Bay of Plenty
By Joe Francis
The Bay of Plenty enjoys a climate ideal for growing subtropical fruits exported through New Zealand’s largest port, the Port of Tauranga, which is also the commercial centre of the Bay of Plenty.
Tauranga and Mount Maunganui offer a distinctly coastal view of life with surf beaches that stretch for miles - offshore waters are places for dolphin watching and big-game fishing. Mount Maunganui is a popular holiday resort with a harbour where you can swim quite safely.
Offshore from the small city of Whakatane is New Zealand’s only active island volcano – White Island. This may be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk on an active volcano, so catch a launch or helicopter for a guided tour, complete with gas mask and hard hat.
Kawerau’s pulp and paper mill uses a natural resource - geothermal steam - to start up its machinery. Take time to sample fresh fruit and vegetables bought from stalls along the roadside, chat to locals and feel yourself unwind.
Source: AA Travel
More information
See our guides section for information on skifields, wineries, art galleries and more.
AA Regional 101s
Dig for pipi in the Pacific Ocean
