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One of the reasons that the Bay of Plenty is so unique is the spirit that is embodied in everything we do.

It is the way of life of our people, it is why we head in droves to beaches and rivers on sunny days, it is the pride we feel for Mauao (Mount Maunganui), it’s the numerous marae and the practice and traditions of our tangata whenua, it’s our pure zest/passion for life. Our spirit envelopes our culture, art, adventure and outdoors, cuisine, dress and attitudes. We invite you to come and find out for yourself what makes our way of life so incredibly special….
Magical Markets
Get your senses stimulated at the Sunday markets held at various locations around the region. Renowned for quality wares and an eclectic range of products, you will find everything from arts and crafts through to plants, fruit, vegetables and food. With a bustling atmosphere these markets are a must!

A feast of fun and celebration
Get into the celebratory spirit with the range of festivals in the region. Billed as the jazz party of the year, the Montana Jazz Festival held in Tauranga is the longest-running of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. On Saturday and Sunday of the Easter weekend downtown Tauranga is thrown open to mardi-gras style celebration of jazz and blues music, food and wine of all flavours.

The Garden and Artfest is a celebration of the amazing gardens and talent of the region’s artists and is held every second year. The public are able to view private gardens from Waihi through to Paengaroa and features courtyards to large country gardens.

The Brightstone Blues, Brews and Barbeques is one of the biggest summer events. Hundreds of people gather to listen to their favourite tunes, taste their favourite brews and sample the best in barbecuing!

The Elms Creative Garden Art Festival at the end of January showcases the regions sculptors, carvers, potters and mosaic artists.

For Art’s Sake
Surrounded by deep blues of the ocean, the lush greens of native bush and the ruby reds, fuchsia pinks and vibrant yellows of nature, artists are drawn to the vibrancy of the area. Enjoy local artists work in the many galleries, discover your creativity by painting ceramics, turn your hand to Thai or seafood cooking – there are a multitude of artistic experiences for visitors to get their hands on.

Pamper yourself
Slip into a geothermal heated hot pool, enjoy the warmth of a sauna, feel your tension slip away with a massage, get rejuvenated with a facial. There are many beauty treatments, hot pools and health spas to choose from around the region.

Cafe Crazy
Relax; enjoy the magic aroma of a perfectly made coffee and the friendly ambience of one of the many cafes in the Bay of Plenty. From seaside through to city centre or country charm, the region has a strong café culture where you can meet friends, read or sit and watch the world go by.

In the beginning
Find out how the early European settlers lived with the historical building and artefacts in the region. Visit the region’s first mission house and one of the finest Georgian homes in the country, take a trip down memory lane at Katikati heritage museum or walk on the beach in Maketu where the first Maori migrant from Hawaiki landed in the Arawa canoe.

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