Things to Do in Bay of Plenty

• Tauranga
  A lively harbour city and a base for deep sea fishing, Tauranga offers surfing, diving and dolphin watching.
• Waihi
  A historic goldmining town offering tours of New Zealand's only working goldmine, Martha's Mine.
• Whakatane
  The Bay of Plenty's largest town and one of the most successful big game fishing bases in New Zealand.
• Swimming with the dolphins
  Operators include Dolphins Down Under  and Dolphin Seafaris.
• Mt Maunganui
  A 252m high summit and former Maori fortress offering spectacular views along the coastline and hinterland.
• Hot Pools
  Travellers can relax at the Mount Maunganui Hot Saltwater Pools, or the Awakeri Hot Springs located 13km from Whakatane.
• White Island
  White Island is New Zealand's only marine volcano, and also the most consistently active with ash showers, boiling pools, gas vents, sulphur holes and geysers. The island's landscape has been likened to the surface of the moon. It can be visited from Tauranga or Whakatane
• Wineries
  Mills Reef Winery & Restaurant is the closest winery to Tauranga, with free wine tasting and cellar door sales. South of Katikati is Morton Estate Winery, open daily for cellar door sales and tastings.
• Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park
  A 37,000ha park and recreational area south-east of Tauranga, with Mt Aroha (952m) at its highest point.
• Matakana Island
  This wildlife refuge in the Tauranga Harbour boasts a 24km stretch of white sand. Visitors can enjoy an historic wagon ride drawn by Clydesdale horses. A ferry service departs from the town of Omokoroa, 22km west of Tauranga.
• Mayor Island (Tuhua)
  A dormant volcano and marine reserve 40km north of Tauranga. There are good walking tracks around the island and across the crater.
• Te Puke Vintage Auto Barn
  Some 90 vintage and classic vehicles on display, including a tractor collection dating from the 1920s.
• Kiwifruit Country
  Guided tours of Te Puke's extensive orchard and horticultural theme park, where kiwifruit wines and treats can be sampled.
• Longridge Fun Park
  Enjoy a scenic jetboating experience or test your driving skills at the Hill Hoppers U-Drive 4WD at Paengaroa, near Te Puke.