Captain James Cook named Bay of Plenty when he arrived in 1769 and noted ‘a bay of plenty’ where he had anchored. Today the region is still known for its plentiful orchards producing kiwifruit, citrus and avocados, its plentiful oceans and beaches providing endless seafood, surfing and sailing experiences and large wine industry. The climate is one of the warmest in New Zealand with warm humid summers and mild winters. It’s the perfect holiday destination!
Gifting Owl’s experiences gift offers for the Bay of Plenty region are, well…plentiful! From river rafting to skydiving to cultural experiences to sailing, the options will keep you entertained for days.
Arguably one of New Zealand’s most popular beaches is Mount Maunganui. The town sits at the bottom of its namesake, the large volcanic cone known as Mount Maunganui. The best way to see this area is to take a walk to the top of Mount Maunganui Summit Track. It provides sweeping views across the ocean as well as the surrounding towns. Once you’ve burnt some kilojoules on your walk, make sure to enjoy one of the many cafes along the main street, taking in that fresh ocean breeze. Then, the only thing left to do is relax on the beach, go for a swim, surf or paddleboard and enjoy the surroundings.
Just south of Mount Maunganui is the most popular city in the Bay of Plenty region, Tauranga. Apart from being a beautiful harbour-side city, Tauranga offers some amazing marine tours that are worth checking out. If your giftee is an animal lover then swimming with the dolphins is a must-do.
Another main town in the region is Rotorua. Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s best-known tourist destinations, offering an abundance of Maori culture, natural hot springs and geothermal experiences.
Before visiting Rotorua, prepare your senses for an onslaught of pungent geothermal (rotten egg) aroma. This smell gives Rotorua its nick-name of the ‘Sulphur City’. You can smell the air well before you enter the town, but it doesn’t take long for your senses to adjust.
In the Te Puia Whakarewarewa Valley, the big attractions are the bubbling mud pools and the famous 30m tall Pohutu Geyser which erupts once or twice every hour - a sight definitely worth the visit. The Pohutu Geyser is the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere and lives up to its name which means ‘big splash’. Gifting Owl has guided tours that will collect you or your giftee from Rotorua and host you through these natural wonders.
Another spectacular sight, but one not often mentioned, is the Whakarewarewa Forest of Rotorua. Only five minutes from downtown Rotorua, here you’ll find giant Californian Redwoods as you hike, walk, ride a mountain bike or horse ride through the forest. Mountain Bikes and horses are available for hire (Yes, horses for hire!).
An absolute must-do while in New Zealand, especially in Rotorua, is visiting one of the Maori Cultural Villages and live shows to learn about New Zealand’s cultural heritage. Purchasing a Mitai Maori Village experience is a great introduction to Maori customs. The Mitai family has created a place to share their Maori culture with all visitors to the area. You will learn about the history of the Maori people, their dance, song, dress, dining and traditions. And you will leave in absolute awe.
Rotorua also has an abundance of beautiful lakes to explore, 18 in fact. All of them are of volcanic origin. The main lakes include Lake Rotorua, Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). You could spend hours exploring the beautiful tracks surrounding these lakes.
Other activities to enjoy while you’re in this picturesque part of the country include visiting the Agrodome, New Zealand’s largest tourist farm experience, sky diving from a plane over Lake Taupo (a half-day tour from Rotorua), and the Kaituna Grade 5 River Rafting experience.
Also not to be missed is the Magical Waitomo caves. These caves are home to glowworms, waterfalls and limestone formations. You may even be lucky enough to spot the famous (but rare) Kiwi bird. The Waitomo caves have a number of tours available to suit all adrenalin levels from walking and boat tours to abseiling tours. Waitomo is just under two hours’ drive from Rotorua and some tours include transfers to and from the caves.
Whatever you or your giftee are looking for in the Bay of Plenty, Gifting Owl is sure to have a tour to suit.
