chloedickensonLast Updated on 15th December 2022
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The Bay of Plenty is renowned as one of New Zealand’s most stunning regions. With a plethora of beautiful beaches, and quintessentially Kiwi towns, not to mention the abundance of incredible, adrenaline-fuelled activities available.
But you may also be surprised to know that this region of New Zealand is also home to some of the best walking tracks in the Bay of Plenty.
Matt and I were lucky enough to experience some of the best Tauranga walks in the Bay of Plenty when we spent 6 weeks in North Island NZ in 2019. I was never really a huge fan of the outdoors before living in New Zealand, but the plentiful bush walks around Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty made me discover a new-found adoration for the great outdoors!
If you’re looking for the best free things to do while on the North Island and you want to tick off as much as you can, here are just some of the best Bay of Plenty walks near Tauranga!
The best Bay of Plenty walks near Tauranga
I’ve made it no secret just how obsessed I am with New Zealand and we haven’t even covered the South Island yet!
One of the things that I’m loving most about being here is experiencing as much as this beautiful country as possible. Whether that’s bungy jumping from 142ft in the air, exploring volcanoes and geysers or pretending to be a Hobbit, we’ve really tried to experience as much as we can while we’ve been in the North Island.
And I think it’s safe to say that we’ve done a pretty good jump at scouting out some of the best hiking trails in the Bay of Plenty during our relatively short time here. Here are all the best bushwalks in the Bay of Plenty that you should know about!
Read more: What Is New Zealand Famous For? 40 Things That Make New Zealand Special
1. Tuahu Kauri Track
The Tuahu Kauri Track is the first walk we did when we arrived in New Zealand almost six weeks ago. It’s a relatively easy walk and will take around 50 minutes each way.
You’ll wander through the beautiful bush on a flat and well-paved track until you reach the viewing platform of one of the largest Kauri trees in the Bay of Plenty. The Kauri trees are sacred and well-protected in New Zealand and they’re mightily impressive to look at!
You can complete the Tuahu Kauri Track in around 50 minutes (return) but you’ll definitely want to spend some time at the top of the platform to admire the towering Kauri tree!
Where
426/266 Hot Springs Rd, Katikati 3178.
Top tips
- No wheelchair access.
- No dogs.
- Decent phone service and signal so you can Instagram your way around!
- At the entrance to the track, there’s a walk-through ‘machine’ that cleans your shoes; this is to protect the native trees from being damaged!
2. Thompson’s Track – best bushwalks in the Bay of Plenty
What
Thompson’s Track consists of numerous different routes all going off the main track; you can either choose to stay on Thompson’s Track or branch off towards Mt Eliza Mine, Motutapere Hut or the Tuahu Track.
Depending on your fitness level and how long you want to be walking, I would recommend just sticking to the main path on Thompson’s Track (which is exactly what Matt and I did).
Unfortunately, this track isn’t a mega-easy one and can be heavily affected by the rain; it’s often very muddy, wet and sludgy in some parts, particularly after heavy rainstorms. Make sure you’re well-equipped and prepared to cross over the stream multiple times.
Thompson’s Walk will take around 1 hour each way, but you may find it takes longer after heavy storms as there will be flooded areas to navigate across.
Where
Thompson’s Road, Katikati 4982.
Top tips
- Make sure you’re fully equipped with comfortable and waterproof hiking boots.
- Be prepared to get wet as you might find yourself slipping in the stream!
- Let someone know you’re hiking this route as you could very easily get lost or fall over and injure yourself.
- No wheelchair access.
- Dogs on leads only (although I would personally advise against bringing your dog as it’s a pretty arduous hike!).
3. Mount Maunganui (Mauao)
What
Mount Maunganui (or Mauao to use its official Maori name) is technically a residential and commercial ‘town’ in a suburb of Tauranga.
However, Mount Maunganui is also the name of (you guessed it) the mountain which consists of both the summit walk and the base track walk. I’ve separated the two tracks out below so you can know what to expect from one of the best hiking trails in the Bay of Plenty.
