Discover the best things to do in the Bay of Plenty, one of New Zealand’s most popular regions known for its beaches, geothermal attractions and vibrant coastal towns.
From Tauranga and Mount Maunganui to Rotorua and Whakatāne, this Bay of Plenty travel guide covers top attractions, places to visit, accommodation and local experiences to help you plan your trip.
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Explore our Rotorua Travel Blog for more things to do and local experiences.
Explore some of the top things to do in the Bay of Plenty:
- Enjoy coastal walks, beaches and marine life in Whakatāne
- Relax on Mount Maunganui Main Beach
- Visit geothermal parks and Māori cultural experiences in Rotorua
- Take a scenic lake cruise or water taxi on Lake Tarawera
- Walk or bike through the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
- Discover beaches, wildlife and coastal walks in Whakatāne
What to Do in the Bay of Plenty Today
Looking for what to do in the Bay of Plenty today? Whether you’re after relaxing beach time, cultural experiences, scenic walks or adventure activities, there are options for every type of traveller across the region.
Browse Bay of Plenty accommodation, activities and transport.
Book direct with local providers across the Bay of Plenty region.
Tauranga & Mount Maunganui Things to Do
Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and a vibrant coastal hub offering a mix of beaches, shopping, dining and outdoor activities.
Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, known for its stunning coastline and relaxed beach lifestyle. While access to some areas, including the summit track, is currently restricted, visitors can still enjoy the area’s beautiful surroundings. Main Beach is consistently rated among the best in New Zealand, while Pilot Bay offers calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing by the harbour.
Other highlights include Tauranga Harbour, perfect for boating, fishing and dolphin tours, along with a wide range of nearby cafes, restaurants and coastal walks to enjoy.
Rotorua Attractions & Experiences
Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations, known for its geothermal landscapes, Māori culture and adventure activities.
Explore bubbling mud pools, geysers and geothermal parks, or experience authentic Māori culture through traditional performances and hangi feasts.
Top Rotorua experiences include:
- Visiting geothermal parks and volcanic valleys
- Exploring the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
- Scenic lake cruises on Lake Rotorua
- Relaxing at natural hot pools and geothermal spas
- Adventure activities including ziplining and white water rafting
A visit to nearby Lake Tarawera offers stunning scenery, water taxi experiences and access to the famous Hot Water Beach.
👉 Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations, known for its geothermal landscapes, Māori culture and adventure activities.
Explore bubbling mud pools, geysers and geothermal parks, or experience authentic Māori culture through traditional performances and hangi feasts.
Top Rotorua experiences include:
- Visiting geothermal parks and volcanic valleys
- Exploring the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
- Scenic lake cruises on Lake Rotorua
- Relaxing at natural hot pools and geothermal spas
- Adventure activities including ziplining and white water rafting
A visit to nearby Lake Tarawera offers stunning scenery, water taxi experiences and access to the famous Hot Water Beach.
👉 Explore our Rotorua Travel Blog for more things to do and local experiences.
Māori Cultural Experiences
Rotorua is one of the best places in New Zealand to experience authentic Māori culture. Visitors can engage in traditional cultural performances, enjoy a hangi (Māori feast), and learn about the rich heritage of the local iwi (tribes).
- Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village – Whakarewarewa Māori Village, located in Rotorua, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and culturally rich destinations. Officially known as Te Whakarewarewa Valley or Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao, this living Māori village offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Māori culture and witness geothermal wonders up close.
- Mitai Māori Village – Another popular cultural experience, Mitai offers a cultural performance, canoe procession, and insights into the Māori way of life. A visit to Mitai Māori Village is an unforgettable cultural journey, combining the best of traditional Māori hospitality, performing arts, and natural beauty. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Māori life, customs, and spiritual beliefs, as well as the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the modern world. Whether it’s the powerful haka, the warmth of a hangi feast, or the serenity of the sacred spring, Mitai offers a deeply enriching and authentic experience of Māori culture in Rotorua.
Lake Rotorua
Lake Rotorua is the second-largest lake in the North Island and a focal point of outdoor activities in the area. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, or relaxing along the lakeshore.
- Lake Cruises: Take a scenic cruise across the lake to enjoy views of Rotorua and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Some cruises also visit Mokoia Island, a small island in the center of the lake that is sacred to the Māori people.
- Kuirau Park: Located near the lake, Kuirau Park offers free access to geothermal pools and mud pots. Visitors can stroll through the park’s gardens and enjoy the foot baths heated by geothermal waters.
Lake Tarawera
Totally Tarawera is an exciting and unique adventure experience located near Rotorua, centered around the stunning Lake Tarawera and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Tours provide a range of activities that highlight the natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor fun in the Tarawera region. Take a water taxi to stunning Hot Water Beach, hike the famous Tarawera Trail, take a journey of cultural discovery or spend a few nights at their luxury glamping sites.
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
For those who love outdoor activities, the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a haven for walkers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts. The towering redwood trees create a magical atmosphere, and the forest offers a range of trails for all skill levels.
Blue and Green Lakes
A short drive from Rotorua is the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) and Green Lake (Lake Rotokakahi). These lakes are known for their vibrant colors and are popular spots for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. The Blue Lake is particularly accessible, with a walking track that offers stunning views of both lakes.
Whakatāne & Eastern Bay Highlights
Whakatāne is a vibrant town that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a wide range of outdoor activities. From pristine beaches to immersing yourself in Māori culture and history, Whakatāne offers a memorable experience for visitors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Whakatāne provides a diverse and engaging destination in the Bay of Plenty.
Whakatāne is a sunny coastal town known for its beaches, marine life and strong Māori heritage.
Visitors can enjoy coastal walks, fishing, wildlife experiences and relaxing beach days. The Eastern Bay of Plenty also offers unique attractions such as scenic rail experiences, nature reserves and quiet coastal escapes.
Whakatāne is a great base for exploring the wider region and enjoying a more relaxed pace of travel.
Plan Your Bay of Plenty Trip
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, the Bay of Plenty offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and cultural experiences.
Plan your trip with our Bay of Plenty travel guide and browse our Bay of Plenty listings to book accommodation and activities direct for the best rates.
FAQs About Visiting the Bay of Plenty
What are the best things to do in the Bay of Plenty?
The Bay of Plenty offers a wide range of activities including relaxing on Mount Maunganui Beach, exploring Rotorua’s geothermal attractions, walking coastal tracks and enjoying marine experiences in Whakatāne.
What is the Bay of Plenty known for?
The Bay of Plenty is known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, Māori culture, geothermal activity and popular destinations like Tauranga, Rotorua and Mount Maunganui.
Where should I stay in the Bay of Plenty?
Popular places to stay include Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua and Whakatāne, each offering a mix of accommodation options from beachfront stays to central city locations.
Is the Bay of Plenty worth visiting?
Yes, the Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s most popular regions, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure and cultural experiences suitable for all types of travellers.
How far is the Bay of Plenty from Auckland?
The Bay of Plenty is approximately a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Auckland, making it a popular destination for both short getaways and longer holidays.
