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This region is truly blessed by nature, where fertile lands and rain forests meet the clear blue Pacific, in a climate devoid of extremes. Restaurants, street cafes, shopping precincts, malls and town centres all mirror those found in larger metropolitan centres, but here everything is tinged with the pace and style of 'the coast with the most'.
The clear pristine waters of the Bay of Plenty offer the ultimate marine encounter, the opportunity to swim with, or just observe, dolphins in their natural environment. Other oceanic-based activities include diving, game fishing, underwater photography and surfing to name a few.
White Island, a living remnant of Earth's violent creation, is truly one of New Zealand's unique icons. Where yawning craters billow towers of gas, steam and ash skyward. This active marine volcano lies 50 km/31 miles off the Bay of Plenty coast.
Tauranga and Mt Maunganui
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Island cruise:
take a tour to Matakana Island
• Fishing charters: a
variety of operators cater for fishing, scuba diving, crayfishing and spear fishing, while the marlin waters of Mayor Island (Tuhua) await game-fishing enthusiasts
• Dolphin encounters:
experience the thrill of observing or swimming with playful
dolphins
• Wineries:
sample award-winning wines
• Adventure activities:
choose from a number of activities including skydiving,
parasailing and a dirt track luge
• Hikes and walking:
walk around the base of Mt Maunganui or hike 1.5 km to its volcanic cone summit
Beach activities at Mt Maunganui
• Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools
Te Puke
• Kiwifruit Country:
take a commentated tour through a working orchard
• Te Puke Vintage Auto Barn:
wander around a display of more than 90 vintage and classic cars
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4WD U-Drive Hill Hoppers: Drive one of the purpose-built Suzuki Vitara 4WD cars around a 3km track
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Longridge Park:
offering a range of adventure activities; jetboating, white water rafting, 4WD touring
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Comvita Honey:
buy a range of natural health products
Katikati
Argo Adventures (between Katikati and Waihi): experience a unique all-terrain vehicle bush and river ride
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Katikati Heritage Museum:
get a first-hand experience of the history of the area
• Murals:
view the unique wall murals for which Katikati is renowned
Whakatane
• White Island:
visit an active marine volcano either by boat or by helicopter
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