10 minute read
ROAD TRIP - Whitianga to Tauranga
Whitianga to Waihi via SH 25 1hr 42min, 106km
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Waihi Beach to Mt Maunganui via SH 2 and Tauranga 55min, 62km
Mt Maunganui to Tauranga via Totara St & SH 2 56min, 62km
SIDE TRIP - Waihi to Te Aroha Drive inland via Paeroa 35min, 41.5km
The eastern seaside township of Whitianga in the middle of the Coromandel Peninsula is the ideal point for starting your exploration of the stunning Mercury Islands – the seven islands east of Ōpito Bay – a divers’ delight they are also heavenly for keen boaties. After time spent enjoying this part of the peninsula, make your way south to the historic gold-mining town of Waihi, where you’ll still find an operating gold mine today. If you’ve a touch of gold fever, head to the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre to learn more about the town’s history and visit the mine’s gargantuan pit and rim which has to be seen to be believed.
There’s more gold, of the metaphorical variety, to discover further south in the beautiful Bay of Plenty community of Mt Maunganui. Here you’ll find a busy harbour, bustling shops, excellent eateries and a generous stretch of pristine white sand.
Your final stop, just 15 minutes away, is Tauranga. Head down to the waterfront where you’ll find bars, restaurants and family fun, plus impressive exhibits of colourful street art.
Mt Maunganui
© Paul Sutherland
HIGHLIGHTS
HOT WATER BEACH Just 30 minutes from Whitianga, this stretch of golden sand is fed by mineral springs. At low tide you can dig their own spa pool. Take a shovel or hire one from the store to dig a warm well.
Hot Water Beach
© Destination Coromandel
WAIHI BEACH A coastal walkway from Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay skirts the headlands at low tide and sweeps under shady pōhutukawa trees. If less excursion is required, The Secret Garden is a Bali-inspired oasis just steps from Waihi Beach with a café and pagodas. Open summer only.
WHANGAMATĀ Some of the best surfing and swimming can be had at Whangamatā’s very beautiful ocean beach. Learn to surf here, or hire a stand-up paddleboard, join a kayak tour or trek in the nearby Coromandel Forest Park.
CLIMB MT MAUNGANUI (MAUAO) No trip to Mt Maunganui is complete without a walk to the summit of Mauao. The walk can be challenging, but the views make it worthwhile. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical. There is also an easier track around the Mount’s base.
Mt Maunganui (Mauao)
© Adobe Stock
PAPAMOA HILLS MĀORI HISTORY WALK Highly regarded by archaeologists, this guided tour visits the best maintained concentration of traditional Māori fortress sites in New Zealand, following a visit to a marae.
GOLD DISCOVERY CENTRE, WAIHI An interactive journey of discovery through Waihi’s rich gold-mining history through to modern times. You’ll even have the chance to go ‘inside the fence’ and view the still operating gold mine up close.
MCLAREN FALLS PARK, ŌMANAWA, TAURANGA A family-friendly spot located 20 minutes from Tauranga in the Kaimāīs. McLaren Falls Park boasts beautiful waterfalls, stunning lakes, tall trees and wildlife. If it’s dark enough, keep an eye out for glowworms on the waterfall track.
CATHEDRAL COVE With its rock archway, beautiful beach and marine reserve, travelhere on foot, or by kayak, a glass bottom vessel or zippy 10-person motorboat. To name a few!
V8 TRIKE TOUR Let someone else take the wheel(s), with these guided tours. You’ll cruise through Mt Maunganui and Tauranga city taking in the most scenic spots along the way.
ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE
KATIKATI Mural town Katikati has around 60 pieces of art depicting people and events which have shaped the area. Guided mural tours are available on weekends, or wander around town independently, any time.
HAIKU PATHWAY Along Uretara Stream in Katikati, discover more than 40 poems carved into river boulders.
FERRY LANDING Learn more about one of New Zealand’s oldest pā sites, as well as the oldest stone wharf in Australasia, built in 1837.
MERCURY BAY MUSEUM Māori artefacts, pioneer history, maritime marvels in this quirky and well-loved seaside museum located in Whitianga.
THE LITTLE GALLERY In the small coastal town of Tairua. Showcasing affordable, quality artwork from local artists.
SPIKES BRICKS AND MODELS MUSEUM A trove of LEGO creations in Waihi. Every room has an inventive theme.
WAIHI ARTS CENTRE AND MUSEUM They’ve been digging up gold in Waihi since 1878. Get the full intel on their underground mining history at this splendid museum. There’s also an art gallery and theatre.
Pukeko mural, Katikati
© Bay of Plenty Tourism
WET & WILD
1 KAYAKING Paddle around Whenuakura (aka Donut) Island, slipping in through the single 40ft-high cave to visit the cove. Remember that landing on the island is prohibited.
2 GLASS BOTTOM BOAT With a window to the seabed below, explore the underworld of Whitianga’s Marine Reserve.
3 PADDLEBOARDING Whangamatā’s SurfSup now offer an all weather Estuary Tour as an alternative to the Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary Tour when the wind is offshore.
4 RIVER-BUGGING Choose your adventure level from mild to wild! Hop on your ‘bug’ and follow your guide along the white waters of the scenic Wairoa River, outside of Tauranga.
5 GEMSTONE BAY SNORKEL TRAIL Found along the track to Cathedral Cove and brimming with sea life, making it a great place to snorkel. The water is speckled with information panels attached to four buoys.
6 DIVE INTO THE DEEP There is spectacular diving to be found at Mercury Bay, off the coast of Whitianga and around the protected marine reserve at the base of Cathedral Cove.