Length
Summit walk: 3.8km – 45 minutes each way, up and down (without stops).
Base track walk: 3.5km – 40 minutes
Where
Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga.
Top tips
- Wear suitable walking boots and comfortable clothing.
- Try and go up the Mount at sunrise or sunset for the most epic views!
- Bring lots of water, especially if you’re hiking up the summit as it can get pretty tiring!
Summit Track – best walks near Tauranga
The summit track of Mount Maunganui does exactly what it says on the tin; it allows you to walk to the very top of the Mount.
The views from the top are utterly mind-blowing, especially when you make it up there just in time for sunrise which is well worth the early morning in my opinion!
You can see down to the town below, as well as out to sea which makes for excellent Instagram opportunities, but also you know, just to enjoy for yourself too. It’s without a doubt one of the best walks in the Bay of Plenty and it’s a place that I will always return to whenever I’m in my beloved New Zealand.
Base track – best Tauranga hikes
The base track is a much easier journey than the summit track of Mount Maunganui as it’s relatively flat all the way around.
This track is also considered to be one of the North Island’s most popular walks; with 360° views along the Bay of Plenty coastline, spectacular beachside views, as well as the tranquil enticement of the ocean.
If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in the Bay of Plenty (if not the best), then make sure you pay a visit to Mount Maunganui.
4. Work road waterfall
What
Strictly speaking, this isn’t actually one of the best walks in the Bay of Plenty as it technically doesn’t “exist”. At least, not that I can find in any guidebooks or anywhere online.
However, it is somewhere that my mum and I went back in 2011 when we first lived here and I was determined to revisit it with Matt this time around.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the bottom of it for the life of us (there’s no clear hiking trail, at least not what we could see) but we did manage to locate the top.
It’s not necessarily the most spectacular sight in the world but it’s still pretty cool and if you can ever find it, I’d recommend standing at the top of it!
Where
868-556 Work Road, Whakamarama, 3178
Top tips
- There aren’t really any top tips I can give you for this one, unfortunately, as you’ll probably just have to stumble upon it by chance!
5. Te Puna Quarry Park – best Bay of Plenty walks
What
While not strictly a hiking trail of its own accord, Te Puna Quarry Park is home to short walks that you can wander around, while admiring the park.
Te Puna Quarry Park is also home to some of the most beautiful wildlife and nature, as well as the impressive old quarry mines.
If you’re after a relatively easy, but still incredibly beautiful and enjoyable bush walk near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, then make sure you head to Te Puna!
Where
108 Te Puna Quarry Rd, Tauriko, Whakamarama 3176.
Top tips
- Check out the Te Puna Quarry Park’s site map to see which hiking trail will suit you!
- Bring plenty of water/sun cream with you, especially when it’s hot.
6. McLaren Falls – bush walks Tauranga
What
McLaren Falls is one of those places that’s beautiful literally all year round. Whether it’s the start of spring, or the middle of autumn (as pictured above and below when Matt and I went), it’s truly one of the most stunning places in the Bay of Plenty.
There are many places to enjoy a short walk around McLaren Falls, so whether you’re visiting as a whole family, or just as a couple, you’ll find something to suit you at McLaren Falls!
There’s also the option to camp, stay in a hostel or bring your own horse (!!!) as well as enjoy the on-site cafe/restaurant and wander around the lake and waterfalls. Matt and I absolutely adored McLaren Falls and I’d definitely go back again!
Where
McLaren Falls Park, McLaren Falls Rd, Lower Kaimai, Tauranga, 3171.
Top tips
- In the spring/summer, you might want to bring your own BBQ food as there are numerous BBQ stations dotted around the park for your use!
- Make sure you bring your camera; it’s a place that you’ll definitely want to take plenty of pictures of!
7. Trig Walk – Bay of Plenty walks
What
The Trig Walk is located just a stone’s throw away from Waihi Beach and it’s a walk that I hadn’t heard of until a friend told us about it.
The walk is approximately 3km long and takes around 45 minutes each way. While it’s not necessarily the easiest walk as there are a fair few steep inclines and many, many stairs to climb, it does make for a wonderful view once you get to the top.
