Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region

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A coastal landscape with a prominent hill, numerous boats on the water, and a cityscape in the background.
A coastal landscape with a grassy hillside, a beach, and a sunset.
A geothermal hot spring with clear blue water, a red-brown edge, and steam rising from the water.
A metal archway at the entrance to Government Gardens.
A beach with sailboats, a grassy area with flags, and a hill in the background.

Things to do

Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

$164
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner
Puna Tapu A Tuhoe - Sacred Spring

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

$101
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua
Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

$115
per adult
Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

$76
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna
Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+

Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)

$31
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)
Marvel at the world famous Champagne Pool

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand

$28
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand
Picture 2 for Activity Kaituna River: Whitewater Rafting Experience

Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

$79
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience
Duck Exciting Blue Lake

Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

$54
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour
Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Glow Worm Kayak Tour

$127
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Glow Worm Kayak Tour
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Bay of Plenty Region must see attractions

1. Polynesian Spa

Located adjacent to beautiful Lake Rotorua, the steaming baths of the Polynesian Spa are the perfect place to destress. Soak in steamy, cleansing water while you gaze out across the pristine lake. Escape to your very own private pool or play on the slides in the large family area.
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A serene hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery, with a view of distant hills and a body of water.

2. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua cable car carries passengers up Mount Ngongotaha to a height of 487 metres (1,598 feet). Admiring the views isn’t the only thing to do at the summit. Sip a coffee in the café, fly over dense forest on the zip line or steer down the steep luge course.
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A cable car with 'Skyline' written on it, flying over a town with a lake and hills in the background.

3. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a tranquil woodland park crisscrossed by trekking and biking trails. Set off on a hike past thermal ponds and geysers or admire eucalyptus trees and immense Californian Redwoods while horseback riding.
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A rope bridge in a forest with illuminated hanging lights.

4. Lake Rotorua

Visit Lake Rotorua and you will find no shortage of things to do. Swim in the calm, clear waters by the city’s edge or set off on foot in search of your own private bay. Kayak to mystical Mokoia Island or sit back and relax on a boat cruise.
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A lake with steam rising from the water, surrounded by a flock of seagulls on the shore and hills in the background.

5. Lake Rotoiti

Take in views of forest-fringed waters, shimmering glow worm caves and the Southern Alps at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Surrounded by towering mountains, all the lakes in this park were carved out by glaciers over thousands of years and have remained largely untouched. As well as making for a spectacular landscape, this has also allowed native wildlife to thrive.
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A calm lake surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky.

6. Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s sunniest places, meaning that visitors flock to its sandy shorelines to soak up hours of warm sunshine throughout the year. Discover the region’s wide variety of fascinating flora and fauna, some of which is endangered or protected.
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A geothermal hot spring with a red-brown rim and a greenish pool, surrounded by forested hills.

7. Mitai Maori Village

The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.
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A canoe race with participants in traditional attire, surrounded by a forested area with spectators watching.

What to do in Bay of Plenty Region

 

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Stay near popular Bay of Plenty Region attractions

A beach with a wooden fence, grassy dunes, and a forested hill in the background.

Mount Maunganui

9.4/10 (1,501 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Maunganui during your travels in Tauranga. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its charming cafes.
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Where to stay in Bay of Plenty Region

Find the best Bay of Plenty Region areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A coastal cityscape with a beach, a cruise ship, and a rocky outcrop.

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Pilot Bay Beach or Maunganui Beach.

A coastal city with a beach, clear blue sea, and surrounding greenery.

Papamoa Beach

Unique features of Papamoa Beach include the beaches and shopping. Make a stop by Papamoa Beach or Bay of Plenty while you're exploring the area.

An aerial view of a coastal city with a prominent green hill, a beach, and a large body of water.

Papamoa

When in Papamoa, you can plan a visit to Gordon Spratt Reserve and Papamoa Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A geothermal area with a hot spring, steam rising from the ground, and a forested hillside in the background.
Photo by Umi Mostafa
Open Photo by Umi Mostafa

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

A large, historic building with a central tower and multiple smaller towers, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and benches.
Photo by Phil Ostroff
Open Photo by Phil Ostroff

Inner City

While visiting Inner City, you might make a stop by sights like Tamaki Maori Village and Rotorua Central Mall.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Bay of Plenty Region

A beach with scattered rocks and a small island with trees in the distance.

Whakatane

A geyser erupting with steam, surrounded by a rocky landscape and a crowd of spectators.

Rotorua

A lush green hillside with dense vegetation and a clear blue sky.

Lake Tarawera

A lush green valley with rolling hills, a winding road, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Horohoro

A mural of a rural landscape with houses, a river, and a boat.

Katikati

A calm lake with dense forested hills and a clear sky.

Lake Okataina

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, dense forest, and a large body of water.

Matakana Island

Two dolphins swimming in clear blue water.

Motohora Island

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