5 Best Sights in Tauranga, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty

This dormant volcano is the region's visual icon; its rocky cone stands sentinel, 761 feet high at the end of the peninsula that boasts one of New Zealand's best swimming and surfing areas. White-sand beaches with rolling surf stretch for miles away from Mauao. Trails on Mauao include an easy walk around its base and the more strenuous summit climb. To get to Mauao, head toward it along any road running parallel to the beach. The Mount Maunganui area gets crowded around Christmas and New Year's Eve, so consider early or late summer (or even winter) for your visit. Beach walks or exploring Mauao is a delight at any time, and the sidewalk cafés are always open.

Four hundred and ninety-four acres of parkland, alongside a gentle flowing river that tumbles over the small McLaren Falls, make a great spot for a picnic or driving break. Picnic tables, barbecues, and toilets are located throughout. Walks include a 10-minute easy bushwalk to the falls and more strenuous walks to lookouts on Pine Tree Knoll or The Ridge. It's located a 15-minute drive south of Tauranga off State Highway 29, one of the main roads into Tauranga.

Mills Reef has built a fine reputation for its award-winning wines and the winery itself is a treat to visit. The spacious, landscaped, 20-acre complex encompasses an art deco--style tasting room and popular restaurant with indoor/outdoor dining. Cellar door staff will guide you through tastings of the winery’s favored Bordeaux-style reds, Syrahs, and the highly regarded Elsbeth Range. The 150-seater à la carte restaurant is popular for brunch and lunch, and open occasionally for dinners (check their website).

A 45-minute climb through this 108-acre regional park will take you to the summit of a former Māori pā that dates back to 1460. It’s one of the earliest archaeological sites in the region. From the parking lot the trail is clearly marked: you climb through pine forest, then open farmland. Stop for the views, if not to catch your breath. The park is a 20-km (12½-mile) drive east of Tauranga (en route to Whakatane). You'll need to get off the tolled expressway for access. If traveling from Tauranga, take the Papamoa exit and then follow the signs indicating the free road to Te Puke. Go past Welcome Bay Road and look for Poplar Lane on the right. The parking lot is at the end of Poplar Lane. Local Māori guide Les Millard offers guided walks to the park which go in-depth into the storied history of the area ( www.traveled.co.nz).