As temperatures slide towards winter, a mini break in hotter climes is more appealing than ever. The Bay of Plenty is just a two-hour flight away and offers a vastly different landscape, experiences, and gastronomic delights that will warm your body and soul. This region is so much more than a summer beach destination. It offers a great mix of city sophistication and laid-back relaxation and the chance to bask in the sunshine no matter what you’re doing.

GET OFF THE EATEN TRACK

Captain James Cook aptly named the ‘Bay of Plenty’ after its abundant food supplies and bountiful gardens. Sample this region’s best local artisan products and meet the inspirational people behind them via a Taste of Plenty tour (tasteofplenty.co.nz) or Tauranga Tasting Tours (tastingtours.co.nz). Sample local cheeses, chocolate, olive oils, macadamias, smoked meats, mānuka honey, chocolates, gelato, and seasonal fruit, and visit a local winery or top restaurant. This is a great way to savour this region’s cuisine.

CYCLING AND CIDER

Te Puna’s award-winning Cider Factorie has literally been crushing it in the Bay since 2012. Its rural location is conveniently located very close to Ōmokoroa’s 19km coastal Cycle Trail, making it the perfect place to quench your thirst and have lunch while cycling through the countryside. Enjoy a tasting paddle of four different ciders – the classic apple cider is hard to beat, but mojito cider and kiwi feijoa are also favourites. Plum, fig, and mulled cider are often on the menu.

TRUFFLE HUNTING

Some of the best quality truffles in New Zealand are grown in Te Puke’s fertile soils. From Friday to Sunday throughout June and July is your chance to visit a dedicated truffière and hunt out your treasure. You can then enjoy complimentary truffle tastings and truffle-infused products such as salt, cheese, butter, and popcorn! Purchase whatever truffle treats you wish to whip up fine dining creations at home; it’s a truly unique and entertaining experience. To buy tickets, visit kitchentakeover.co.nz/trufflehunt.

BREWS A PLENTY

Bay of Plenty’s craft beer scene is exceptional, and there are endless tap houses to visit – each boasting its own unique brews and flavours. Mount Brewery’s offerings can be found at The Rising Tide bar, while Mata Brewery has a tasting room in Whakatāne. Lumberjack Brewing and The Island in Papamoa also have taprooms, but the easiest way to sample them all is to book a full day Brewbus tour at Brewbus NZ Craft Beer Tours New Zealand.

HOT POOL HEAVEN

If it’s tranquillity you seek, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind in the Bay. This region is home to many geothermal hot pools, including Mount Maunganui’s famous hot saltwater pools at the base of Mauao. Enjoy delicious fare at local eateries, take a stroll around Mauao’s popular 3km base track, and then soak away the afternoon in style. Fernland Spa, Ōropi Hot Pools, Sapphire Springs, and Awakeri Hot Springs are all surrounded by lush native bush for some quiet solace.

FARMERS’ MARKET FUN

Meandering around markets is an excellent way to uncover all sorts of gems you weren’t expecting to find! Tauranga Farmers Market sets up shop every Saturday morning at Tauranga Primary School, while on Sundays you can head to either Mount Mainstreet Urban Market or Papamoa Farmers Market to buy everything from fresh produce, sourdough bread, and pastries to fresh flowers and health products.

Plan your winter getaway to the Bay at bayofplentynz.com

A warm Bay of Plenty welcome