Six of the Best Beaches in the Bay of Plenty, NZ

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With around 15,000 kilometres of coastline, Aotearoa New Zealand offers almost endless opportunities to wiggle your toes in the sand.

And one of the North Island’s most popular coastal retreats with both international visitors and domestic travellers is the sweeping Bay of Plenty — 250 kilometres of stunning coastline curved into a broad smile stretching from Waihi Beach in the north-west, to Cape Runaway in the east. And there’s plenty to smile about on a visit here. Aptly named for its abundance of natural resources, the region continues to captivate visitors — just as it did when Lieutenant James Cook first set foot on its shores in 1769 and gave it such a roseate moniker.

In terms of holiday logistics, the harbourside city of Tauranga is the largest in the region and makes a great base for wider exploration. In addition to its fine coastal credentials, you may want to head inland and delve into the area’s fascinating geothermal goings-on. Adventure capital Rotorua is less than an hour’s drive south of Tauranga and mixes fascinating geothermal attractions with a rich Māori cultural heritage to explore.

But, back to the coast! Here are six of the best beaches in the Bay of Plenty region.

Watch our video of ten top things to do on a North Island road trip:

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1. Mount Maunganui Beach

Voted best beach in New Zealand any number of times, Maunganui Beach stretches south-east from Mauao/Mount Maunganui — the majestic, 232-metre-high dormant volcanic cone that overlooks the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. The beach is easy to access, has plentiful parking, and offers an array of amenities. It’s an understandably busy spot in peak periods, so take that into account when planning your visit. Consider staying in one of the hostels in Tauranga for easy access to this beautiful stretch of sand.

You may also want to tackle the climb to the top of ‘the Mount’, as Mount Maunganui is known locally. The walk takes around 45 minutes at a relatively relaxed pace and is doable for anyone of a reasonable fitness level. The reward is a stunning view of Mount Maunganui Beach far below you, along with the city centre, harbour, and surrounding coastline. Alternatively, you can walk around the base of the Mount, which will ultimately bring you to our next stop.

2. Pilot Bay Beach

Pretty Pilot Bay Beach sits adjacent to the Mount inside Tauranga Harbour and receives far less attention than its counterpart on the ocean side of the Mount Maunganui peninsula. That said, it’s a popular choice for families, thanks to the calmer water, green grassy foreshore, public BBQs and picnic tables, and lower visitor numbers. Pilot Bay is a delightful spot just to sit and watch the comings and goings in the harbour, and there’s an abundance of cafes and eateries to patronise along the promenade. If you’re an early riser, come down and watch the sun peek around the side of the Mount as it rises beyond the Pacific horizon. Magic!

3. Waihi Beach

A 50-minute drive north-east of Tauranga will bring you to the northern edge of the Bay of Plenty (which borders the Waikato Region), and here you’ll find what is commonly regarded as one of the best surfing beaches in the country. Nine-kilometre-long Waihi Beach features a series of sand breaks and punchy-but-not-overpowering waves. The conditions are generally suitable for surfers of all skill levels — and if you’ve never given hanging ten a go, now’s your chance! Book a lesson with the team at Waihi Beach Surf School and you’ll be standing upright in no time. Waihi Beach Village is a great spot to recharge afterwards with a bite to eat.

4. Anzac Bay

The Waihi Beach area is also a top spot to toss in a line, and fishing enthusiasts often head for tranquil Anzac Bay on the harbour side of the Bowentown peninsula (which marks the northern entrance to Tauranga Harbour). But why should they have all the fun? This uncrowded beach of white sand and azure water framed by vividly coloured pohutukawa trees is a gorgeous spot to enjoy some towel time. If the weather is mild and you’re up for a stroll, head to the Te Ho pa site (an old Māori fort) for sensational views. The return walk from the top car park takes around 40 minutes.

5. Papamoa Beach

Back in Tauranga, beach lovers will also want to make a beeline for Papamoa, which lies between Mount Maunganui Beach and the Kaituna River. The beachfront here is sixteen kilometres long, so you should have no trouble getting a piece of it all to yourself. With its low-rise development, picturesque dunes, and coastal grasses waving in the breeze, this is a great spot for a sandy stroll. The Papamoa Beach Surf Lifesaving Club operates at Papamoa Beach Reserve, making it the safest location to swim.

If you still have energy to burn, the popular trek up to the summit trig station in nearby Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park takes about 45 minutes each way and passes several Māori pa sites.

6. Ohope Beach & Ohiwa Harbour

Following the coast south from Tauranga will bring you to Whakatane — the third largest town in the Bay of Plenty and another top spot to zen out for a couple days. Just a short drive from town is gorgeous Ohope Beach — arguably one of New Zealand’s best kept coastal secrets. Think eleven glorious kilometres of golden sand, largely gentle swell, stunning pohutukawa trees (which burst into crimson bloom in summer), and great views of Moutohora/Whale Island offshore. You may even clock the odd whale cavorting close to the shoreline.

If you can tear yourself away, it’s a picturesque 30-minute drive from there to sparsely populated Ohiwa Harbour. Swim, kayak, fish, or just flake out by the shimmering waters of the harbour, and hook a feed of fresh fish and chips from Tio Ohiwa Oyster Farm.

This post was published thanks to Budget Travel Plans.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best beaches in the Bay of Plenty? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Cover image: Tourism Bay of Plenty. Additional images: Envato

 

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