The Insiders Guide: The Bay of Plenty

10: The Little Big Markets

A great day out for the whole family, the Little Big Markets showcase local and national talent. Located in the beautiful Mount Maunganui, these markets take place once a month and are constantly changing and evolving! Full of creative knickknacks, stunning designs, delicious food and great acts the LBM is a must-do! Follow all of their crafty goings on over on the Facebook page here!

9: The KatiKati Bird Gardens

Another great family activity, the KatiKati Bird Gardens are set in beautiful rural KatiKati. Animal lovers and nature enthusiasts unite as large amount of free range bird species wander and live in the stunning natural setting of the gardens. Take a break and enjoy a barista made coffee on the deck as the kids feed the ducks in the garden. Check out their website here for more information!

8: Orokawa Bay

A local secret, Orokawa Bay is a beautiful pristine beach that is only a stone’s throw away from the equally stunning Waihi Beach. Only able to be accessed by walking track, Orokawa is lined with ancient pohutukawa and sparkling white sands. Surfing, fishing and beautiful walking tracks await those who venture to Orokawa Bay. Make sure to take some time to admire the beautiful seaside village of Waihi Beach on your way to Orokawa and stop off for a coffee at the unbelievably stunning Secret Garden in the summer months or the beachfront Flat White year round! Like Waihi Beach on Facebook here to stay up to date with community events!

7: The Redwoods

A beautiful forest steeped in history and emotion, the Redwoods are an adventurer's dream. Perfect for horse riding, mountain biking and walking. The Redwoods is a place where exotic trees meet native undergrowth and unrivalled panoramic views. With proximity to the city, don’t forget to check out the beautiful thermal pools and lakes Rotorua has to offer. There is always something magical to do in Rotorua, find out all you need to know on their website here!

6: Otarawairere Beach

Whakatane’s hidden gem, Otarawairere Beach is accessible only by foot or kayak. This pristine piece of paradise boasts a beach full of smooth crushed seashells and weathered stones, the warm Pacific waters welcome you to take a dip and take in the beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a place to venture to just get away from it all and appreciate all Mother Nature has given us here in beautiful New Zealand then look no further than Otarawairere. Find out all you need to know on the Whakatane Tourism website here!

5: The Falls Retreat

Delicious food, beautiful scenery and welcoming faces greet you as you venture through the Karangahake Gorge and up into the stunning grounds of this beautiful restaurant. Whether you’re seated inside or outside, you’re surrounded by beautiful landscapes and décor that catches and lights your imagination. Exquisite wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads are always a favourite and nothing beats a cold drink out on the lawn as you chat with friends. The Falls Retreat is truly an unbelievable place to visit, visit here to find out how to get there!

4: Dickey’s Flat

A DOC campsite situated by the Waitawheta River, Dickey’s Flat is an unbelievable spectacle. Down the end of an unsealed road you’ll come across a modest 35 site campsite. Pitch your tent, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore! The walking track takes you over swing bridges, through dark caves, past old mining relics and to beautiful untouched swimming spots! Nothing beats a swim in the fresh waters to cool off on your walk or a jump from the highest ledge to wake up the system! Take as much time as you can to explore everything that Dickey’s Flat and the surrounding areas have to offer, these beautiful parts of our world have so much to offer. Follow the instructions here to get to Dickey’s. Oh and don’t forget your torch, trust us.. you’ll need it!

3: Copenhagen Cones

A right of passage for anyone that has conquered Mount Maunganui, Copenhagen Cones makes their own waffle cones in store and the delicious scent will have your mouth watering before you’re anywhere near the shop front! With an array of interesting ice cream, frozen yoghurt and shake flavours you can’t beat Copenhagen’s after a hot day on the beautiful Mount beach. Keep up to date with everything here!

2: The Pizza Library CO. and Vaudeville Bar

Again situated in the beautiful Mount Maunganui, The Pizza Library CO. and Vaudeville Bar are two establishments you have to check out! The décor is quirky, hip and very cool! The people working at both establishments work there with pride, making your experience even more enjoyable. The pizza is delicious, HUGE and great value for money. Vaudeville offers a great variety of cocktails and drinks you’ve never even heard of or tasted before. Each visit is just as memorable as the last. Locals and tourists alike call this their go-to spot and it is easy to see why. Situated right next door to each other, your night can seamlessly transition from dinner to a few drinks with your friends. Follow their Facebook for more info here!

1: Wairere Falls

Nature's masterpiece, the Wairere Falls are a spectacle to behold. Stunning views, great falls and beautiful tracks make up this perfect piece of the region. Located in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, like Dickey’s Flat, the 3.5-hour tramp to the falls really is worth every second. You’ll need your walking boots though! Stop and take in the breathtaking views of the Waikato Plains and the valley, admire the falls from the lookout at the base of the falls and swim in the waterholes along the track in the summer months. Don’t forget your camera on this trip, you’ll have a thousand things to photograph. Find out more about Wairere Falls here!

The beautiful Bay Of Plenty has so much to offer everyone, whether you’re a local or visitor you have to visit these stunning places once in your lifetime. Let us know what you think of our Insiders Guide and if there is anything you’d add! We love hearing from you.