10 TOP Things to Do in Bay of Plenty Region (2026 Activity Guide)

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 beach with sailboats, a grassy area with flags, and a hill in the background.

A coastal town with a bay, boats, buildings, and a hilly landscape.

Things to do

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

P10,165

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Waiotapu: Thermal Park and Lady Knox Geyser Entry Ticket

Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

P1,809

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

1-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Options

Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

P16,942

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Rotorua via Kiwi/lakes country & a visit to iconic Whakarewarewa

P11,699

per adult

Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

P5,369

per adult

Te Ra Guided Experience

P3,876

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

P4,614

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing

P3,103

per adult

Redwoods Altitude High Ropes & Ziplines + Glowworms, Rotorua

P5,296

per adult

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Top places to visit

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 swimming pool with a view of a lake and hills.

2. 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 mountain biker navigating a dirt trail through a forest with tall trees.

3. 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 over a town with a lake and mountains in the background.

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 boat on a calm river surrounded by rolling hills and dense trees.

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 wooden boardwalk leading through a misty forest with sunlight filtering through the trees.

What to do in Bay of Plenty Region

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. Learn more about Bay of Plenty Region

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 beach with clear blue water, a sandy shore, and a hill with greenery in the background.

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.

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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.

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A geothermal hot spring surrounded by rocky terrain and lush greenery, with a large building in the background.

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.