What’s on in New Zealand
Bay of Plenty
Plenty of sunshine, sand, festivals and fun!
There is so much to do in the Bay of Plenty that one blog just couldn’t cover it if we tried! The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s favourite holiday destinations for families, couples and independent travellers alike – there is so much to see and do and that is why people just keep coming back for more!
The beaches are warm and welcoming, offering both a quiet harbours and world famous surf beaches, great eateries can be discovered everywhere you go, and those who travel for events can tick that off their list too. With so many ideas to add to your itinerary, it is hard to just pick a few, but here goes…
Festivals, fun and fairs galore! Make sure you get along to the annual Waihi Beach Summer Fair if you find yourself in town over the New Year period. Definitely one of the biggest events of the summer at Waihi, with more than 200 stall holders selling everything you could want. Enjoy gourmet foods, artisan creations, handy crafts and so much more. If you’re a fan of a Sunday market, outdoor movie or a bit of live music, the Waihi Beach event calendar is worth a look too.
Local accommodation includes Bowentown Beach Holiday Park – a great place to stay and this has been proven by their bevy of industry awards. Whether you are after a cabin or campsite, a motel room or a unit – this holiday park can cover all bases in a clean, friendly and welcoming environment that is right on the beach, and perfect for boaties.
There is entertainment by the bucketful in Mount Maunganui, home to many great summer and autumn concerts – check out the online gig guide to see if you can catch your favourite performers while on holiday. Close to everything in the Mount is a favourite little gem, Cosy Corner Holiday Park, open from 20th December to Easter each year, with accommodation options to suit all holiday makers. Whether you’re in town for a concert, a relaxing visit to the beach, a delicious treat at Copenhagen Cones, or a walk up the Mount itself, Cosy Corner gives you a central spot to stay nice and close to the action.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are a staple for any summer holiday (alongside the quintessential beach picnic of fish and chips!), so head along to the Mount Maunganui Farmers Market every Sunday at the Phoenix car park to catch growers selling their local produce and grab some tasty fare, including sweet corn, watermelon and stone fruit. You can’t get fresher!
Whitianga is a beautiful spot, renowned for its huge events. The Whitianga Scallop Festival is back in 2019, after a break last year. The popular festival celebrates the humble scallop in all its beauty, as well as all things seafood along with the winning combination that be created when paired with the perfect beverage. Stay at Harbourside Holiday Park in Whitianga, a quiet and spacious spot perfect for relaxation. Whether you need a two-bedroom tourist flat, a cabin (with or without a kitchen) or a campsite, this is the place for you!
And for those sporty types who want to check out local events on their holidays, don’t miss the annual Tauranga Half Marathon in April or the Whitianga Half Marathon in May, or send them around the 3.5km track on Mauao, the Mount, and see how fast they can get it done – or challenge them to head up to the summit to catch the breath taking view that awaits!
For more information on Bay of Plenty visit Bay of Plenty NZ
Photo Credits: Cosy Corner Holiday Park, Bownetown Beach Holiday Park and Harbourside Holiday Park
