Local Activities

Welcome to our region, the beautiful coastal Bay of Plenty certainly lives up to its name (Named by Captain Cook who sailed here and quickly recognised our abundance of natural assets). From the aquatic playground of Mount Maunganui beach, the majestic Tauranga harbour, to the vibrant city of Tauranga, there is always something to do and somewhere to go in your RaD rental car. The region stretches from Waihi Beach to Opotiki along the pacific highway. We are a great base for your holiday, located less than 1 hour from Rotorua, 1.5 hours from Hamilton and 2.5 hours from both Auckland and Taupo

Mount Maunganui – Mauao

Mauaois the Maori name of the mountain meaning ‘caught by the sun’. Mount Maunganui is the home to two beaches. There is the quieter calmer Pilot Bay which is the Harbour beach, then just around the other side of the mountain is an Ocean beach (with renowned surfing spots). We are incredibly lucky to have the beautiful Mount Maunganui and its white sandy beaches, a tourist and locals Mecca in the summer. The extinct volcano is the focal point standing at 232 metres high. It has some lovely tracks around the base for a leisurely stroll as well as the track to the summit which gives out the most stunning coastal views in all directions. Watch the boats coming in and out of the harbour and see the surrounding islands (Matakana, Motiti and Mayor Island). The 1.5kilometre walk to the summit is a must do, however even walking the base tracks gives some pretty great views too. http://www.mountmaunganui.co.nz/

Waimarino Adventure Park

Location: 36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga

Contact: 0800 GLOW WORM or 07 576 4233 or visit www.waimarino.com

Situate on the banks or the Wairoa River only 10 minutes from the city centre is the amazing premier adventure park. From kayak tours through the enchanting waterways to the magical and unique glow worm canyon experience, this is a Mecca for kayak enthusiasts. But there is so much more. Waimarino has New Zealand’s first human catapult called “The Blob” fun and exhilarating be launched up to 30ft in the air! There is also Kayak slides, pedallos, a rock climbing wall, low ropes course, tarzan swing, gladiator poles hydro slide and so much more. For those not so keen you can relax in the thermal pool, have a game of volleyball or become the chef and make use of the great BBQ facilities. Waimarino also operates Waverly which is one of the top Tauranga wedding venues offering great amenities for all types of weddings.

Dolphin Safaris

Located at Berth D1, Tauranga Bridge Marina, Tauranga

Contact: 0800 ECO TRIP or 07 577 0105 or visit www.nzdolphin.com

This is an amazing dolphin experience. You can either join us either to just watch, enjoy and experience the magic of our dolphin encounters, or swim with the wild dolphins, whilst enjoying a continental breakfast, fruit and drinks. Or for those who really want to get amongst in jump in the water and free swim or use the swim bars. This is s surreal experience on the fastest eco charter vessel in the bay elicopter flight.