Kinghaven- Is located in the lower kaimais (the kaimai- mamaku ranges run from the bay of plenty to the coromandel peninsula) In ancient times the Kaimai Mamaku range was a Noah's Ark for plants, riding high above seas of ice and oceans of water. In more recent times, Maori settlers formed tracks through the range and hunted in its subtropical forest and used its plants for food and medicine, so day trips to scenic spots are an easy drive, tramping and local walks are all around for you to enjoy.
TAURANGA CITY- The Pacific Coast Highway route brings travellers into the bay, and the city of Tauranga is often their first port of call. Located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbour, Tauranga is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and stylish shopping with a nautical theme.
Mount Maunganui - is well known for its white sandy beaches, surfing and cafe/bar life and Mount Maunganui is also the name of the extinct volcano which rises above the town. Shrouded in history and legend, the mountain is a dominant feature of the landscape, and a climb to the summit offers amazing views of the surrounding city and ocean.
Hobbiton - The film location for the hobbits of the Lord of the Rings is a 25 minute drive over the hill to Matamata. Just on the outskirts of Matamata lies an unmistakeable piece of movie history - The Shire.
Rotorua - is a 50 minute drive away - the surrounding areas are a geothermal wonderland, with geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters accompanied by the pervasive smell of sulphur. Rotorua is a showcase of Maori cultural activities, volcanoes, the "buried village" is a reconstructed Maori dwelling place that was caught in the 1886 Tarawera volcanic eruption. also visit the many lakes including the blue and green lakes which are side by side. Ride the gondola up to the skyline and ride the Luge - A world first designed and built in Rotorua the luge is a fun filled gravity ride on a 3 wheel cart, which allows you to travel as fast or as slow as you wish.
Whakatane and Ohope beach are 1.5 hours drive south east with scenic coastline views and beaches along the way to make an interesting drive. Whakatane is the launching pad for expeditions to White Island. White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano, and also one of the most accessable active volcanoes in the world. Steam billows from its main crater and spurts of ash keep things interesting for visitors.
Take a day trip - Visit the antique centres at Paeroa and Te Aroha, Coastal walks abound. Karangahake Historic Walk follows the Ohinimuri River. Relics of the gold mining era and a walk through the railway tunnel with glow-worms above make this an interesting day. Finish with lunch at the local Ohinemuri winery or railway café, and drive back through the gold mining town of Waihi. There you will find bronze statues, restored historic buildings and displays depicting our heritage.Take a short stroll to the lookout into the Martha gold mine which is still being mined today
Wineries - Morton Estate winery and restaurant is 40 minute drive from Kinghaven and Mills Reef winery and restaurant is is a 20 minute drive, both offer prestigious wines for you to enjoy - so why not do wine tasting on your travels!
Golfers - Spoilt for choice with several courses close by including Omanu Golf course, Mt Maunganui. A pleasant, gently rolling 18 hole course with well defined, fully irrigated fairways, the Omanu Golf Course is an enjoyable and interesting course to play. It is well suited to players of all levels of ability, capable of providing a challenge to the skilled and encouragement to the not so skilled.
Taupo is about 2 hours south and offers great fishing in the fresh water lakes, skiing at Mt Ruapehu, bungy jumping , hiking and much more.Walking tracks - There are numerous bush walks in the area, the beautiful Omanawa falls are 3 kms down the road and home to the first power station in New Zealand, McLaren falls park which encompasses 50 hectares of parkland has plenty to offer with Marshall animal park, bush walks, trout fishing, picnic and bbq areas, feeding of the local swans and ducks, white water rafting/kayaking, this is about an 8 minute drive from Kinghaven.
Kayaking - Waimarino - On the Wairoa river at Te Puna which is 20minutes away, over the past 30 years Waimarino has become Tuaranga's premier kayak/canoe location. Sea kayaking at Mount Maunganui/Papamoa beaches is 35 minutes away.
Fishing -Many trout fishing spots are a short drive away, deep sea fishing charters can be arranged or surf casting off the local beaches is another alternative - be spoilt for choice!
Diving - Popular dive spots in the Bay of Plenty include Tuhua (Mayor Island) and the Astrolabe Reef. Explore shipwrecked vessels near Motiti Island and Karewa Island for an unique diving experience.
Swim with the Dolphins - Trips depart daily from Mount Maunganui Salisbury Wharf and the Tauranga Coronation Pier. During your trip you may also see pods of orcas, whales, turtles, seals, giant sunfish and other marine and bird life.
Many gardens - Are open to the public and in October the Garden Trail of many beautiful gardens is a garden lovers delight.
The Bay of Plenty has so much to offer. We love our piece of paradise. So will you!