Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty extends from 10km north of Katikati along the Pacific Coast down through Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, Whakatane and Opotoki, to Cape Runaway on the East Cape, and reaches inland to Taupo and Rotorua. It also encompasses various islands in the Bay, including the active volcano, White Island.
The Bay of Plenty enjoys a sunny climate ideal for growing avocados, kiwifruit, citrus and other subtropical fruits for which the region is famous. The fruit, along with timber, paper and dairy products, is exported through the Port of Tauranga, the largest export port in New Zealand and the commercial centre of the northern Bay of Plenty. In the past, dairy farming played a leading part in the economy of the region, and while much of the farmland has now been overtaken by orchards, there are still many dairy farms operating in the area.
The Bay of Plenty has outstanding surf beaches, with Mount Maunganui and Ohope the most popular. The whole bay offers magnificent waters for big-game fishing. Inland waterways host jet boating. The offshore active volcano, White Island, is fast becoming known for scuba-diving adventures and heli-tours. Tauranga Airport at Mount Maunganui is the place to go for tandem skydiving, sightseeing flights, helicopter rides, simulator flights, a military collection, aviation museum and more.
Drive to the thermal areas around Rotorua, explore the Buried Village, Hinemoa’s steps, and the Blue and Green Lakes, or experience a traditional Maori welcome and concert. Drive on towards Lake Taupo, visiting places of interest on the way; more thermal wonderlands, the spectacular Huka Falls, Aratiatia Rapids, and the geothermal area of Wairakei. Take an informative cruise on Lake Taupo, do a bungy jump or go trout fishing.
The Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula, separating the Pacific Ocean from the Hauraki Gulf, is a beautiful, rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches. Surfing, swimming and fishing are popular on these beaches and a hot stream under the sand attracts many visitors to Hot Water Beach near low tide. In the mountainous forested interior, tramping, rock hunting and horse trekking are popular. The Thames Coast’s 35km of shoreline is particularly stunning in December when the native pohutukawa trees display their brilliant red flowers.
The Kauaeranga Valley, inland from the old gold-mining town of Thames, is a scenic and historical area, the site of intensive kauri logging last century. The forest park headquarters, 12km from Thames, displays historic photographs and a replica of the dams used to move kauri logs downstream, and provides information on walks, picnic sites, camping areas and overnight trampers’ huts.
Just north of Coromandel town is the amazing Driving Creek Railway and Pottery, built by renowned potter Barry Brickell. With its innovative train system it provides trips offering spectacular viaducts, spirals, zig-zag, tunnels and great views from the Eye-ful Tower at its terminus; and with its kauri forest restoration project, working potteries and brickworks, the Driving Creek Railway is definitely worth a visit.
The main towns, all with heritage trails and local museums, are of historical interest with old Victorian buildings and relics of their rich gold-mining and kauri logging days. Gold-mining history is also preserved in the scenic Karangahake Gorge and in Waihi.
Much more can be read about these regions courtesy of Wikipedia:
