Planning a trip to the beautiful Bay of Plenty? Here are 11 Kiwi Gems to discover from Whakatāne to Tauranga Harbour and the lakes of Rotorua. Think secret spots, beautiful bush walks, hidden waterfalls and adventures aplenty!
1. Matakana Island
Across the tidal waters of Tauranga Harbour lies Matakana Island – an intriguing 20-kilometre-long land mass between Bowentown in the north and Mount Maunganui in the South. The largest of the islands in the Bay of Plenty, Matakana Island is home to approximately 300 residents, with kiwifruit orchards, pine forests and farms making up its interior. However, the main reason for planning a day trip is the spectacular white-sand surf beach on the northern side of the island. You can reach Matakana Island by boat or kayak, or climb aboard the historic MV Kewpie for a one hour scenic cruise to spend either an hour or a day on this little slice of sandy paradise.
2. Te Wairere Falls
Although now largely hidden from view by the development of the town, Te Wairere Falls remain one of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Whakatāne. They are a sacred landmark to all of Mātaatua. The fresh water first supplied the Ngāti Awa people and later the township until 1924. You’ll find both locals and visitors at the falls, and they are lit in the evenings which adds something special to the experience of appreciating the mossy rock formations and restful waters.
3. Muriwai’s Cave
Te Ana O Muriwai, or Muriwai's Cave, is historically significant for Whakatāne. It’s a landmark dedicated to the memory of Muriwai, a respected ancestor of the Mātaatua tribes, and the cave was tapu until this was lifted in 1963. Just across the road near the water's edge, you’ll find a carved shelter holding a ceremonial replica of the Mātaatua waka. Muriwai was the sister of Toroa, captain of the Mātaatua canoe, and it is said she lived in the cave from the time they arrived from Hawaiki until her death. Look up the legends and mythology around it. It’s fascinating.
4. Lake Matahina
Formed by a hydroelectric dam on the Rangitaiki River, Lake Matahina, 30km inland from Whakatāne is a tranquil spot framed by steep columned cliffs and forest. The narrow lake is popular for kayaking, as you can explore the perimeter to find beautiful hidden waterfalls and a small island covered in trees. Near the lake head, venture ashore to find another stream and if you follow this for a short scramble through the bush you’ll come to a stunning 50-metre-high waterfall. For experienced kayakers, allow an hour or so for the return trip, though families should expect to make a day of it.
5. Raparapahoe Falls
A short, steep bush walk on the outskirts of Te Puke takes you to the beautiful Raparapahoe Falls. Descend through mature tawa forest, taking care as it can be slippery after rain – jandals are not advisable! Once you reach the bottom head upstream to find the three-metre-high waterfall and a large, clear waterhole perfect for swimming. The walk takes approximately 60 minutes return and you’re welcome to bring your dog with you for this one.
6. Moutohorā / Whale Island
Head offshore for another island adventure in the Bay of Plenty on a day trip to Moutohorā / Whale Island. Set sail from Whakatāne to reach the pest-free wildlife sanctuary – home to kiwi, tieke / North Island saddleback, tuatara and kekeno fur seals. Moutohorā Island is the remnant of an ancient volcanic cone, long since eroded, with its distinctive double peaks visible from the mainland. Ashore, you can visit the seal colony and discover geothermal activity at Onepū Bay, Moutohorā’s own hot water beach. Make sure you bring your togs! Only three local operators have permission to escort small groups to the island in order to preserve its strict sanctuary status.
7. Ōtānewainuku Forest
For native birds, gigantic trees, easy walking tracks, stunning waterfalls and absolute peace and quiet, Ōtānewainuku Forest in Ōropi is a must-do. Ōtānewainuku means 'the many waters that spring forth from the domain of Tāne – overseer of the forest.' At about 20km south of Tauranga, this special place is off the beaten track and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. The unlogged forest is cared for by a community trust, which makes it a sanctuary where native birds and wildlife thrive.
8. Lake Ōkareka Walkway
The Lake Ōkareka Walkway traces the edge of its namesake, one of the smallest of Rotorua’s 18 lakes. Every corner reveals different surprises: from farmland and native forest to beaches and wetland reserves complete with huts for birdwatching. After all, this area is home to a myriad of aquatic birds such as swans, geese, pūkeko, coots and scaups. Bring binoculars and a camera and see how many you can spot. The walkway takes about 1.5 hours to complete, beginning from a lakeside reserve on Acacia Road and continuing for 2.5km around the shore to the lake outlet. It’s suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs as far as Silver Beach, around 2km from the start. From here, the walkway undulates to the lake outlet, which is not suitable for bikes or dogs to protect the native plant and wildlife nesting close by.
9. Manupīrua Hot Springs
There’s something alluring about places that can only be accessed in special ways, and you’ll certainly feel very exclusive boating across Lake Rotoiti to Manupīrua Springs, which you can only reach by water. Pulling up at the gorgeous little ‘beach’ complete with rustic hut, chairs, tables, bar, beanbags, barbecues and hot pools fed by a natural spring – which vary in colour depending on the levels of minerals – is delightful, and it’s easy to while away hours going from the lake to the hot pools and back.
10. Tarawera Falls
Tarawera Falls is a mighty sight with water spewing from halfway up a cliff face. The river above the falls disappears into fissures in the rock, filling an underwater cave. When there has been a lot of rain, the cave floods and a second waterfall is formed from the top of the cliff. It’s awesome even without the extra falls, though. To get to the base of the falls, you need a forestry access permit which you can get from Kawerau Info Centre; from there, take a 45-minute drive on rough road, followed by a 20-minute walk. Access to the top of the falls is via a track from Lake Tarawera; this trail, accessed by water taxi from The Landing, is 3.5 hours return and follows the river to the falls through spectacular native forest.
11. Te Rātā Bay
One of New Zealand’s lesser-known hot water beaches can be found on the southern shores of Lake Tarawera. Te Rātā Bay is accessible by boat, water taxi or kayak. Alternatively, if you’re up for an adventure, follow the 15km, four- to five-hour walk one way on a good but sometimes steep track that's part of the Tarawera Trail. (A popular option is to walk one way and arrange a water taxi for the trip back.) At Te Rātā Bay you can swim or soak in a natural thermal rock pools at the lake edge, or explore inland to find another small pool approximately 50 metres into the bush. Take care though – in some places the sand can get as hot as 86ºC, which is hot enough to cook food.
