Bay of Plenty - a region of contrasts

PHOTO: Picture perfect Mount Maunganui beach

As the name suggests, you won't ever be at a loss for things to do in the Bay of Plenty.

Just two-and-a-half hours drive from Auckland, the coastal Bay of Plenty is blessed with one of New Zealand's mildest climates, which means that outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year round.

Whether the activities you're after are organised, casual, natural or man-made, you can rest assured that with its balmy temperatures, sweeping landscape and clear blue waters, the Bay of Plenty isn't branded New Zealand's "coast with the most" for nothing.

Tauranga is the region's largest town and also home to New Zealand's largest port. The surrounding the harbour are cobble-paved streets, laden with great shops, bars, clubs and restaurants to suit every taste. Geared up for visitors of all types, the area has several backpacker hostels plus a number of other farmstays and lodges.

Walks

The region boasts a number of parks, gardens and reserves, perfect for hiking and walking. Just fifteen minutes from downtown Tauranga is the awe-inspiring Mauao (Mount Maunganui). One of the most popular and picturesque walks is the base track of the mountain, and it's 1.5km hike to the top of the volcanic cone. Renowned for its Maori history and scenic walking tracks, Mauao (meaning ‘caught by light' in Maori) offers magnificent views from the 232m summit. Unwind afterwards with a relaxing soak in the unique Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools, heated by the exchange of underground thermal activity.

Landscapes

The coastal Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand's most theatrical and unpredictable destinations. The region sits along one of the Earth's most active volcanic zones. Islands, geothermal areas and fault lines dot the landscape, creating a geographically diverse environment which includes Mauao, (Mount Maunganui), Matata, Putauaki (Mount Edgecumbe) and Awakeri.

The coastal areas of the Bay of Plenty have picture-perfect golden sand beaches. Just south of Tauranga, is Te Puke, the ‘Kiwifruit capital of the world'. Take a guided tour at Kiwi360 and learn all about kiwifruit or visit Comvita the manufacturers of Manuka honey health and beauty products.

Just a 25-minute drive north of Tauranga, lies Katikati New Zealand's ‘mural town' and the only planned Irish-Ulster settlement in the world. Admire the unique wall murals for which Katikati is renowned, tour the heritage museum, or visit one of the many wildlife parks and gardens.

Adventure

Adventure lovers won't be bored in the ‘Bay'. Choose from activities such as jetboating or 4 wheel drive adventure or take a guided launch or helicopter tour of White Island, an active marine volcano that's full of steaming vents and a mystic crater lake.

The locally invented blokart also offers an exciting experience. The land sailor will see you flying around the purpose-built track at Blokart Heaven in Papamoa. If you enjoy being up in the air, get airborne in a vintage plane or opt to skydive in one of the most scenic drop zones on the North Island.

The sea itself is another major drawcard for the area and the marine life is abundant. Take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with or observe dolphins in their natural habitat. A variety of charters cater for fishing, diving, crayfish and spear fishing, while the marlin waters of Mayor Island (Tuhua) await game-fishing enthusiasts.

Other water-based activities include a grade 5 white-water rafting, an evening glow-worm kayak tour and diving. Hang ten and learn to surf on one of NZ's most popular surf beaches or enjoy the scenery at a gentler pace and try your hand at a spot of sailing.

Culture

If too much adventure is giving you a yearning for the finer things in life, then cultural days out are not at a premium either. Visit the Paparoa Marae for a truly genuine Maori experience, the Katikati museum for the best historical insight into small NZ settlements, or The Elms Mission House, which rivals the Waitangi Treaty house for historical significance.

Events

The region also hosts a vast range of nationally and internationally recognised events including the National Jazz Festival held every Easter, Tauranga Food and Wine Festival, Tauranga Arts Festival and The Garden and Art Festival. Recognised as one of the country's best multisport event venues, Mount Maunganui annually hosts The Kelloggs Nutri Grain Surf League, and The Port of Tauranga Half Iron Man.

The Bay of Plenty is a region of extremes, where it's possible to surf the breaks of Papamoa Beach then bathe in hot saltwater pools at the base of Mauao.