Location: Bay of Plenty Region
Top Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region
Top Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region
Countries
Things to do in Bay of Plenty Region, North Island: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Bay of Plenty (Māori: Te Moana-a-Toi) is a large bight in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stretches from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east, a wide stretch of some 259 km of open coastline. The Bay of Plenty Region is situated around this body of water, also incorporating several large islands in the bay. The bay was named by James Cook after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages there, in stark contrast to the earlier observations he had made in Poverty Bay.
Restaurants in Bay of Plenty Region
1. Rotorua international stadium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Amokura Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Come into Amokura Glass to see how glass objects are made or to try working with glass yourself. Watch our artists shape one of the most dynamic and fascinating materials on earth, molten glass. Watch as the glass moves and glows! Our artists will pinch pull and blow the glass into different forms to make one of a kind glass art. After watching how the glass is shaped, you can shop in the gallery to pick up your own unique piece of glass. Want to give it a go? We offer workshops every weekend in blown and fused glass. Learn how to make your own glass paperweight, pumpkin or tile! Sign up online! Summer hours 9am- 5pm (Nov 1- April 1). Demos from 9:20-2:30 Winter house 10am- 5pm (April 1 - Nov1). Demos from 1:00- 5:00
3. The Waioeka Journey
4. Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,669 reviews
With natural geothermal heat radiating from the ground, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a unique cultural experience, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape, offering an authentic peek into Māori village life. Hourly guided tours give visitors a chance to learn how the geothermal resources are used in daily life, twice-daily cultural performances are filled with fun interactivity, and a network of nature trails traverse geothermal lakes, bubbling mud and explosive geysers. This will be a memorable experience for all ages. Open 8.30am – 5.00pm daily.
Reviewed By linfarrington24 - Launceston, Australia
Loved seeing how Maori people have lived and evolved over hundreds of years. Wonderful to be welcomed and encouraged to share their pride in their cultural heritage. We started with a tour by a young guide who had a uniquely modern perspective on her heritage, we followed that with the cultural show which brought us to tears in the beauty of the love songs and the passion of the cultural expressions. Finally we shared a traditionally prepared meal, which we thought we would 'experience' rather than enjoy. How wrong we were! It all goes to show how much we have to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters!
5. Te Puia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,628 reviews
Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.
Reviewed By ruki-de - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed the combo with the guided tour of the craft school, Pohutu geyser, general entertainment, Maori show, the multi-course dinner and hot chocolate back at the geyser after dark. Included pick-up from and return to accommodation.
6. Christ Church Raukokore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By 290carstenf - Munich, Germany
You know you are on the right track when you see the church coming up. It's beautiful location takes your breath away. Go there, stay for a while and walk around. And when you're at a distance, look back and take some pictures.
7. Fancy Meow Cat Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Welcome to Fancy Meow Cat Cafe! FANCY MEOW Cat Cafe is Rotorua's first Cat Cafe New Zealand's only Cat Cafe with beautiful purebred CATS and KITTENS! We are so excited to bring the very first Cat Cafe to Rotorua! Here we have many beautiful feline friends that will bring you joy. We will be very busy for the first few months of opening, particularly on weekends and holidays, so please make sure you pre-purchase your tickets here or call us in advance to ensure your place before arrival, as we have to limit the number of people per hour for the well-being of our cats. So, come in for a visit to relax, decompress, and enjoy our furry friends. The cats and kittens are always grateful for play and cuddle time with their human companions. We can't wait to host you at Fancy Meow!
Reviewed By erinb350 - Rotorua, New Zealand
Had a wondering morning spent with some beautiful cats and kittens while sipping my morning “cappurrrcino” cat toys are provided to play along with a cozy environment with massage chairs! Perfect place to relax and de-stress ☕️????
8. Muriwai's Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By batchhen2017 - Timaru, New Zealand
A pleasant discovery, and an interesting cave, well worth the short walk in town to it. Read all about the history of Muriwai a Maori princess on the plaque.
9. The Historic Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 107 reviews
Whether you want to buy art, attend a workshop, see a movie, get a haircut, host a meeting, get married, use a social service or get in some retail therapy from one of our boutique shops, you need to experience what is on offer here at one of Tauranga’s best kept secrets. You will find an amazing collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga nestled in amongst gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds. Seven indoor and outdoor venues are available for hire to accommodate meetings, functions and special events. The Historic Village grounds are open seven days a week and entry is free.
Reviewed By BrentN165 - Cambridge, New Zealand
We called in to the village market and just stayed. The village was open (free entry) and the market was fine as were the shops. We sat at the Whipped Baker cafe on the corner, listened to the old time music from 1XT, the AM radio station that broadcasts from the village, enjoyed god coffee, enormous sausage roll with really nice atmosphere and ambience. A trip down memory lane and a great place to spend a Sunday morn.
10. Sulphur Point
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Luvinspoonful - Rotorua, New Zealand
Pick your parking place and walk as far or as short as you like. Whether it’s through the grounds behind the museum or from the Polynesian Pools to the point this is interesting. Bird life on the shores or in the bush and even some geothermal activity. You can bike it or walk it and if you go all the way lose 2 hours of your time. If you intend on walking fur babies then keep them on a lead (and little kids too) because there are some risks for the littlies (you may walk close to the road, hot pools or the lake)
