Tauranga Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty - on New Zealand's north western coast - have a year-round mild climate and long sandy beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Access to the Tauranga Mount Maunganui region is usually via the Pacific Coast Highway. This stunning drive follows the scenic Bay of Plenty coastline, and links the Bay of Plenty,
Coromandel coast
and the
Gisborne regions
with Auckland (to the north) and with the
Hawkes Bay region
(to the south). Imagine mile after mile of beautiful coastline. And if you are fortunate enough to travel the highway in the early morning, you could be one of the first in the world to see the sunrise.
Tauranga Mount Maunganui - Natural Attractions Tauranga New Zealand, the region's main city, is located at the entrance to one of New Zealand's largest natural harbours, and beside Mount Maunganui. Known as Mauao to the Maori people, it is a sacred place, and a popular walking spot for locals and visitors. The nearby coastal towns Mount Maunganui 
and Papamoa are popular summer beach holiday destinations, and offer surfing, fishing, and diving, as well as many other attractions.
The region's fertile land and warm climate make it a perfect environment for a wide range of crops. Te Puke is the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand, and most of New Zealand's kiwifruit crop is grown in the Bay of Plenty, along with avocados, grapes, citrus and many subtropical fruits. Tauranga Mount Maunganui - Heritage The Maori people first settled in the area in the late 13th or early 14th century. Maori legend has it that they arrived from their spiritual homeland Hawaiki on three waka (canoes) - Te Arawa, Takitimu and Mataatua. Many local Maori trace their descent back to these canoes. The region's west was settled by the iwi (tribes) of Ngati Ranginui, Ngaiterangi and Ngati Pukenga from the Takitumu and Mataatua canoes. Te Arawa descendants inhabited the east and south to Rotorua. Maori named the area Te Moana a Toi or 'sea of Toi', honouring their great ancestral explorer, Toitetuatahi. The British explorer Captain James Cook gave the name Bay of Plenty because of the region's welcoming people and abundant resources. 
The region is rich in Maori culture and history with sacred spots such as Mauao, Papamoa Hills and Maketu, and many pa (fortified village) sites. Guided tours to many of these historic sites highlight the area's cultural history. Mauao, the sacred mountain at Tauranga's harbour entrance, translates as 'caught in the light of the day', and according to Maori legend, the once nameless mountain was spurned in love by another mountain, the beautiful Puwhenua. 
One night Mauao begged the fairy-like creatures of the forest to drag him to the ocean and end his misery, but the creatures fled as the morning sun-rays struck leaving Mauao transfixed to his spot.
Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage regional park (Te Rae o Papamoa) is a significant site, with 10 ancient village sites that are amongst New Zealand's oldest. A walking track to the summit reveals views of Tauranga harbour and Mauao. At Maketu, near Te Puke, a foreshore memorial commemorates the landing place of the Te Arawa canoe during the great migration. Tauranga Mount Maunganui - Adventure / Outdoors Year-round outdoor activities in the rich marine environment include swimming with dolphins and fishing for snapper, kingfish, hapuku and marlin around Tuhua (Mayor Island), and deep-sea fishing at Motiti. White Island - 
New Zealand's only active marine volcano - lies off the Whakatane coast. It is accessible by boat or air, and there are regular guided tours exploring the island and its active crater edge.
Tauranga Mount Maunganui - Seasonal Highlights A warm climate, beautiful beaches and matching lifestyle make the region a year-round destination for active or relaxing Kiwi holidays. Mount Maunganui, or 'The Mount' as the locals call it, has a long white sand beach, which is the site of many activities from beach volleyball to thundercat racing. It's also known for the busiest surf break in the region. Visitors flock to the area over the Christmas / New Year summer holiday period. Many events are held in the region during this time, making the Bay of Plenty a festive destination. There Is Lots To See And Do In Tauranga Mount Maunganui Here are a few ideas: * Take a walk to the top of Mount Maunganui for amazing views of the region. * Visit White Island for a guided tour of this unique volcanic island. * Visit Mayor Island / Tuhua - features are an extinct volcano and lakes, and a large Pohutukawa forest containing native bellbird and kiwi. * Soak the day away in the Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools, at the base of the mount. * Visit the surf museum for a glimpse into the surf culture of the region. With over 350 old surfboards and surf related displays, its a great venue for all surfers. * Swim with the dolphins. * Visit on the Easter weekend and take part in New Zealand's biggest blues and jazz festival. * Go on a deep sea fishing trip. Local waters are rich in snapper, kingfish, trevally, and many other species. * Thrilling white water rafting adventures are available on several local rivers. The Rangitaiki River has sections with varying degrees of difficulty. Enjoy!
DID YOU KNOW * Nearly a million people walk up and around Mauao (Mount Maunganui) each year. * Mount Maunganui has New Zealand's first artificial surf reef. * Te Puke is the 'kiwifruit capital of the world'. More than 80 percent of NZ kiwifruit exports are grown in the Bay of Plenty. * Tuhua (Mayor Island) has the world's largest pohutukawa forest. Here is a short (about 3 minutes) Tourism New Zealand video on the Bay of Plenty:
For more helpful information on Tauranga Mount Maunganui and the Bay of Plenty, click here to go to the Tourism New Zealand web site
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