Information on the Bay of Plenty region.

The Bay of Plenty enjoys a sunny climate, ideal for growing avocados, kiwi fruit, citrus and other subtropical fruits for which the region is famous. The fruit, along with timber, paper and dairy products, is exported through the Port of Tauranga, the largest export port in New Zealand and the commercial centre of the northern Bay of Plenty. North of Tauranga is Katikati, known for its murals and craftspeople.

The Bay of Plenty, from Waihi Beach to Cape Runaway along the Pacific Coast Highway, has outstanding surf beaches, with Mount Maunganui and Ohope the most popular. The whole bay offers magnificent waters for big-game fishing; Mayor Island is a world-renowned base for the sport. Inland waterways host jet boating.

The centre of the Eastern Bay of Plenty (a rich farming and forestry region) is historic, sunny Whakatane. Opotiki is the gateway between the Bay of Plenty and Eastland, either by the inland route to Gisborne or the road around the East Cape, both popular for touring. Hot springs are found on the mainland. The offshore active volcano White Island is fast becoming known for scuba-diving adventures.