Bay Area
Here are three links to sites with great information on the Bay of Plenty Area, with some further information below.
McLaren Falls Park
170 hectares of lakeland park set among pastoral farming and horticulture. The park has a beautiful waterfall that’s the starting point for kayaking and white-water rafting on the Wairoa River. McLaren Lake offers year-round fishing and the park offers great views and walking tracks through native bush. There are ducks and swans to feed and a farm animal park nearby.
To get to the park from Tauranga, take State Highway 29, which is the main road to Hamilton, then turn left into McLaren Falls Road. The park is patrolled by park rangers.
There is year-round fishing in Lake McLaren and the Ruahihi Canal. You are required to have a fishing licence to fish here. These are available from most sports shops. The season begins 1 October and ends 30 September.
The park abounds with a diverse range of birdlife, up to 42 different species, including regionally threatened North Island Brown Kiwi, North Island Robin and the Long-Tailed Cuckoo. Sheep roam freely through the grassed areas and therefore dogs are not permitted within McLaren Falls Park.
Slow vehicle access is available throughout the park providing easy access to picnic areas. BBQs are operated with a 50c coin.
Open - 7.30am
Close - Winter 5.30pm / Summer 7.30pm
The Touring Company Limited
Awarded as 2006 Bay of Plenty Tourism Awards winner in both the Transport and Supreme Tourism categories, The Touring Company specialises in quality passenger transport with experienced, trained tour guides. We provide a fun, informative introduction to our region and cater to single or group bookings:
TAURANGA HERITAGE TOUR - Be immersed in the wonder of Tauranga’s amazing history and visit the Elms Mission House, Tauranga’s oldest historic building. Learn the local Maori legend of Mauao as you enjoy the views from the Minden Lookout. Step back in time at the Historic Village. Duration: 4hrs
MOUNT TO MAKETU - From ‘The Mount’ follow the coastline of top surf beaches to Te Puke; Visit Comvita, Spring Loaded Fun Park, Kiwi360. View the coast from Maketu Beach. *Optional activities inc: Spring Loaded jetboat ride, Blokart International land sailer. Duration: 4hrs
BEER, WINE & BUBBLES TOUR - Enjoy a great social enhancing experience whilst sampling a sumptuous range of award-winning wines at Morton Estate and Mills Reef Wineries. For something unique, we visit Mount Maunganui’s own micro brewery and sample a selection of local ales. Duration: 5hrs
WHITE ISLAND TOUR - The trip includes door to door transport, boat trip to White Island, a guided tour of the island (the only active marine volcano in New Zealand) and the sulphur mine. Lunch and refreshments are provided on board and we offer return transport to your accommodation. Duration: 8hrs
ROTORUA TOUR - Visit Rotorua and experience its Maori culture, mud, mountains and geothermal activity. Optional activities available. Duration: 7hrs
HOBBITON - Home of the Hobbits from the movie “Lord of the Rings”. Includes transport and tour. Duration: 4hrs
WAITOMO CAVES - Experience the wonder and beauty of the stunning glow-worm caves, wet and dry tour options available. Duration: 9-10hrs
CRUISE SHIPS - Customised itineraries available or select from one of the above. Some tours subject to weather