In September and October 2011 New Zealand will host the world’s third-largest sporting event – the Rugby World Cup. Approximately 70,000 international visitors are expected to attend, meaning that it is essential to book well in advance for accommodation and transport during this period. The event will include a nationwide festival showcasing New Zealand’s entertainment, arts, cuisine and lifestyle, so even if your clients are not sports fanatics, it will be an exciting time to visit. 
New Zealand Trade Manual has been designed with travel industry professionals in mind. 
Visitors to this culturally rich region will discover endless adventure, a laid-back lifestyle and miles of sparkling beaches to explore in one of the sunniest parts of New Zealand.
When 18th century explorer Captain James Cook sailed here he aptly named it the Bay of Plenty. One of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations and a thriving port region, the Bay continues to offer its bounty of beaches, culture and adventure to visitors from around the country and around the world.
Long before the first Europeans arrived in the Bay of Plenty, Maori had been drawn to the area by its easy access to the coast and its ‘fruit bowl’ qualities. The seaside town of Maketu is one of the most culturally and historically significant places in the country, as the landing place of Te Arawa canoe, which brought some of New Zealand’s first Maori inhabitants from their ancestral home of Hawaiki.
The region is blessed with a mild climate year round, which enables horticulture to prosper. The Bay of Plenty is renowned for top-quality produce such as Kiwifruit and citrus. Its vast harbour, islands and proximity to the open sea ensure that seafood is a local specialty. The legendary beaches attract swimmers, surfers, kayakers and kitesurfers throughout the year. Inland, the hinterland offers a wealth of adventures from sky diving to horse trekking, hiking and golfing.
Bay of Plenty is also a great base for exploring the Central North Island, with easy access to the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua and the Taupo region.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
White Island Take a scenic helicopter flight or cruise 50 km offshore from Whakatane to see New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. Mauao (Mt Maunganui) Undeniably the major landmark of the Tauranga region, Mauao offers superb 360 degree views from its summit. Lake McLaren Spend an evening kayaking to a stunning glow-worm canyon on Lake McLaren.
Adrenaline Rush
Blokart Heaven (Tauranga) Visit the only purpose-built blokart circuit in the world and experience this unique thrill. www.blokartheaven.co.nz Tauranga Tandem Skydiving (Mt Maunganui) Experience the ultimate buzz on the Pacific Coast Highway. www.tandemskydive.co.nz White-water rafting (Tauranga) The Wairoa River is renowned for offering pure adrenaline with its gorges, drops and Grade 5 rapids. www.wetnwildrafting.co.nz
Relax & Indulge
Mt Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools (Mt Maunganui) Indulge in soothing salt water warmed to 39ºC in these pools at the base of Mauao. www.mounthotpools.co.nz Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs (Tauranga) Geothermal pools offering 100% pure water. www.fernlandspa.co.nz
Luxury Ridge
Country Retreat (Welcome Bay) The ultimate in privacy, serenity and indulgence set amongst 35 acres of native bush in the Papamoa Hills. www.rcr.co.nz Cruise New Zealand (Tauranga) Exclusive charters and activities aboard the 70 ft luxury yacht, Ultimate Escape. www.cruisenewzealand.co.nz Matahui Lodge (Katikati) Relax at a luxury lodge amongst the vineyards of Katikati, overlooking Tauranga’s inner harbour. www.matahui-lodge.co.nz
Culture
Tauranga Art Gallery (Tauranga) View a range of national and internationally sourced exhibitions. www.artgallery.org.nz Indigenous Trails (Tauranga) Cultural tours to marae and other unique highlights. Tour options include half and full-day excursions catering to cruise ship passengers. www.itrails.co.nz Paparoa Marae (Tauranga) See Maori culture first-hand with a visit to Paparoa Marae. Witness a traditional welcome, feast on a hangi and watch a cultural performance. www.bayofplentynz.com
Natural New Zealand
Dolphin Seafaris (Tauranga) Experience this amazing eco tour and see dolphins up close in safety and comfort. www.nzdolphin.com Waimarino Glow-Worm Tour (Tauranga) Fully guided evening kayak tours; the highlight is an enchanting glow-worm canyon. www.waimarino.com
On a Budget
Mauao (Mt Maunganui) Explore the base and summit walking tracks of this iconic mountain. The Elms Mission House (Tauranga) Site of the former CMS mission station founded in 1835; a fine example of late Georgian architecture. www.theelms.org.nz
The Iconic Experience
Walk around the base of Mauao (Mt Maunganui) or climb one of the tracks to the summit for great ocean and city views.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Halo Lounge & Dining (Tauranga) Impeccable service and chic yet relaxed ambience, phone +64 7 577 8704.
