THE BAY LESS TRAVELLED
Wild soaks, secret glowworms, hidden canyons and treetop trails – the Bay of Plenty’s best-kept adventures are hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be explored.
Wild soaks, secret glowworms, hidden canyons and treetop trails – the Bay of Plenty’s best-kept adventures are hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be explored.
We all know there are plenty of beaches and cafés to enjoy around here, but beyond the obvious lies a host of other ways to play, like:
Bay of Plenty Horse Adventures.
Swap hiking boots for the saddle to discover the coastline at a slower pace. Bay of Plenty Horse Adventures guides beach rides along the wide sands of Pukehina, where horses splash through the surf and wander beneath towering pōhutukawa. Suitable for beginners through to experienced riders, it’s a memorable way to experience one of our quieter beaches and really connect with nature. BAYOFPLENTYHORSEADVENTURES.CO.NZ
Mauao Adventures
You get an entirely different perspective of Mount Maunganui when you see it from the water. Mauao Adventures leads waka ama (outrigger canoe) and stand-up paddleboard tours that let you fully appreciate the volcanic coastline, while keeping an eye out for seabirds and marine life. MAUAOADVENTURES.CO.NZ
McLaren Falls Park
You don’t need to venture into a cave to experience one of nature’s most enchanting light shows. As darkness falls over McLaren Falls Park, hundreds of glowworms illuminate the banks beside the Waterfall Track, creating a magical display just a short stroll from the carpark. Best of all, it’s completely free. Arrive before sunset to enjoy the waterfalls and lakeside scenery, then hang around until dusk, when the tiny blue lights begin to appear, transforming the bush into an after-hours adventure. TAURANGA.GOVT.NZ
Poripori waterhole
When the beaches are packed, head inland to Poripori for freshwater relief instead. In the bush beside the Wairoa River, this much-loved swimming hole offers clear pools and sun-warmed rocks. Confident swimmers can leap from the ledges, while quieter pools provide space to simply float and relax. Just be sure to check scheduled dam release times before visiting, as the river level can rise quickly.
Tropical display house
In Robbins Park in Tauranga’s city centre is an overlooked little gem – a warm, leafy escape that feels a world away from the busy roads outside. The tropical display house is filled with lush palms, vibrant flowering plants and exotic species that thrive beneath its glass roof, creating a peaceful oasis in every season. TAURANGA.GOVT.NZ
Riverbug
Forget rafting – Riverbug is a fresh way to explore our waterways. Sitting in small inflatable river craft, you’ll float through secluded gorges and lush native bush while guides share stories of local history and ecology. Tours range from scenic drifts to whitewater runs.
The Stix Ultimate Tree Climb
High above the forest floor, The Stix offers a completely different way to experience the Bay’s bush. Suspended bridges, rope crossings and tree platforms wind through the canopy on an active escape that combines adrenaline and spectacular treetop views. With courses suited to everyone, it’s just as rewarding for families as it is for thrill-seekers looking to try something new.
Cave Bay
Tucked beneath the rugged cliffs of Bowentown Heads, Cave Bay is one of the Bay’s most rewarding hidden coastal spots. A short but steep walk from the headland carpark leads to a sheltered cove, where you can explore rhyolite rock formations, sea caves and crystal-clear water. Pair your visit with the summit walk to the historic Māori pā site for panoramic views over Tauranga Harbour and the Pacific Ocean, then descend to the bay for a swim or picnic away from the crowds.
Tuahu Kauri Track
Some of the Bay of Plenty’s oldest residents stand silently in the heart of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. The Tuahu Kauri Track leads walkers to an impressive ancient kauri that has survived for centuries, where you’ll get a chance to stand beneath one of the region’s largest remaining giants. The return walk is relatively easy, following a historic route through beautiful bush.