Itineraries

The Pacific Coast Highway, traversing the spectacular east coast of New Zealand's North Island, is one of the great touring routes in the world.

Linking The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Whakatane and Eastland with Auckland in the north and Hawke's Bay in the south, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a safe and easy way to navigate through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery New Zealand has to offer.

Be among the first people to see the sun as it rises majestically over the Pacific Ocean, casting its first rays over the stunning white sand beaches along the length of the highway.

Enjoy a part of New Zealand that draws people year round to enjoy the beaches and native bush as well as the abundance of activities and unforgettable scenery. Driving from Tauranga to Auckland following the Pacific Coast Highway is a full day’s journey along  scenic but windy roads.

The highway is well signposted along the entire route and a detailed Pacific Coast Highway map is available through i-SITEs to help navigate the touring route with ease.

White Island

Arrive in Whakatane (allow 1.20 from Tauranga) and spend the day taking a launch out to White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. You will be given an experience of your lifetime with an interactive and informative tour of the volcanic crater. Allow a full day from Tauranga.

Swim with the Dolphins

Allow 4-6 hours
Journey out to sea to watch whales, dolphins and other species in their natural environment. You may also swim with the dolphins, all equipment is provided on the tours.  Experiencing eye to eye contact with wild dolphins, while they swim within a couple of metres, inquisitively checking you out, is absolutely unique.

Jet Boat Ride

Allow 2 hours
Experience the thrills of an exhilarating jet boat ride on the scenic Kaituna River.  Depart Matahina Dam to experience ignibrite cliffs, willow lined farmland, white water rapids, a scenic weeping gorge arriving at the Aniwhenua Falls. This is a real jet boating experience. 

Tours of the Sky

Allow 30 minutes
Experience a helicopter tour over the scenic Bay of Plenty coastline, hovering over a seal colony or the region’s ample kiwifruit orchards.

Enjoy the views of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui from the M*A*S*H chopper – the Korean War era ‘Warbird’ Bell 47 helicopter as seen on the famous TV show.

Classic Flyers is an aviation museum, event venue and cafe. Take a guided tour of the museum or for those looking for an extra thrill, take to the skies in one of the classic aircraft on display.

Exhilerating open air flying in a Gyroplane suitable for adrenile junkies or sedate scenic tourists. Experience hands-on control or soak up the Bay of Plenty from a bird's eye perspective.

Golf

Allow 2-3 hours
Enjoy a round of golf at one of the region's scenic courses.  Tauranga Golf Club is located at the Tauranga Racecourse Reserve only 10 minutes from the Tauranga City CBD, two hours by road from Auckland and 40 minutes from Rotorua, the Tauranga Golf Course

GlobalGolf is the ultimate indoor golf experience. You will hit real golf balls with real golf clubs into a 3x4 m2 projection image screen of St Andrews, Pebble Beach and 70+ more courses globally.

Great family fun can be had at Tauranga Mini Golf, our newly renovated 19 Hole Mini Golf Course designed to suit all age groups. Situated within Memorial Park, Tauranga Mini Golf is great day out for all.

Spa Therapy and Heated Pools

Allow 1 hour
Relax your busy day away with one of the many spa therapies or soak in the heated pools located throughout the region. 

100% pure,sparkling , non chlorinated mineral water constantly flows through Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs ambient main pool and 8 spacious private pools. A perfect setting , a natural oasis 5 minutes from central Tauranga.

Allow 1 hour
Visit a bird garden with over 50 varieties of birds that can be found roaming freely along the lawns and trees and in aviaries scattered through the gardens

Allow 1 hour
Enjoy the Rose Garden and Begonia House in Tauranga.

Allow 1 hour
Wander through Te Puna Quarry Park , a disused quarry which is now a beautiful landscaped outdoor art centre and hiking area.

Allow 1 hour
Enjoy lunch at one of the region’s wineries

Allow 1 hour
Enjoy a stroll around the base track of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) one of New Zealand’s finest short walks or for the more active try the track to the summit for amazing 360º views of the Bay of Plenty.

Allow 1 hour
Visit the Elms Mission House in Tauranga, one of the most significant places in the history of New Zealand. The Elms is the name of the Mission House which was the home to the first Europeans to live permanently in the area.

Allow 1 hour
Visit the Cargo Shed, a converted railway building that is now home to an art and craft market.

Allow 2 hours
Visit historic Maketu, the landing spot for the Te Arewa waka (canoe).

Allow 2-3 hours
Visit a marae for a memorable opportunity to experience traditional and contemporary Maori life firsthand.