A clifftop view of Orokawa Bay, Waihi Beach. Photo/Tourism BOP
A clifftop view of Orokawa Bay, Waihi Beach. Photo/Tourism BOP
Nothing sucks the fun out of summer like packed streets, crowded cafes and hunting for a parking spot.
Tauranga is beautiful and it's only fair we share it with visitors and tourists, especially in the summer period.
All hope of a peaceful day out is not lost, however: check outour ideas for activities not far outside Tauranga.
Orokawa Bay A scenic jewel in the Bay is just a short walk from Waihi. With beautiful overhanging pohutukawa and good fishing the 45-minute jaunt from Waihi Beach is worth it - only take care to watch high tide and strong swell. The beach is not considered safe for swimming due to the steep grade of the seafloor but offers beautiful views and lush surrounding bush. There are also several other walking tracks in the area. Getting there: The track to Orokawa Bay starts at the northern end of Waihi Beach, north of Tauranga.
Poripori waterhole Bring a picnic basket to this waterhole and take a plunge in one of the tiny bath-size holes or a big deep hole. The waterfalls are within swimming distance for a capable swimmer and the waterhole is a family-friendly environment. Getting there: Poripori waterhole is off State Highway 29 on Poripori Rd. The waterhole is along the Wairoa River and parking is available at the start of Poripori Rd.
Mt Te Aroha walks Mauao summit not making you sweat as much as it used to? Try climbing nearly 1km up Te Aroha Summit Track. With 360 degree views across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty - even Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Taranaki are visible on a clear day - walkers are well rewarded. Not up to it - no problem, there are plenty of easier walks in the same area. Stunning views and waterfall lookouts can be enjoyed on easier loop tracks. Getting there: Tracks start from the Mokena Geyser in the Te Aroha Domain. Head out of Tauranga towards Hamilton, turn right onto State Highway 24.
Kaharoa Conservation Area It's birds galore, creating a throwback to the days of a non-human populated Aotearoa. There are tui, bell birds, whiteheads, robins, morepork, brown kiwi and the endangered kokako.The songbirds are especially vocal around dawn. The Kaharoa walking track is easy and goes through native forest to the Onaia Stream - a tranquil and secluded spot. Getting there: from Tauranga take SH36 to Kaharoa Rd in Hamurana and turn onto Kapukapu Rd.
Boaties set sail from Tuapiro Pt. Photo/file
Tuapiro Point A nice place to take children or the dogs for a paddle in the shallows with views of Matakana Island and Bowentown in the distance. At low tide the flats stretch out into the harbour - don't sink into the muddy parts! Walk left along the beach or through the pines to the point. Getting there: Head to Katikati, just north of the town turn right onto Tuapiro Rd until you get to the shore.
Aongatete walks Take your pick of easy 15 minute walks to longer 3 hour loop tramps in puriri and kohekohe dominated forest along the Aongatete Stream. There are easy nature trails to do with the kids, or a more substantial trek through bush. Check out the restoration of wildlife and plant life in this part of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. Getting there: The tracks start at the Aongatete Outdoor Education Lodge at the end of Wright Rd, off SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati.
Wairere Falls. Photo/file
Wairere Falls A spectacular 153m waterfall is joined by river falls and cascades and native bush. A track weaves up through rocks and tree roots. After a steady climb there is a lookout platform with great views. If you're up to it, keep climbing further up steps and staircases to reach to the top of the falls. Getting there: Head over the Kaimai Range toward Hamilton. Continue on SH24, then make a right on to Old Te Aroha Rd. Turn right on to Goodwin Rd to the carpark.
READER'S CHOICE We put the call out on social media for people to share with us their escape destinations around the Bay. Amongst the light-hearted responses - including "if we tell you then everyone will go there" or "Bayfair roundabout at 5pm" - there were some great ideas.
Papamoa Beach is less crowded than Mount Maunganui, one local posted.
Another said to visit parks around the suburbs like Tye Park in Welcome Bay, Yatton Park in Parkvale or Ferguson Park in Matua because you get the park, playground and beach area in one spot.
