Bay of Plenty

Gentle waves lap the golden sand beaches bordering the Bay of Plenty. The coastal towns of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Whakatane are magnets for summer visitors who come here to relax on the beach, frolic in the surf, and go deep sea fishing. Relaxing hot mineral springs and pools dot the area. Offshore is White Island, New Zealand's most active volcano.

Citrus and subtropical fruits thrive in the balmy climate. Timber from Kaingaroa State Forest is processed into paper and wood products in the mill town of Kawerau, at the foot of Mount Edgecumbe.

Fine beaches, big game fishing, thermal hot springs, and seaside resort activities draw vacationers to Tauranga, Whakatane, and neighboring coastal towns.

Getting there. Air New Zealand serves Tauranga and Whakatane from Auckland, Wellington, and other North Island towns. Railways Road Services motorcoaches link Auckland and Wellington with Tauranga and other Bay of Plenty towns.

Accommodations. Hotels and motels are concentrated in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, but you can also stay in Whakatane, Ohope Beach, and Opotiki.

In Tauranga, accommodations include the Willow Park Motor Hotel, Tauranga Motel, Tauranga Motor Inn, and many small motels; in Mount Maunganui, the Westhaven Motor Lodge; in Te Puke, the Te Puke Country Lodge; and in Whakatane, the Motel Riviera.

Getting around. Limited bus service connects the resort towns, but you'll find a car handy for touring; rental cars are available in Tauranga and Whakatane.

Tourist information. For visitor information, check tourist offices in Tauranga (on The Strand) and in Whakatane (on Commerce Street).