The Bay of Plenty quickly became one of our favorite regions on the North Island of New Zealand, specifically the Mount Maunganui suburb of Tauranga. It’s a lively area filled with ocean-view hiking, pristine beaches, boutique shops, and a good variety of cuisine. Below is a simple guide to our perfect day in Tauranga.
Itinerary
- Start the day at Solara cafe
- They offer healthy breakfast options like overnight oats and protein yogurt parfaits
- We love the coconut americano, Biscoff latte, and banana matcha
- They offer healthy breakfast options like overnight oats and protein yogurt parfaits
- Next, hike Mauao Summit
- The extinct volcano offers both a base walk around or a hike to the top for spectacular views
- 30-60 minutes each way, depending on fitness level
- Some people like to go at sunrise, but you do you
- We went a little before noon, and it was still busy
- The extinct volcano offers both a base walk around or a hike to the top for spectacular views
- Take a break at Little Big Events Market at Coronation Park
- Sample different artisan vendors and browse around the stalls
- Usually going from 9 am to 3 pm every Saturday
- Sample different artisan vendors and browse around the stalls
- Grab a quick lunch at Little Guy Bagel and Coffee House
- The Nitro cold brew and classic breakfast bagel are great options
- Spend the rest of the day enjoying the beautiful Maunganui Beach
- Admire seashells or go for a nice swim if it is warm enough
- Finish off the day at The Rising Tide for dinner
- They offer craft beer, a light menu, and live music some nights
- We recommend the mushroom dumplings, buffalo cauliflower, and the feijoa gin and tonic
- They offer craft beer, a light menu, and live music some nights
The Bay of Plenty has great surfing, wildlife watching, and geothermal spas. We hope you have a chance to explore it all and discover your own perfect day in Tauranga.
When in doubt, the best itinerary is to get lost. <3
