The best way to experience all that the Bay of Plenty has to offer is by immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the landscape. These five great hikes and nature walks will wind you through plentiful forests, stunning lakes and the sparkling expanse of the South Pacific Ocean as it stretches out in front of you. Your Hertz rental car is the perfect means to reach these serene spots of nature, allowing you to step into a wonderland of nature.
Step Into An Oasis of Waterfalls at Kaiate Falls
Discover a side of nature you’ve never seen before with a journey to Kaiate Falls, just a half an hour drive from Tauranga Airport. After you’ve picked up your rental car at the airport, venture south east into the untouched wilderness of Tauranga and prepare to be stunned by the natural beauty on offer at these falls. What makes Kaiate Falls a sight to behold is how the sparkling water tumbles down a ravine through a series of levels, colliding with the mossy exterior of the rock before it dives into the sensational pool below. While you won’t be able to take a dip here, the water is beautiful enough to observe from the edges, surrounded by native forest and thriving wildlife. This 45 minute return walk is suitable for all types of hikers, with sing-posted track junctions and well maintained steps. Remember to take caution around the slippery surfaces and prepare for a slight steepness at moments along your hike.
Embark On A Hike Around the Iconic Mauao
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the base track that leads you around Mauao in Mount Maunganui is a stunning way to experience some of the most spectacular nature the region has to offer. As one of New Zealand’s most popular scenic walks, there’s no doubt that this base track walk should be at the top of your list. A relaxing 15 minute drive from Tauranga, Mauao base track walk will transport you into an environmental wonderland filled with natural history. As you meander along the base track, you’ll encircle the extinct volcano that makes up the mountain, venturing from the ocean as the waves crash onto its white sand beach to the calming serenity of Pilot Bay. Remember to pack the camera for this picture-perfect walk.
Embrace the Ocean Along Bowentown Domain
While the Bay of Plenty offers a range of walks and hikes through forests and bush, a walk along the coast is always a must-do in this region. The extensive swaths of glistening blue that stretch out from the coastline provides a picturesque backdrop as you wander along the ocean, even offering several beautiful places to cool off in the water throughout your walk. From Tauranga, head to Anzac Bay at the end of Bowentown peninsula and you’ll find a carpark where you can safely leave your vehicle behind. From there, a 45 minute return walk will lead you along the precipice of where the overflowing green of the domain meets the aquamarine of the bay, concluding at Cave Bay or Te Ho pā site. Anzac Bay provides a sensational spot to swim, so make sure to indulge in an ocean dip at the end of your return.
Journey Through A Playground of Geothermal Gems
Experience all that the Bay of Plenty has to offer with a rare adventure to the region’s geothermal remnants. Being located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, New Zealand’s geography has a long history of geothermal activities and volcanic eruptions. One of the Bay of Plenty’s hidden gems is Tuhua (Mayor Island) - a dormant volcano located 35 kilometres from Tauranga and largely protected from the public. To reach Tuhua, chartering a boat for the day provides the best experience of the island. Once you arrive, you’ll be met with unbelievable clear waters to swim in at South-East Bay and myriad hikes to traverse through the untouched nature. Venture through the island’s pōhutukawa forest to reach the highest peak at 355 metres above sea level, keeping an eye out for a whole range of native birds as well as the incredible obsidian volcanic glass that harks back to a bygone era of active volcanoes and thriving ecosystems.
Take It Down A Notch with An Avocado Farm Tour in Aongatete
As much as the Bay of Plenty is brimming with wondrous natural playgrounds to peruse, the region is also home to a thriving garden and orchard industry. Having coined its name in 1769 thanks to the plentiful lands of agriculture, journeying through one of these orchards is a sensational way to both immerse yourself in greenery and learn more about the industries at the heart of the region’s communities. Embarking on a tour, like with Avocado Tours New Zealand in Aongatete, also provides a more relaxing alternative to exploring the fruitful plains of the Bay of Plenty, swapping out a hard hike for a more luxurious and immersive experience. Plus, you’ll even get the chance to indulge in an avocado treat! This is also a great activity to finish off your travels around the Bay of Plenty, with the avocado farm located just a breezy half an hour drive from Tauranga Airport where you can drop off your rental car at the conclusion of your holiday.
Whether you’re venturing around a dormant volcano, exploring the thriving coastline of the bay or walking alongside waterfalls, the Bay of Plenty is brimming with sensational hikes and nature walks to try. In your Hertz rental car, these corners of nature are all yours to explore.
