Make summer last longer in the Bay of Plenty
Deepen your understanding of NZ culture with these rich and meaningful holiday adventures.
True to its name, the Coastal Bay of Plenty reflects the generosity of its people and its abundant food production. Warm in temperament and in climate, the region welcomes visitors to enjoy its pristine sandy beaches and the world’s best kiwifruit, avocados, citrus and mānuka honey.
Inundated with walking and cycling tracks, the Bay of Plenty is ready and waiting to share with you its bountiful harvests and sweeping scenery. After experiencing the trail, sample some of the delicious local produce that you may have collected along the way.
Come and taste its flavours and experience its trails.
CYCLING TRACKS Te Awanui / Ōmokoroa Cycle Trail
The region’s newest cycle trail is an easy 19km ride from Ōmokoroa to the Wairoa River.
Take a 90-minute guided e-bike tour with Te Ara Tourism to pedal through scenic coastal landscapes and step back in time to the 1800s, when a thriving
community of 400 Māori lived at the Ongarahu Pā, leaving with a newfound respect for the people who once lived here.
Foodie options:
• The Cider Factorie for fresh bites and awardwinning ciders.
• White House for a scrumptious meal with a personal touch, plenty of vegan options and delicious cocktails.
• Café Nourish for a sweet treat, coffee or “superfood latte” - choose from Turmeric Manuka, Mermaid or Beetroot Turmeric.
Motu Trails Cycleway
This network of trails offers a range of terrains to suit different cycling abilities.
There’s the easy 2-3hr Dunes Trail which is perfect for beginner cyclists, the hilly Motu Road Trail is great for e-bikers, and the more challenging backcountry forested terrain of Pakihi Track can be turned into an overnight adventure with a stay at Pakihi Hut. Together, these trails make up one of the Great Rides of New Zealand and traverse the coast, remote bush country, historic farmland and lush forest.
The trails all start from Ōpōtiki in the eastern Bay of Plenty, which is a great place to stock up on snacks for the day ahead, to ensure your energy levels will last the distance.
Foodie options:
• Hot Bread Shop Café in Ōpōtiki for excellent coffee and tasty food at affordable prices.
• Enjoy a cold drink in the garden bar at Crossroads Gastropub in Ōpōtiki.
• Ocean Seafoods in Ōpōtiki makes homemade seafood snacks, fish and chips, and more.
Urban cycleways
The Coastal Bay of Plenty is connected by a network of urban cycleways that are a great way to explore the area.
The popular inner-city Waikareao Estuary trail offers great bird-watching opportunities and is an easy 8.2km ride that can be broken into smaller sections. Cycle along Papamoa, voted New Zealand’s best beach, or explore 20km of on-road and off-road trails in Katikati, including the unique Haiku Path that features more than 40 haiku poems engraved on river boulders.
Foodie options:
• Izakai for the hangi-style pork belly and watercress ramen.
• Sugo for the crumbled gorgonzola stuffed green olives or a neapolitan-inspired pizza.
• Macau for delicious sharing plates full of panAsian flavours.
• Miss Gee’s for a tipple of botanical gin, craft beer or wine.
WALKING TRACKS Ngā Tapuwae O Toi - Whakatāne
Meander through native forest accompanied by the sounds of tūī, bellbirds, fantails and the occasional kererū on this bush walking track through Whakatāne and Ōhope.
You’ll encounter panoramic views of the surrounding area and visit one of the oldest known pā sites in the country, Kōhī Point.
Ngā Tapuwae O Toi means “in the footsteps of Toi”, as the trail takes you through the heart of what was the dominion of the Māori chieftain Toi many
centuries ago. The 16km round trip takes 5-7 hours.
Foodie options:
• Port Ōhope General Store & Café for coffee or ice cream.
• Gibbos Fresh Fish for fish & chips the locals love.
• The Comm for a cold beverage to quench your thirst.
Papamoa Hills Regional Park
This 135-hectare park offers a range of walking trails boasting incredible views and archeological wonders.
Starting from the car park at the end of Poplar Lane, a 45-minute walk takes you to the 224m high summit, with views well worth the grunt. Return via the same track or continue to explore some of the other trails, most of which lead to pā sites. Along the way, you’ll pass over 50,000 native species that were recently planted.
Foodie options:
• Pearl Kitchen for all-day breakfast and woodfired pizza.
• Lantern for south-east Asian bites, cocktails and Vietnamese coffee.
• The Daily Cafe for fresh salads and organic, Fair Trade coffee.
• Sandbank for coffee, superfood smoothies and smoothie bowls by the beach.
Tuahu Kauri Track - Katikati
Wander along an old bridle path through native rimu forest and stand beneath one of the largest kauri trees in the Bay of Plenty on this 50-minute return track.
You’ll find it within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park at the end of Hot Springs Road. Although it has plenty of bench seats to stop and take breaks and is graded, after the first 20 minutes the track becomes narrower and more difficult.
Other tracks branch off the Tuahu Kauri Track if you are looking for an extra challenge.
Foodie options:
• The Orchard House for home-made cakes and locally-roasted coffee.
• Chrome Café for a selection of pies, sandwiches and snacks and views of the Kaimais.
• Leveret Estate for wine tasting amidst lush green pastures.
• Refresh with a beverage or a cheeseboard in the garden bar at Talisman Restaurant. bayofplentynz.com