Bay of Plenty
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The large bay south east of the Coromandel Peninsular is known as the Bay of Plenty, and was given that name by no other than Captain James Cook during his voyage around the New Zealand coast. The name rightly relates to the friendliness of the inhabitants and the wealth of natural resources here. The region has fertile soils, a mild climate and lots of sunshine – perfect growing conditions for it’s main crops of citrus fruits and kiwifruit. The ocean is also rich in marine life, and seafood is another feature of the region’s plentiful resources.
Long before James Cook arrived on the horizon, some of the first Maori explorers also visited the region. Indeed it is at Maketu, not far from Te Puke, that recorded the landing of Te Arawa the waka (or canoe) carrying the first Maori who left their distant Hawaiki homelands in East Polynesia. The first European settlers appeared on the scene in the early to mid 19th Century and in the 1860’s there were clashes between British and Maori during a period called the Land Wars. In 1864 a battle between the two sides was fought in the region, and became known as the Battle of Gate Pa.
The Bay of Plenty enjoys easy access to the central parts of the North island being a comfortable 2 hours by road from Taupo / Rotorua , and 3 hours by road from Auckland. Tauranga (Te Awanui) is the main city of the region with a population of just over 100,000 people. It is a modern city and is developing quite rapidly. Dominated by it’s harbour the city has become a significant commercial port for the central regions of New Zealand. The city also has some nice parks and gardens including Robbins Park and Rose Garden. A historic building – the Elms Mission House – dates from the 1840’s and was home to Archdeacon Brown who was the first European to settle in the area. A Historic Village is home to a reconstructed church, a key painting of the Battle of Gate Pa, and other important historic buildings. Tauranga also has some excellent arts and crafts at the Creative Arts Centre, and a lovely waterfront promenade called The Strand complete with cafes, bars and restaurants.
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Mount Maunganui is the close neighbour to Tauranga and takes it’s name from the 232 metre high hill that dominates the skyline. Also known as Mauao, it is a sacred place to Maori. It is possible to walk up to the summit of the hill, from where you will gain stupendous 360 degree views. The population of Mt Maunganui is around 18,000 and it is much more a seaside and holiday location. Holiday homes, excellent safe swimming beaches, cafes, bars and boutique shopping make this a really relaxing place to visit.Papamoa further along the beach is quieter than the Mount but equally enjoyable.
In the northern reaches of the region Waihi Beach is a popular holiday spot with some 9 kilometres of sandy beach, and other secluded bays. Athenree and Bowentown are small harbour townships. Katikati a little larger at 4,000 permanent residents is just south of Waihi and is more famous for it’s artists, who have painted tasteful wall murals around the town.
Inland along the State Highway 2, Te Puke is the kiwifruit centre of the region. Maketu scene of the famous landing of the Te Arawa canoe is a swimming, boating and fishing destination, which also is a real hive of activity during the winter when the New Zealand whitebait season opens.
Further afield Whakatane is some 90 kilometres from Tauranga, and a sizeable township of around 15,000 people. It is an attractive coastal town located on the Whakatane River, and is one of the main departure points for trips offshore to White Island.
The main tourist activities include walking, swimming, fishing (for snapper, kingfish, hapuka, and in deeper waters marlin). It is also possible to dive close to Tahua Island, and to view ancient shipwrecks offshore.
Photograph by James Shook
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