My birthplace and where I currently live with my wife after coming and going for the past few decades.
The region covers a huge area, mainly along the eastern seashore, from Opotiki in the south and Waihi in the north and as far west as Rotorua.
Tauranga city is basically in the middle and is my birthplace and the seat of the regional council that governs the area.
Tauranga is a very fast growing city, home to many retirees and families alike. It boasts the “best beach” in NZ according to my opinion, that being Mt Maungaui.
So let’s start with Mt Maunganui, a favourite destination for many New Zealanders. Firstly there is the extinct volcano itself. This cone like mountain has a number of awesome walks with scenery that is amazing. The base walk takes less than an hour, although you can take your time and enjoy the views watching huge container ships slipping quietly through the very narrow passage between the mountain and Matakana Island.
You can choose from a variety of tracks that will take you to the very top. Allow one hour up, most will take less time, but you have to stop and enjoy the views.
Mt Maunganui has a very rare advantage of offering both a surf beach and harbour beaches. The golden sand beaches make a day out one to enjoy fully.
There are numerous beachfront cafes and restaurants, accommodation options and even hot pools.
Waihi has NZ’s largest open pit gold mine and the mine pit has a circumference track that you can walk or cycle around. Gold has been mined in the area for many decades and there are plenty of historic information on mining in the area. Waihi township has a variety of shops and is a service centre for the local farming community.
Between Waihi and Paeroa is a fabulous set of walking tracks located in The Karangahake Gorge. There are numerous walks, from easy short flat walks to longer and more adventurous ones. This area is free to explore and you can easily spend a whole day here. This area is included in the Hauraki Rail Trail, a cycle track that goes from Thames to Waihi and Morrinsville and is a favourite ride for many being mostly flat and easy to ride.
The ride includes a tunnel which exits at both ends via bridges over the river that flows through the gorge. Make sure to take a torch or head lamp for the tunnel.
Here are some of the views you will be greeted with.
Back towards Tauranga from Waihi is the seaside village of Waihi Beach. This long beach is popular for the local surfers and is generally a safe beach to swim at, although follow the guidelines of the local surf lifesaving services as people have been caught in the rips. At the northern end of the beach there is a walking track that takes you to the next cove and has great views out to sea and along the beach. The walk takes less than and hour each way and is quite steep in parts.
At the southern end of the beach is Bowen Town. There is a large campground there and an inland harbour which is very popular for swimming.