7 JET SKIING Cruise the islands on a guided tour or head out for some heart-racing action. Add in some fishing, wake boarding or sea-biscuiting to the mix.
BEACHES
• Hot Water Beach
• Tairua
• Buffalo Beach
• Cooks Beach
• Hahei
• Pāuanui
• Ōpoutere
• Whangamatā
• Waihi Beach
• Mt Maunganui
Hot Water Beach
© Adobe Stock
TAURANGA
Tauranga Art Gallery
© Bay of Plenty Tourism
While you're there, get out on the water. Diving trips, fishing charters, kayak and yacht hire are all on the menu. Spend time exploring the islands, observing marine life.
Tauranga has an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés as well as museums, art galleries, heritage sites and outstanding parks and gardens. Take advantage of the city’s playful qualities, too; try blokarting, a guided kayaking tour at night or surflessons.
> Tauranga Farmers’ Market
> Pāpāmoa Beach
> Tauranga Art Gallery
> Mt Maunganui Hot Pools
> Harbour Cruise
> National Jazz Festival
Shopping in Tauranga City
© Bay of Plenty Tourism
TOP WALKS
MT PĀUANUI HIKE Start at the south end of Pāuanui Beach, but be warned this hike is hearty with rough paths and roots to navigate, but you’ll love the views when you reach the summit. Allow about 90-minutes, unless you head home via Cave Bay, which takes a bit longer.
WHITIANGA TOWN WALK Walk around the town and stop at historic points of interest. Start at Whitianga Wharf and follow the signs along The Esplanade, along Buffalo Beach, past some excellent historic buildings, till you return back to where you started.
WALK UP MT TE AROHA The Mt Te Aroha Summit Track, which begins at the Mokena Geyser, does get very steep at the top, but the slog is worth it for the stunning views across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. Allow four hours return for your adventure.
OROKAWA BAY WALK This popular walk starts at the northern end of Waihī Beach. Wind around the coastal headlands to reach Orokawa Bay and enjoy a picnic on the beach in the shade of giant pōhutukawa trees. Allow 45 minutes each way. If you’re on holiday at Waihī Beach, a walk around the coastal headland to Orokawa Bay is an amazing way to spend a few hours.
NATURAL WONDERS
LEISURE ISLAND While on Main Beach in Mt Maunganui, you’ll notice a small isle attached to the beach. Known as Moturiki Island (or Leisure Island), access is via a small man-made path. Once over, walk to the energetic blowhole.
SHAKESPEARE CLIFF Reached via Maramaratotara Track. The walk starts by heading up to Whitianga Rock where you’ll pass an ancient pā site. Follow the path until you get to the lookout, where the views are breathtaking.
NATURE WALK HOFFMAN’S POOL Information panels will introduce you to the native flora while the pool, in Kauaeranga Valley, is perfect for a summer swim.
DOLPHIN WATCHING AT MT MAUNGANUI Get up close to these charming creatures in their natural habitat with a tour out of either Mt Maunganui or nearby Tauranga. Keep your eyes peeled for acrobatic dolphins of the common or bottlenose varieties.
KAIATE FALLS, PĀPĀMOA A 30-minute drive from Tauranga takes you to Kaiate or Te Rerekawau Falls and at the bottom you’ll discover a glorious waterhole.
Dolphins
© Bay of Plenty Tourism
FAMILY FUN
WAIMARINO ADVENTURE PARK Water activities are king here. On the lake you’ll find a floating trampoline, pedalos, kayaks, paddleboards, a gladiator pole, Tarzan swings, a hydro slide and ‘The Blob’ inflatable launch cushion. On dry land are a rock-climbing wall, volleyball and a low ropes course.
MOUNT WATER BIKES A fun way for the whole family to get out onto Pilot Bay and a great way to break up a lazy day at the beach.
BLOKARTING Have a go at this seriously fun ‘land-sailing’ experience in Pāpāmoa. Small and easy to manoeuvre, get down to Bay Station for a quick tutorial and then enjoy 30 minutes of tarmac sailing.
HAIRY MACLARY SCULPTURES From the imagination of author Lynley Dodd to the pages of the popular book series and now to Tauranga’s waterfront. Crafted by sculptor Brigitte Wuest, you will find a detailed storybook scene of Hairy Maclary and some of his friends cast in bronze.
MILL CREEK BIRDS AND BOATS Home to over 400 birds, as well as mini-horses, donkeys and reptiles. Play in the playground, enjoy the café and have your picture taken with a real macaw.
HOT POOLS Head to Te Aroha Mineral Spas at the foot of Mt Te Aroha, or the Mount Pools at the foot of Mt Maunganui, both famous for soothing aches and pains away with their natural healing properties.
KŪAOTUNU KIWISANCTUARY On Waitaia Rd, the Kūaotunu Kiwi Sanctuary is doing exciting things for our native creatures and the Waitaia Track, a 2km loop, is an excellent way to see the bird life.
Mount Hot Pools
© Bay of Plenty Tourism
SIDE TRIP - TE AROHA VIA PAEROA
These two treasure troves of townships are on a section of the Hauraki Rail Trail. It will take you 15 minutes to travel this way by car or two to three hours if you go by bicycle. It doesn’t matter which you choose though, because either way, you’ll pass through lush Waikato countryside and enjoy views of the Hauraki Plains, the Kaimai-Mamakū Ranges and Mt Te Aroha along the way. If you’re on a bike, your main problem is the collateral you’ll inevitably collect at either end – both of these towns are known for their amazing secondhand shops – but on the plus side, if you’re heading south you can rest your weary legs, once you arrive, in Te Aroha’s famous mineral hot pools nestled at the base of its namesake mountain.
Hauraki Rail Trail
© Destination Coromandel
