Ten things to do in the Bay this summer

The coastal Bay of Plenty has long been one of the top holiday spot for Kiwis. The mild climate and stunning scenery make the area ideal for the broad range of outdoor activities on offer. If you're hanging out in the Bay of Plenty this summer here's a list of ten 'must do' activities for you to try.
Swim with dolphins

The Bay of Plenty is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins in their natural habitat. It's estimated that around 40,000 common dolphins have made the Bay their home. During a guided trip, you can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures and even hop in the water and swim with them - a unique experience.
Soak in the salt water Hotpools at the base of Mauao

There are 11 geothermal public hot pools located throughout the Bay of Plenty region from Waihi Beach to Whakatane. Mount Maunganui is the only place in New Zealand where you'll find geothermal heated salt water pools.
Stroll around and up Mauao

Enjoy a walk around Mauao (Mount Maunganui's) base track, which offers one of the most picturesque and walked tracks in New Zealand. With some of the best ocean and city views you'll see anywhere; it's easy to see why over a million people do this walk each year.
Kayak amongst the twinkling lights of glow-worms

The glow-worm kayaking trip on Lake McLaren is a unique experience the whole family can enjoy. Kayak at dusk to a rock canyon where you'll be greeted by thousands of glow-worms twinkling on the canyon walls and lighting up the night.
Visit the giant kiwifruit at Kiwi360

Climb aboard a Kiwicart and tour through lush orchards and on to a horticultural theme park. You'll discover why kiwifruit, the world's healthiest fruit, grows better in the Bay of Plenty than anywhere else on the earth.
Take a spin on the Kaituna River
The Kaituna River jet boat ride winds 12 kilometres through a narrow gorge of native New Zealand bush complete with a heap of 360 degree spins thrown in to get your heart pumping.
Learn to Surf at the Mount Main Beach

Mount Maunganui is known as one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. The breaks attract surfers year round and it's the ideal place to hone your surfing skills with a surf lesson or two.
Step back in time at The Elms

The Elms historic house museum is the oldest European heritage site in the Bay of Plenty.
What was once the flourishing Te Papa Mission Station is now a tranquil oasis amid the bustle of the modern city of Tauranga. The buildings and gardens are a reminder of life in the early nineteenth century.
Sample some award winning food and wine

The distinctive art-deco Mills Reef building boasts full winemaking and bottling facilities, a five hundred barrel cellar, an aged wine cellar and spacious wine tasting areas. Mills Reef Wines have won over 250 medals in both national and international competitions.
Hit the white water on the Wairoa River

A white-water rafting trip on the scenic Wairoa River, one of New Zealand's most exciting raftable rivers, is an adventure.
Open for just 26 days a year, the trip takes you past stunning tree-lined gorges, over turbulent grade five rapids and breathtaking drops.
For further information visit Tourism Bay of Plenty on: www.bayofplentynz.com