Things to do in Western Bay Of Plenty
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Blue Ocean Charters
Fishing, diving and sightseeing trips (including one to Tuhua Island) on the TS Ohorere, MV Te Kuia and MV Ratahi.
reviewed
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Waimarino Adventure Park
Waimarino Adventure Park, on the banks of the Wairoa River, offers freedom kayak hire for leisurely paddles along 12km of flat water, runs self-guided tours further up the river, and sea kayaking trips. Its Glowworm Tour is a magical after-dark journey at McLaren Falls Park where you slip into a secret glowworm-filled wonderland. Waimarino also has an adventure park with a kayak slide, diving board, ropes course, warm pools and wildlife-spotting − a great place to spend a day, especially if there are children in tow.
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Tauranga Art Gallery
The Tauranga Art Gallery presents historic and contemporary art, and houses a permanent collection along with frequently changing local and visiting exhibitions. The building itself is a former bank, although you’d hardly know it − it’s an altogether excellent space with no obvious compromise (cue: applause!). Touring the ground and mezzanine galleries, with a stop to poke your nose into the video cube, will take an hour or so.
reviewed
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De Bier Haus
With a pavement packed with happy punters, this hot Haus features Belgian beers and sophisticated environs. The interior’s a classic manly hunting lodge with an antler or two in the midst. Kitchen-work is swift and savvy, turning out Euro-offerings such as German sausage, brezels, moules, frites and an excellent squid salad.
reviewed
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Slow Fish
There’s no slacking about in the kitchen of this award-winning, eco-aware cafe, which promotes the art of savouring fine, locally sourced food. It’s so popular you’ll have to crowbar yourself in the door or pounce on any available alfresco seat, but it’s absolutely worth it for its free-range eggs and ham, Greek salads and divine counter selection.
reviewed
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Somerset Cottage
The most awarded restaurant in the Bay, Somerset Cottage is a simple-but-elegant venue for that special treat. The food is highly seasonal, made from the best NZ ingredients, impressively executed without being too fussy. Standout dishes include blue cheese soufflé, duck with coconut kumara and the famous liquorice ice cream.
reviewed
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Astrolabe
A clever combo of swish, style and Pacifica-rustica, Astrolabe is probably the Mount’s best restaurant, catering largely to a deep-pocketed hip crowd who indulge in gourmet goodies like venison, confit duck and oysters. You can also come in for a boutique bevvie in the beer garden and a whack of pool.
reviewed
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Zeytin
Ask the locals to name their favourite restaurant, and odds-on they’ll name Zeytin − a real Turkish delight. Real food, real cheap, with something for everyone along the lines of kebabs, delicious homemade breads, dips and healthy salads, wood-fired pizza and a few exotic surprises.
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Cornerstone
A cheerful watering hole attended by on-the-ball staff and a mature crowd (let’s say over 25). A solid no-surprises menu offers whopping meals, while sports fans can watch the game on the big telly and groovers can swing a hip (live music Thursday to Sunday).
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Naked Grape
With cheery staff, wine-coloured rugs and lilting jazz, this hip Strand wine bar draws the daytime crowds with pastas, pizzas, salads, good coffee and beaut breakfasts. At night it’s moodier, with mains like honey-braised lamb and lemon-marinated chicken breast.
reviewed
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McLaren Falls Park
In the Wairoa River valley, 15km southwest of Tauranga just off SH29, McLaren Falls Park is a 190-hectare lakeland park with great trees and picnic areas. There are three basic modern hostels here and campsites. Also accessible from McLaren Falls is Marshalls Animal Park which has family fun such as animal petting, a flying fox, playground and pony rides.
reviewed
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Mediterraneo Café
A hot spot, reeling with regulars enjoying terrific coffee and scrumptious all-day breakfasts. Order off the blackboard or from the cabinet stuffed with sandwiches, flans and cakes. Lunchtime crowds can be frantic (but the chicken salad is worth it).
reviewed
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Providores Urban Food Store
Surf videos set the mood as your eyes peruse fresh-baked breads, buttery croissants, home-smoked meats and cheeses, organic jams and free-range eggs – perfect ingredients for a bang-up breakfast or a hamper-filling picnic on the beach. Superb!
reviewed
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Cargo Shed
Landlubbers in town on the weekend might want to consider calling into the Cargo Shed , the town's creative art market with lots of local art and craft for sale including a good selection of Maori-made and -inspired wares.
reviewed
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Bravo
This trendy, well-regarded restaurant and bar is a pleasant spot for breakfast, flash sandwiches, salads, wood-fired pizza and freshly squeezed juices. There’s outside seating on the pedestrianised street and a few good vegetarian options.
reviewed
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Latitude 37
A classy, upmarket bar with stone-faced walls, fold-back windows and flaming torches out the front. A lot of folk come here to eat (brunch $14 to $26, dinner $21 to $42), but it’s a beaut spot for a cold Heineken after a day in the surf.
reviewed
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Zambezi
A cheap-and-cheerful cafe serving burgers, panini and nice simple sandwiches. There’s eggy brekkies and coffee of course, plus plenty of healthy options such as juices and salads. Licensed too, if you feel like a Mac’s or Monteiths.
reviewed
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Huria Marae
If you’re interested in marae (meeting house), Huria Marae is on a nondescript suburban street but has sensational carvings both inside and out. Call to organise permission to visit.
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Crown & Badger
A particularly convincing Brit boozer that does pukka pints of Tennent’s and Guinness, and food along the lines of bangers and mash. Things get lively at the weekends when live bands play.
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Zeytin Café
Readers recommend Greco-Moroccan Zeytin for its slow-cooked tagines, spanakopita and moussaka, plus live jazz or swing on Thursday nights. Stripy cushions and Arabic lanterns adorn the cavelike interior.
reviewed
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Little India
Part of a consistent nationwide chain, this flavoursome curry house offers the best value on the Strand, especially for lunch specials. Outdoor tables for a hot night and a hot prawn jhalfrezee.
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Mills Reef Winery
Mills Reef Winery, 7km from the town centre at Bethlehem, has tastings of its award-winning wines (dig the cab sav) and a restaurant (open for lunch and dinner daily; mains $24 to $33).
reviewed
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Elms Mission Station
Built in 1847, Elms Mission Station is the oldest building in the Bay of Plenty. Furnished in period style, it sits among other well-preserved mission buildings in leafy grounds. The spooky Mission Cemetery lies not far away at the intersection of Marsh Street and Dive Crescent − good for a little epitaph-reading.
reviewed
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Kwang Chow
This all-you-can-eat Chinese place is a local favourite with a bargain bite that maintains tasty flavours rather than resorting to a bland melange. Discount dinners from Monday to Wednesday.
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Wharf Street Restaurant & Bar
Wharf Street could live off its harbour views alone, but gets down to business with its extensive wine list and good value seafood, served in a refreshingly unpretentious dining room.
reviewed
