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Discover, Explore, Connect
Get outdoors and explore the stunning parks, beaches and reserves in the Bay of Plenty
From running, walking, cycling and other active recreation activities, the Bay of Plenty's parks and reserves have something to offer to all ages. Check out some of our favourite places in the region, or find loads of ready-to-go self guided kids' activities on our outdoor activities page.
Rotorua Eastern Lakes
Defined by a series of volcanic lakes, the area that forms the Rotorua Eastern Lakes is the home of adventure tourism in New Zealand's north island. The lakes and Whakarewarewa forest is a rich outdoor playground for mountain biking, walking, horse riding and water sports.
TECT All Terrain Park
Active community groups are the go at TECT All Terrain Park, but it's also all “Go!” with the emphasis on adrenaline via activities from horse-riding to mountain biking and high rope action. Dog friendly sections also make for great walks.
Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park
The Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park is a compact set of parks and reserves showcasing a mix of open farmland, forestry and native forest with spectacular ocean views and picturesque waterfalls. Walking and trail running, mountain biking, geocaching and a refreshing plunge into a waterfall pool are all catered for.
McLaren Falls & Lower Kaimai-Mamaku Conservation Park
The McLaren Falls and Lower Kaimai-Mamaku Conservation Park is a surprising mix of new and old, of the natural and the manmade, and of the tranquil and seriously wild. Surrounding this mix of natural and created waterways is a similarly mixed landscape with bush tramping in native forest in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park contrasted by gentle walks amidst the superb collection of exotic trees within McLaren Falls Park.
Waihi Beach & Coastline
Waihi Beach and coastline is another recreational wonderland. On its inland side, this wonderland takes in coastal forest to the north around Orokawa Bay then arcs southward to enclose Black Hill near Waihi township and the Athenree wetland before reaching Bowentown on the edge of Tauranga Harbour.
Kawerau & Tarawera
The Tarawera River, threading its way from its lake outlet past Onepu to the coast, defines the beauty of Kawerau and Tarawera. The area boasts a wealth of opportunities to play outdoors always with a stunning new vista just around the corner. This is a area of three playgrounds, linked but distinct, and all thriving on the energy that drives this place from the heart of the Earth.
Whakatāne & Ohiwa Harbour
Whakatāne and Ohiwa Harbour is a sparkling landscape of ocean and harbour, dense with sporting opportunity from foot to cycling and paddling, cradled by the headlands of Whakatane to the west and Onekawa to the east.
Ōpōtiki & Motu
The Ōpōtiki and Motu reserve is a diverse playground stretching from coast to hills, across dunes and down mountain valleys, and along turbulent rivers into a placid harbour. The options here are classic do-it-yourself with the wilderness on the doorstep and activities as intrepid as you want to make them, from a gentle ocean beach stroll to a rapid-strewn kayak plunge down the Waioeka River.