Best Things to Do in the Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is one of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s most inviting regions, a place where sunshine meets the sea and adventures come with a laid-back coastal vibe. From towering peaks to pristine beaches and fresh seafood feasts, there’s something here for every traveller. If you’re planning your visit, these are the best things to do in the Bay of Plenty that capture the true essence of this beautiful region.

🌄 Mount Maunganui Summit Track

Climbing to the top of Mount Maunganui (Mauao) is one of the most iconic experiences in the Bay of Plenty. The trail winds up the ancient volcano and rewards walkers with sweeping views across the harbour, coastline and out to Motiti and Mayor Islands. Whether you walk at sunrise or sunset, it’s a moment that feels unforgettable.

Features:

• Distance: 3.4 km return, steep but rewarding.
• Highlights: 360-degree coastal views.
• Good to know: Tracks can be busy, especially at sunrise.

🐬 Half Day Dolphin Excursion – Tauranga

A half day dolphin excursion in Tauranga is one of the best things to do in the Bay of Plenty for marine lovers. These playful pods often swim right alongside boats, leaping out of the water in joyful displays. While spotting dolphins is never guaranteed, the experience of being out on the ocean with expert guides makes this adventure a must.

Features:

• Duration: 4–5 hours on the water.
• Highlights: Chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Good to know: Bring a windbreaker and sunscreen, conditions change quickly.

🦪 Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm & Takeaways

For us, this is a must stop, we will divert whenever we are in this area just to pop over and get a meal of fresh fish n chips. For food lovers, nothing beats the Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm. It’s a working oyster farm where you can sample the freshest catch and enjoy crispy fish and chips right on the waterfront. This spot captures the essence of the Bay of Plenty, where the ocean provides a feast that tastes of the sea.

Features:

• Must-try: Oysters fresh from the farm.
• Where: Ohiwa Harbour waterfront.
• Good to know: Great place for a casual meal with unbeatable views.

🏖 Ohope Beach

With kilometres of golden sand, Ohope Beach is one of the best things to do in the Bay of Plenty for anyone who loves the sea. Known as one of Aotearoa’s top beaches, it’s perfect for swimming, walking or simply relaxing on the soft sand. Locals love it for its safe waters, while visitors are drawn to its long, easy-going coastline.

Features:

• Length: 11 km of sandy shoreline.
• Highlights: Swimming, walking, and relaxing.
• Good to know: Popular with families, especially in summer.

🚂 Awakeri Rail Adventures

For something a little different, hop on the quirky Awakeri Rail Adventures. These self-drive rail carts take you along disused railway lines through lush countryside, forests, and farmland. It’s an adventure that mixes fun, history and unique views of the Bay of Plenty’s rural heart.

Features:

• Duration: 2–4 hours depending on the tour.
• Highlights: Drive your own rail cart.
• Good to know: Tours run rain or shine, book ahead in summer.

Final Thoughts

The best things to do in the Bay of Plenty combine outdoor adventure, coastal relaxation, and local flavours. Whether you’re standing on top of Mount Maunganui, watching dolphins dance in the ocean or tucking into oysters fresh from the harbour, this region always delivers. With its mix of iconic sights and hidden gems, it’s easy to see why the Bay of Plenty is one of the most loved destinations in Aotearoa – New Zealand.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.