Top things to do in the Bay of Plenty this summer. Photo / Getty Images
Top things to do in the Bay of Plenty this summer. Photo / Getty Images
‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.’ So why not try these new things to do in the Bay of Plenty, writes Alexia Santamaria
The Bay of Plenty has endless perennial joys. Whether you’re strolling its gorgeous sands or climbing the Mount for the umpteenth time, the sight of those stunning expanses of coastline always take your breath away. Kids adore the Hairy MacLary statues, everyone loves Bobby’s Fish & Chips - and soaking in the region’s hot pools, swimming at Ōhope Beach, or exploring the region’s bustling weekend markets will never lose their appeal.
But if you are looking for something you haven’t done before, there are always fresh options. Every month brings something innovative and new in this vibrant part of the country. Here are some worth checking out.
Avocado Tours Katikati
We all love a good smashed avo on toast or a chunky guac with corn chips, but if you haven’t seen where our favourite fruit comes from, this is a great way to connect with your kai. Take a tour through Tim Rosamond and Michele Ricou’s avocado orchard in Katikati and hear their story and super interesting facts about the life cycle of an avocado. Round it off with a generous tasting of this creamy green goodness in many glorious forms, including oil and the best guacamole ever - made to a friend of the couple’s Mexican family recipe; if you talk really nicely to Tim he may even part with the recipe.
You can take a tour through an avocado orchard in Katikati, learn about the life cycle of avocados, and enjoy a tasting session featuring avocado products including oil and guacamole. Photo / Alexia Santamaria
Smallgusta
Oropi Hot Pools are not new, but last year the complex also opened Smallgusta, a 1:10-scale miniature putting course with sweeping country views. With no “edges”, it’s as much fun for real golfers wanting putting practice as for groups looking for some mini-golf-style fun (maybe with a cheeky wine or beer at the end of the ninth hole). Take a soak in the larger pool to reward yourself for your efforts, or in a private pool if that’s more your thing.
A new miniature putting course that opened last year at the Oropi Hot Pools complex, offering both mini-golf fun and a chance for real golfers to practice their putting. Photo / Alexia Santamaria
Matahui Distillery
You can never have too many gin distilleries and Katikati residents and tourists were delighted when Matahui opened its doors last year. There are many ways to experience this lovely spot - pop in for a tasting (be sure to try their fennel, liqueur, berry gin and grapefruitcello); book in for a distillery tour or do a craft-your-own gin class. Paul, Angela and Shelley are always experimenting with the wide range of botanicals and fruit grown in the Bay of Plenty to create new tastes that are truly of the region.
Matahui Distillery is a gin distillery in Katikati that offers tastings, distillery tours, and craft-your-own gin classes using local botanicals and fruits. Photo / Alexia Santamaria
Marine Parade Coastal Path
Walking the Mount’s main beach may not be new, but enjoying it via the new walkway has only been possible since the end of last year. This sturdy, 4m-wide boardwalk is perfect for couples, families, solo walkers, and those on bikes, scooters, or other wheeled transport. If walking on the sand isn’t your thing or the tide is too high, this is the ideal alternative. Stretching 3km, it’s lined with picnic spots, benches, playgrounds, and accessibility features, making it enjoyable for all ages and stages. Grab a coffee, stroll a bit, and then relax on one of the many benches along the way. On a clear day, you can see the coastline stretching from Mauao to Maketū.
Marine Parade Coastal Path is a new four-metre-wide boardwalk along the main beach at the Mount, stretching three kilometres and featuring picnic spots, benches, playgrounds, and accessibility features. Photo / Kiwi Droneograph
Tio Ōhiwa Oysters
The Ōhiwa Oyster Farm started in 1968 but in 2023 was brought into the capable hands of Ngāti Awa descendants Wini and Simon Geddes who are passionate about carrying on the legacy with a focus on sustainability, community, and innovation. The oyster cruises in Ōhope are a wonderful experience for any fans of this kaimoana. On this slow tour around the harbour, you’ll hear about the history of the area and get hands-on with shucking - and of course, enjoy plenty of tasting. You’ll also get a tour of the processing plant and have a great lunch from the takeaways, which is open to anyone, not just cruisegoers.
Tio Ōhiwa Oysters offer oyster cruises where you can learn about the history of the area, shuck oysters, and enjoy a tasting, along with a tour of the processing plant. Photo / 123rf
New places to eat
Every month it seems a new eatery pops up in the bay; the locals aren’t complaining and you won’t either.
If you’ve ever been to the amazing Falafel Metro, a Tauranga favourite, you’ll love their newish venture (opened last year) Malka in the Tauranga Historic Village. The food spans the Med and you can expect big flavour dishes like chickpea stews, Tunisian brik, luscious homemade hummus, pita bread, falafel, labneh with red za’atar and many more.
The popular Falafel Metro in Tauranga has a new venture called Malka in the Tauranga Historic Village, offering dishes from the Mediterranean. / Alexia Santamaria
Blondie is a daytime diner with giant sandwiches that can only just contain all their juicy fillings (no skimping here). It’s all about the retro American vibe. The menu also serves up items like salmon and latkes, pies, soup, cinny buns, and amazing cookies.
It’s hard to work out whether it’s the food or the charming owners who make Rika Rika a place you want to come back to again and again. Either way, this whole operation is all kinds of fabulous. Their sushi is freshly rolled to order but don’t sleep on their other offerings too - especially the mini bowls, if you fancy a smaller taste of a few different things.
Rika Rika. A charming local eatery where the owners are as delightful as the food. They offer freshly rolled sushi and a variety of mini bowls for tasting different dishes. Photo / Alexia Santamaria
L’Atelier a food truck favourite from the Whakatāne Sunday Market has opened up a permanent spot on Commerce St. Pay them a visit for sweet treats and good coffee.
For more things to see and do in the Bay of Plenty, visit bayofplentynz.com
