Bay of Plenty Rotorua New Zealand – Just NZ

About The Region
Attractions + Events
Map
Drive Times

About The Region

The Bay of Plenty is said to be the sunniest region on the North Island. It is a great year round destination. White Island is a ‘must see’ active marine volcano located 48 kms off the coast of Whakatane.

Rotorua was New Zealand’s first tourist destination, enjoying worldwide fame for its rejuvenating spa treatments and dramatic geothermal landscape. Today, Rotorua welcomes visitors who are interested in the region for its adventure action to family fun, eco tourism and award winning spas. It is also a major centre of Maori culture and, with 16 lakes and vast forests, a Mecca for anglers, mountain bikers and walkers.

The name Rotorua comes from Māori, the full name being Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe; roto means lake and rua two. Rotorua thus meaning ‘Second lake’.

Attractions + Events

Attractions

Bay of Plenty Top Natural Attractions
  • Ohope Beach, Papamona Beach
  • White Island NZ’s only active marine volcano
  • Superb Tuna & Marlin fishing and diving
  • Stroll the 2.9km walk around the base of Mount Maunganui
  • NZ’s iconic fruit, the Kiwifruit is harvested in early May
Rotorua Top Natural Attractions
  • Geysers and mud pools: raw geothermal energy spouting steaming water tens of metres skywards while mud pools gurgle incessantly. In particular, Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia erupts up to 20 times a day, while Lady Knox Geyser at Wai-o-Tapu erupts at 10.15am daily.
  • Whakarewarewa (Redwood) Forest: 3 minutes from the city centre and free to access. Hundreds of kilometres of walking, mountainbiking and horse riding trails surrounded by Californian Redwoods and other species.
  • Waterways: 16 stunning lakes and many rivers and streams offer every type of water activity, including jet boating, rafting, kayaking and trout fishing (seasonal restrictions).
  • Thermal beaches: enjoy a warm soak and even cook any fish you have caught in the hot sands.
  • Mokoia Island: the sacred island of the Te Arawa people in the heart of Lake Rotorua is steeped in cultural history and a sanctuary for endangered wildlife and rare birds. It is also the setting for the famous love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai.
  • Mt Tarawera: a dominant feature on the horizon, this dormant volcano can be viewed up close and personal by helicopter.

Events

Visit the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua attend one of the many local events in this region.

  • 10th October 2015
    Rotorua Ekiden Race
  • 13th – 15th November 2015
    Rotorua Festival of Gardens
  • February 2016
    Rotorua Bike the Lake
  • May 2016
    Rotorua Marathon

Map

Regional Map of Bay of Plenty

Drive Times

From To Kms Hrs
Tauranga Auckland 205 kms 2 hrs 55 mins
Tauranga Whakatane 96 kms 1 hr 30 mins
Rotorua Paihia 454 kms 7 hrs 45 mins
Hamilton Rotorua 108 kms 1 hr 30 mins
Rotorua Waitomo 156 kms 2 hrs 15 mins
Rotorua Napier 225 kms 3 hrs 40 mins
Rotorua Taupo 82 kms 1 hrs 15 mins
Rotorua Wellington 450 kms 6 hrs 30 mins