TRIP 3 COROMANDEL, BAY OF PLENTY & EASTLAND
TRIP 3
Coastal
Bay of Plenty Tauranga to Whakatāne via SH 2; this route has tolls. 1hr 14min, 92.4km
SIDE TRIP
T
he quick zip east from Tauranga to Ōpotiki is beautifully scenic and mostly coastal with plenty of glimpses of sparkling ocean along the way. You’ll pass through Te Puke – the nation’s kiwifruit capital – with plenty of charming places to eat. Or consider a detour to the tiny settlement of Maketū for a feed of fresh fish and chips or one of their famous pies. The stretch between Pukehina and Matatā will see you flanked by rugged white-sand beaches and swathes of verdant countryside, before turning inland to the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s largest township of Whakatāne. This spot regularly records the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand, and is known for its pretty walk alongside the Whakatāne River. Onwards to the small town of Ōpotiki, one of the first places settled by Māori and where you can immerse yourself in the history of the region.
Whakatāne to Whale Island via the ferry across to the island 15min each way Whakatāne to Ōpotiki via Wainui Rd & SH 2 39min, 44.3km
TOP: Otarawairere Bay, Whakatāne • ABOVE: Maketū BOTH IMAGES: © Bay of Plenty Tourism
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