Walks
The best way to explore natural New Zealand is on your own two feet.
Mount Maunganui
You can either walk up the Mount or walk around it. The walk up takes around 45 minutes and has stunning views of Mount Maunganui suburb from the top. It is quite a steep walk. Alternatively, you can walk around the Mount. It is a very leisurely stroll with ocean views that takes about 30 minutes.
Waikareao Estuary
The Waikareao Estuary Loop is ideal for both walking and cycling. There are 9km of well-marked trails complete with boardwalks, bridges and plenty of cycle-friendly cafés along the way. The trail is multi-use and can be used in both directions. The loop winds around the Waikareao Estuary, just above the high tide line in this beautiful wetland environment.
Moturiki Island
This short walk from Mount Maunganui, Moturiki Island is accessible for people of all ages. Simply follow the well-marked track which is easily walked. At the end of the track, you’ll find a whole bunch of rocks protruding out from the ground. If you wish, you can scramble over them to enjoy one of the best vantage points.Also known as Leisure Island, Moturiki is well known for its blow hole, which takes around 10-20 minutes to reach.
Papamoa Hills
The summit is 224 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views of the Bay of Plenty coastline. There are several tracks through the park which can be used to enjoy the views and explore the numerous archaeological features, including seven pa sites.
Waterfalls
There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music.
Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls, also known as Te Rerekawau Falls, is a pair of impressive waterfalls. The first one is a three-tiered upper series. This is then followed by an attractive plunge of the lower waterfall, which is 15m high. When reaching the base, you’ll also find a beautiful swimming hole where you can enjoy an awesome swim and find a spot for lunch. The walk down takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
McLaren Falls
Usually, McLaren Falls is a waterfall almost without water because of the Power Generation Station located upstream. However, in a rainy season it looks absolutely unbelievable. In warm days, lots of people visit here to swim in the cool water at the base of the waterfalls.
Omanawa Falls
Omanawa Falls features an absolutely stunning 35m high waterfall, which plenty of visitors tend to call one of New Zealand’s most beautiful. At the base of this fall is a gorgeous swimming hole, surrounded by lush green bush land.
The track to Omanawa Falls is currently closed to the public, as it is unsafe to visit.
There is a long term plan to help people safely visit the falls, however this is currently in the early stages. There is a viewing platform about 15 minutes in where you can view the waterfall and swimming hole, but the rest of the path is closed off.
Raparapahoe Falls
Raparapahoe Falls is a 3-metre high waterfall on the Raparapahoe Stream, plunging into a large pool at the bottom of a valley with very steep sides. The stream and waterfall is accessible by a short but steep and rough track
Whataroa Falls
The waterfall is accessible by the Rimu Loop Track in Otanewainuku Forest. It is a relatively easy track. It takes about 2 hours there and back.