In our ‘Complete Guide’ series, we’re going to be visiting some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations and getting the inside track from our GO Explore followers on the best places to stay, eat, drink, sunbathe and more. Instead of just finding out what the guidebooks tell you, find out what the locals and the travellers think when it comes to the best place to get an ice cream, the best fish and chips and the best cocktail you’ll ever taste! We’ll also give you some advice on the best rental car for your road trip so you can explore the region  in comfort and style!

The next in our series of Complete Guides takes us to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui (The Mount) on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Located in the Bay of Plenty Region, Tauranga and The Mount are two of the most popular holiday destinations for Kiwis but can often get missed out by overseas visitors to New Zealand who take the more traditional route through Rotorua and Taupo. We’re here to urge you to make the trip out east – you won’t be disappointed and there is still plenty of scope to visit Rotorua and Taupo – it’s almost on the way! Famed for the beautiful beaches and of course the iconic Mount, the Bay of Plenty region has much to offer. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best places to stay in the region and get you GOing!

If you are travelling down the east coast rather than taking the internal route through Rotorua and Taupo, Whakatane is a great place to stop on your way through the Bay of Plenty. There are some beautiful beaches in the area including Ohope – one of New Zealand’s most-loved beaches but the big draw for visitors is a trip to White Island – New Zealand’s only active marine volcano.

Best accommodation in the Bay of Plenty

Once you have decided which town you are going to base yourself in, it’s time to choose some accommodation. Whether you are looking for five star luxury hotels or a remote campground, you’re well catered for in the Bay of Plenty. With so many options to choose from, we asked our GO Explore fans for some of their top tips and this is what they came back with:

Best places to eat out in the Bay of Plenty

Tauranga and Mount Maunganui and absolutely packed full of great places to eat out. Whether you are looking for a super-tasty breakfast or some fine dining, these two places have got you covered! Add to the mix the new restaurants opening up in the area, especially down on Papamoa and you are not going to be short on options when it comes to eating out in the Bay of Plenty. Let’s see where our GO Explorers recommend.

Best beaches in the Bay of Plenty

As you would imagine, there are some pretty awesome beaches down the east coast of the North Island as you head through the Bay of Plenty region – here are some of our favourites:

Rent the perfect car for your adventure

Recommended vehicle for exploring Mt Maunganui and Tauranga

TOYOTA CHR

3 year(s) old

Explore Mt Maunganui and Tauranga in style in the Toyota CHR featuring Bluetooth handsfree, 5-star ANCAP Safety RAting and steering mounted controls.

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5 Seats

1 large bag

1 small bag

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