Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty
Why Go?
Captain Cook christened the Bay of Plenty when he cruised past in 1769, and plentiful it
remains. Blessed with sunshine and sand, the bay stretches from Waihi Beach in the west to
Opotiki in the east, with the holiday hubs of Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Whakatane in
between.
Offshore from Whakatane is New Zealand's most active volcano, Whakaari (White Is-
land). Volcanic activity defines this region, and nowhere is this subterranean sexiness more
obvious than in Rotorua. Here the daily business of life goes on among steaming hot
springs, explosive geysers, bubbling mud pools and the billows of sulphurous gas respons-
ible for the town's 'unique' eggy smell.
Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty are also strongholds of Maori tradition, presenting many
opportunities to engage with NZ's rich indigenous culture: check out a power-packed con-
cert performance, chow down at a
hangi
(Maori feast) or skill-up with some Maori arts-
and-crafts techniques.
When to Go
»
The Bay of Plenty is one of NZ's sunniest regions: Whakatane records a brilliant 2350
average hours of sunshine per year! In summer (December to February) maximums hover
between 20°C and 27°C. Everyone else is here too, but the holiday vibe is heady.
»
Visit Rotorua any time: the geothermal activity never sleeps, and there are enough beds
in any season.
»
The mercury can slide below 5°C overnight here in winter, although it's usually warmer
on the coast (and you'll have the beach all to yourself).
Best Outdoors
»
Rotorua Canopy Tours (
Click here
)
»
Surfing at Mt Maunganui (
Click here
)
»
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest (
Click here
)
