all the benefits of an upmarket  backpackers, together with the home comforts and friendliness of a B & B  -  then come and stay at Seagulls Guesthouse! 

Seagulls Guesthouse is located in a quiet side street opposite Blake Park in Mt Maunganui. Only 2km away, you can walk up the Mount and take in the views of one of New Zealand's top beaches, then stroll back through the shops to Seagulls Guesthouse and enjoy a free tea or coffee on our sunny veranda.

Affordable accommodation options and exceptional communal facilities.  Seagulls Guesthouse offers secure double/twin and single rooms, some with ensuites. Fully self contained family accommodation is also available.  There is a bright and airy dining room, private lounges, and a reading/sun room. You can also purchase continental breakfasts or self cater in our spacious kitchen.  All rooms are heated and have easy access to the sunny verandahs and outdoor barbeque area. There is wireless internet available or you can use our computer!

Seagulls Guesthouse is ideal, affordable accommodation for the independent traveller as well as for families and groups.  Sports teams love our location as we're situated across the road from Blake Park with its netball, cricket, hockey, and rugby fields, tennis and squash courts.

Free pick up from Mount Maunganui I-site Visitors Centre and airport when possible.

Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers is owned and operated by a Kiwi family. We offer beach accommodation with lots of options, suitable for backpackers, families, sports groups, school groups and clubs or societies.  If you are visiting for a sporting event, we are ideally placed, very close to Bay Park Stadium and Blake Park sports ground.  On a working holiday? We're close to Te Puke, home to New Zealand's Kiwifruit and Avocado industry. Ask us about long term stays.

Only 500 metres from a glorious white sand surf beach, we're ideally placed for surfing, swimming and beach activities. Exploring Mt Maunganui  and its excellent shopping venues  is easy - you can go on foot or use one of our free bicycles.

The excellent facilities  at Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers include:
    * large well-equipped ‘Chefs Kitchen’ with communal dining
    * spacious and comfortable TV lounge with videos and DVDs
    * quiet room for reading or relaxing
    * games room
    * BBQ area
    * superb laundry facilities
    * free bicycles and sporting equipment
    * off-street parking
    * pick up and drop off service

We'll be only too pleased to suggest and arrange tours and activities. We offer a friendly, uniquely Kiwi experience and very affordable rates.

Offering a really friendly and relaxed atmosphere, it's tidy and peaceful. The transformed 2 storey house features 20 beds, 2 kitchens, 2 living areas, laundry, phone, HOT SPOT internet, a wood fire, lots of free seasonal fruit and lovely views of the harbour.  Just 5 minutes walk down to the water.

Awesome outdoor garden area with lots of private little nooks to enjoy some quiet space. Huge hammock to share or to just have all to your self.

If you are an overseas backpacker who would like to stay a few weeks and would like some cosier accommodation, we can offer you twin or double rooms in one of our smaller buildings adjacent to the hostel. Limited spaces. Great long term rates available.

We have some superb scenic walks right on our doorstep or jump on the Bay Hopper bus which stops right in front of the Backpackers and explore the area. We can help you book some of our wonderful local tours and activities.  

We offer help in finding seasonal work and also assistance with transport where possible.