You can see all along Waihi Beach and the town below, as well as out to sea and the beautiful fields and rolling hills; it really is quite the view!
Where
Pacific Rd, Waihi Beach.
Top tips
- Bring water and good walking boots and make sure you’re prepared for the steep inclines!
- Look out for the cool tree at the very top which has been made into a seat that you can sit on and enjoy the view from.
8. Redwoods Tree Walk
What
As I mentioned in my 1 month in New Zealand life update post, Matt and I didn’t actually do the “official” Redwoods Tree Walk as we opted to just walk underneath the trees instead but I can still highly recommend it anyway!
The Tree Walk features 28 suspension bridges over the course of 700m, suspended from the 115-year-old Redwood trees. While you do have to pay to do this walk, you can actually just use the free hiking trails on the ground instead.
You’ll still get to see all the magnificent trees, you just won’t be suspended in the trees.
Where
Long Mile Rd, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010.
Top tips
- I would seriously consider just doing the free trails on the ground if you’re looking to save money. The Tree Walk is about $30NZD per person, whereas you can just wander around the trails on the ground for free.
- Wear appropriate clothing and ensure that you’re respectful of the trees and their roots.
9. Waihi Beach – best Bay of Plenty walks
What
Despite its suggestive name, Waihi Beach is actually a town in the western Bay of Plenty.
Naturally, it’s most renowned for its beautiful beach but it’s also a great place to camp, hike and surf.
The Trig Walk is just a couple of hundred metres away from the beach itself, as well as Orokawa Bay (mentioned below) which is accessed from the beach.
Where
Waihi Beach, 66km northwest of Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.
Top tips
- Try and visit in the warmer months so that you can truly appreciate the beach and enjoy a long walk along it.
- However, if you do visit in the summer, it will be peak season so you’ll likely find it to be very busy.
10. Orokawa Bay Scenic Reserve
What
Hiking to Orokawa Bay was one of my absolute favourite things we did when we lived in New Zealand back in 2011.
It’s the most beautiful 45-minute hike with plentiful sea views, gorgeous bush walk and the most rewarding beach at the end.
You could literally just complete the walk, have a quick wander around Orokawa Bay itself and then walk back, or you could spend hours lounging on the beach.
There are also other hikes to do once you arrive at the Bay, including the walk to William Wright Falls, Homunga Bay and Ngatitangata Road.
Where
The northern end of Waihi Beach.
Top tips
- Bring lots of water and snacks with you; both for on the walk and when you arrive at the beach.
- In the warmer months, you can swim and surf in the ocean, but make sure you take care as the waves can often get pretty choppy!
11. Waimangu Volcanic Valley
What
My last recommendation of the best hiking trails in the Bay of Plenty is Waimangu Volcanic Valley. You can find my whole post about our trip to Waimangu here, where I sing all the praises it deserves.
Like many of these hiking trails, Waimangu Volcanic Valley has numerous sections and areas that you can choose to complete. Unfortunately, it’s not free to do, but it is well worth paying to do!
The Valley is arguably one of the best things we’ve done in New Zealand so far and it’s remarkably beautiful; I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to combine nature, history and spectacular scenery!
Where
587 Waimangu Rd, Rotorua 3043.
Top tips
- Buy your tickets online before you go as you’ll get them much cheaper!
- Wear sensible footwear and clothing; you might want to bring waterproofs as well!
- Take care when walking near the thermal pools and geysers as the water is incredibly hot!
There are so many more incredible bush walks in the Bay of Plenty, but this list is a great place to start if you’re looking for the very best!
Related posts:
- The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List – 70+ Things To Do
- North Island vs South Island New Zealand – Which Is Better?
- The Ultimate List Of The Best Things To Do In North Island New Zealand
- Karangahake Gorge & Historic Windows Walkway, New Zealand
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, New Zealand
Pin for later – best Bay of Plenty walks
Have you ever tried any of the best Bay of Plenty walks? Would you like to? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @imjustagirl_16.
