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The Bay of Plenty is an area of thriving agriculture and endless coastline, popular with the Kiwis themselves, many of whom escape from the towns to their ‘baches’ along the stretch of coast between the principal town of Tauranga and the popular Papamoa Beach.

Across Tauranga harbour the skyline is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mauao, where a fairly challenging climb is rewarded with unobstructed views along the coast. Mount Maunganui, the town at its base, is a very popular place to celebrate New Year and is a centre for surf and adventure year round.

Around the Bay of Plenty

To the east is Whakatane and its smaller, seaside neighbour of Ohope, another sweeping stretch of empty, golden sand.

Off the coast lies the small but smouldering White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano, whose steamy shroud is clearly visible from all along the Bay’s coast.