Casual Dining
Latitude 37 (Mt Maunganui) The cuisine is best described as classic with contemporary style. www.37.co.nz
Café
Bravo Café (Tauranga) Great coffee and an eclectic menu, including wood-fired pizza. www.cafebravo.co.nz
Stylish Bar
De Bier Haus Influenced by the rich history of beer brewing in Germany and Belgium, this is a great place to enjoy a beer or two. www.debierhaus.com
Cosy Pub
Cornerstone Pub (Tauranga) Outstanding views of the harbour in the heart of Tauranga’s nightlife. www.cornerstonepub.co.nz
Culinary Experiences
Kiwi 360 This purpose-built facility offers visitors a unique insight into the production of the Bay of Plenty‘s famous Kiwifruit. www.kiwi360.com
Shop or Gallery
The Art Boutique (Tauranga) Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at this gallery specialising in Pacific and Maori art, phone +64 7 543 4932.
Suggested Itineraries
2 days in Bay of Plenty
Start Mt Maunganui I Finish Whakatane
Day 1 Mt Maunganui
Day 2 Mt Maunganui – Whakatane
On Day 1, visit Mt Maunganui for a scenic walk up or around Mauao (Mt Maunganui) and enjoy the region’s top beaches. In the evening, sample Mt Maunganui’s excellent restaurants and cafés. On Day 2, travel to Whakatane and enjoy a guided trip to White Island, an active marine volcano which is accessible by launch or helicopter. Alternatively, opt for a wildlife encounter with dolphins in their natural environment.
5 days in Bay of Plenty
Start Tauranga I Finish Tauranga
Day 1 Tauranga
Day 2 Coast and forest
Day 3 Island visit
Day 4 Parks and gardens
Day 5 Gourmet delights
Base yourself in Tauranga and explore the surrounding area. On Day 1, take in the history of the region at The Elms Mission House, and learn about Maori history at a local marae. On Day 2, get adventurous: go swimming with dolphins, horse trekking, jet boating, blokarting, rafting or kayaking. Afterwards, soak your limbs at a hot pool. On Day 3, visit the region’s outer islands with a fishing charter company – or opt for a round of golf at a scenic local course. On Day 4, choose from a range of parks and gardens to explore, from rose and lavender farms to McLaren Falls Park. On Day 5, learn about the local Kiwifruit and honey industries, and visit one of the region’s award-winning wineries.
Road Trip
Tauranga to Whakatane Introducing visitors to the best of the Bay of Plenty: lush farmland and a sweeping coastline.
Transport
Airports
Tauranga Airport, a 10-minute drive from the city, offers direct flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The nearest international airport is Auckland International Airport. www.auckland-airport.co.nz
Roads
Access by road from Auckland is via the Pacific Coast Highway (two hours, 55 minutes). Bay of Plenty is one hour from Rotorua. Coaches provide regular services to/from and around the region. Rent a car or campervan for maximum flexibility.
Further Information
Tourism Bay of Plenty
Phone +64 7 577 6234
Fax +64 7 577 6235
Email info@bayofplentynz.com
www.bayofplentynz.com
