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North Island
WHITIANGA - TAURANGA
(167km/104miles, 2hours 30mins)
Spend the morning and early afternoon in the Whitianga
area - activities and attractions include:
- Whitianga Wharf: this
is the centre for the town's boating and fishing
activity. From there, take the passenger ferry to Ferry
Landing and Flaxmill Bay and the shuttle to Cooks Beach,
Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Hot Water
Beach is one of the region's most fascinating places. For
two hours either side of low tide, visitors can dig in
the sand for hot spring water and make their own spa
pool. (Observe the 'dangerous swimming' signs.) Cathedral
Cove is a beautiful small beach framed by a massive
natural rock arch and pink sands
- Mercury Bay Museum
- High Zone: this fun
and adventurous high ropes course is designed for all
levels of fitness
- Working artists and their
studios
For those visitors able to
stay additional days in the Whitianga area, activities and
attractions include:
- Boat cruises, kayak trips
and fishing charters
- Big-game fishing,
snorkelling and scuba diving
- Cathedral Cove snorkel
trail: explore this extensive marine reserve by
following specially set markers
For more information on
Whitianga visit www.whitianga.co.nz
In the afternoon drive your Budget Campers Motor Home Rentals through the beach
towns of Tairua and Whangamata and then on to Waihi. Visitors can
choose to stop at these seaside resorts or detour to Pauanui,
another beachside township.
Tairua and Pauanui are twin harbour towns situated on the
Coromandel Peninsula's east coast. Both have a superb setting
beside the Pacific Ocean. Tairua is the older town, originally a
milling and farming community. Across the water is the holiday
home town of Pauanui, a purpose-built community.
Activities and attractions in the area include:
- Slipper Island:
visitors can enjoy historic sites, scenic walks and safe
snorkelling, diving and fishing
- Pauanui mountain walking
track: this walking track climbs steeply from the
south end of Pauanui Beach to the top of Pauanui Mountain
(400 metres/1200 feet) for panoramic views
- Tairua River: stop in
the Puketui Valley or by the main Thames road for
excellent picnicking and fresh water swimming - perfect
for those taking a cool break from the beach
- Easterly Gallery and
Gardens: see and buy a wide range of art and craft
Whangamata has a unique
combination of beach and rainforest. Its spectacular ocean beach
provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet very safe swimming.
Activities and attractions in the area include:
- Whangamata craft trail:
visit gifted local artisans - pick up a brochure from the
Whangamata Information Centre
- Wentworth Valley: walk
to the old mines (30 minutes) or the waterfalls (two
hours) or for those with additional time in the area take
the five-hour Maratoto-Wentworth walk
Continue south to Tauranga, in the
Bay of Plenty. This region seems to have it all - a mild, sunny
climate, some of the country's most popular beaches and an
abundance of orchards, especially kiwifruit, avocado and citrus.
In the afternoon visitors can choose from the following
activities:
- Wineries: sample
award-winning wines
- Adventure activities: choose
from a number of activities including skydiving,
parasailing and a dirt track luge
- Hikes and walking: experience
bush hikes in the Kaimai Ranges, or walk around the base
of Mt Maunganui or hike 1.5 km to its volcanic cone
summit
- Beach activities at Mt
Maunganui
- Mt Maunganui hot salt
water pools
OR take a trip to Te Puke
where activities include:
- Kiwifruit Country:
take a commentated tour through a working orchard
- Te Puke Vintage Auto Barn:
wander around a display of more than 90 vintage and
classic cars
- 4WD U-Drive Hill Hoppers: drive
a purpose-built Suzuki Vitara 4WD car around a 3 km track
- Longridge Park: enjoy
a range of adventure activities: jet boating, white water
rafting, 4WD touring
- Comvita Honey: buy a
range of natural health products
Overnight in Tauranga where there
is a wide range of accommodation choices. Dine at a waterfront
restaurant or cafe.
For those visitors able to stay additional days in the
Bay of Plenty region, options include:
- Fishing charters: a
variety of operators cater for fishing, scuba diving,
crayfishing and spear fishing, while the marlin waters of
Mayor Island (Tuhua) await game-fishing enthusiasts
- Dolphin encounters:
experience the thrill of observing or swimming with
playful dolphins
- White Island: visit an
active volcano
For more information on the Bay
of Plenty region visit www.nztauranga.co.nz
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