One of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations and a thriving port city, the Bay of Plenty continues to offer its bounty of beaches, culture and lifestyle to visitors from near and far.
Long before the first Europeans arrived in the Bay of Plenty, Maori were drawn to the area by its easy access to the coast and its “fruit bowl” qualities.
The region is blessed with a mild climate year-round, which enables produce such as kiwifruit and citrus to prosper. The vast harbour, islands and proximity to the open sea ensure that seafood is a local specialty.
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbors and long white surf beaches. Located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbor is Tauranga – a city two large marinas hold over a thousand yachts and launches.
Across the harbor from Tauranga is Mount Maunganui – a volcanic cone on the end of a huge sand spit, which has been of great importance to local Maori for more than six centuries as a place of occupation and later as a refuge for defence. The deep blue of the Pacific Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, the vista interrupted only by surfers, wind surfers, small islands and boats.
East there is Te Puke, 'the kiwi fruit capital' of New Zealand, the town of Whakatane, gateway to White Island, one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world and one of the most amazing natural experiences in New Zealand.
White Island is internationally important for scientists and vulcanologists, being the perfect example of an active volcano: It breathes, it roars, it hisses. And the vent is below sea level but shielded from the sea by high crater walls. Helicopter tours to explore Whitel Island can be arranged by Umfulana. |
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| Bay of Plenty: Beautiful Harbours and Long White Surf Beach |
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