Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
offers an immaculate, upmarket version of the Kiwi bach holiday, relaxed and close to the
beach. There's a pool if the beach is too windy, and orange daisies poking up through rock
gardens.
Bluebiyou
( 07-572 2099;
www.bluebiyou.co.nz
;
559 Papamoa Beach Rd; mains $15-38; noon-2.30pm &
5.30pm-late Wed & Thu, noon-late Fri & Sat, 10am-late Sun)
is a casual, breezy restaurant riding high on
the dunes, serving big brunches and seafood specialities. The prawn Benedict is a sure-fire
Sunday morning start-me-up. Open seven days in summer.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
TUHUA (MAYOR ISLAND)
Commonly known as Mayor Island, this dormant volcano is 35km north of Tauranga. It's a privately owned is-
land noted for its black, glasslike obsidian rock and
birdlife
, including a clutch of kiwi, introduced to the
predator-free isle in 2006. Walking tracks cut through the overgrown crater valley, and the northwest corner is a
marine reserve
.
You need permission to visit from the island's
kaitiaki
(guardians), via the
Tuhua Trust Board
( 07-577
0942). There's a $5 landing fee, and visitors must observe strict quarantine regulations. Accommodation is lim-
ited to basic camping/cabins ($10/30); bring your own food and water (no fridges). The landing fee is included in
accommodation costs. Several boat-charter companies will take you to Tuhua, including Blue Ocean Charters
(
Click here
)
. Contact
DOC
(
07-578 7677;
taurangainfo@doc.govt.nz
)
in Tauranga for more info.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Matakana Island
About 24km long and forming the seaward side of Tauranga Harbour, privately owned
Matakana is laced with secluded white-sand surf beaches on its eastern shore (experienced
surfers only). The community lifestyle here is laid-back and beachy, but the only way you
can visit is on a kayak tour with Adventure Bay of Plenty (
Click here
)
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Katikati
POP 4060
'Katikat' to the locals, this busy little town was the only planned Ulster settlement in the
world, and celebrates this history with a series of colourful
murals
. The
Mural Town Informa-
tion Centre
(
07-549 1658;
www.katikati.org.nz
; 36 Main Rd;
8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat, 10am-2pm
