10 TOP Things to Do in Bay of Plenty Region August 2026

A coastal landscape with a prominent hill, numerous boats on the water, and a cityscape in the background.

A coastal landscape with a grassy hillside, a beach, and a sunset.

A geothermal hot spring with clear blue water, a red-brown edge, and steam rising from the water.

A beach with sailboats, a grassy area with flags, and a hill in the background.

A coastal town with a bay, boats, buildings, and a hilly landscape.

Things to do

Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

Rp1.544.360

per adult

Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

Rp1.313.232

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

1-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Options

Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

Rp4.822.186

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

Waiotapu: Thermal Park and Lady Knox Geyser Entry Ticket

Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

Rp514.787

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

Boutique tour , Mt Maunganui, NZ farm, Rotorua lakes/geothermal

Rp2.455.888

per adult

Te Ra Guided Experience

Rp1.103.115

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

The Hell's Gate Experience

Rp1.208.173

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing

Rp892.472

per adult

Redwoods Altitude High Ropes & Ziplines + Glowworms, Rotorua

Rp1.218.679

per adult

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Top places to visit

1. Polynesian Spa

Located adjacent to beautiful Lake Rotorua, the steaming baths of the Polynesian Spa are the perfect place to destress. Soak in steamy, cleansing water while you gaze out across the pristine lake. Escape to your very own private pool or play on the slides in the large family area.

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A tranquil indoor pool with a view of a lake and mountains.

2. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a tranquil woodland park crisscrossed by trekking and biking trails. Set off on a hike past thermal ponds and geysers or admire eucalyptus trees and immense Californian Redwoods while horseback riding.

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A rope bridge in a forest with illuminated hanging lights.

3. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua cable car carries passengers up Mount Ngongotaha to a height of 487 metres (1,598 feet). Admiring the views isn’t the only thing to do at the summit. Sip a coffee in the café, fly over dense forest on the zip line or steer down the steep luge course.

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A cable car system, lush greenery, and a distant town.

4. Lake Rotorua

Visit Lake Rotorua and you will find no shortage of things to do. Swim in the calm, clear waters by the city’s edge or set off on foot in search of your own private bay. Kayak to mystical Mokoia Island or sit back and relax on a boat cruise.

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A lake with steam rising from the water, surrounded by a flock of seagulls on the shore and hills in the background.

5. Mitai Maori Village

The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.

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A group of people observing a ritual in a lush, green forest with a river.

What to do in Bay of Plenty Region

Stay near popular Bay of Plenty Region attractions

A beach with a wooden fence, grassy dunes, and a forested hill in the background.

Mount Maunganui

9.4/10 (1,501 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Maunganui during your travels in Tauranga. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its charming cafes.

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Where to stay in Bay of Plenty Region

Find the best Bay of Plenty Region areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A coastal cityscape with a beach, a cruise ship, and a rocky outcrop.

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Pilot Bay Beach or Maunganui Beach.

A beach with clear blue water, a sandy shore, and a hill with greenery in the background.

Papamoa Beach

Unique features of Papamoa Beach include the beaches and shopping. Make a stop by Papamoa Beach or Bay of Plenty while you're exploring the area.

An aerial view of a coastal city with a prominent green hill, a beach, and a large body of water.

Papamoa

While Papamoa may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gordon Spratt Reserve and Papamoa Beach.

A coastal town with a lake, surrounded by hills and dense greenery.

Inner City

If you're spending some time in Inner City, Tamaki Maori Village and Rotorua Central Mall are top sights worth seeing.

A geothermal area with a hot spring, steam rising from the ground, and a forested hillside in the background.

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.