During our seasonal work in “packhouse”, we had the pleasure of staying in the Bay of Plenty area, especially near of Tauranga. A first stop in our adventure, which allowed us to discover differents small nice places.

Panorama depuis le Mont Maunganui

Mount Maunganui

That was our first real spot in New Zealand. The Mount is located in the well-to-do neighborhoods of Tauranga. The climb to the top is a bit painful but short enough to be within everyone’s reach. You will also meet some great sportsmen who make it by running, locals who come to make their daily walk and backpackers who hunt the most beautiful pictures. At the summit you will discover a breathtaking view over the entire bay of Tauranga and more. A nice walk not to miss if you are in the area, the better way to enjoy it is to plan to go on the top at dawn to contemplate the sunrise over the sea.

McLaren Park

Black Swan – McLaren Park

To the south of Tauranga, this park is a starting point for several small hikes. The setting is very pleasant and you can quite possibly plan a picnic there, a barbecue is on disposal, or an afternoon of lazing around. For the curious, the park contains a small waterfall lost in the middle of the bush, with simple access, it is not very impressive. Finally for the braves, several hiking trails, more or less long, are accessibles and very well marked. It is also possible to be unclosed in the park at night to sleep there, for few euros that the guard will come to take. You can borrow the path leading to the waterfall at night if you wish to have the chance to meet glow worms.

Summer hills and Papamoa hills

Summer hill’s sunset

Two small hills accessible by foot or by road, the environement remains simple.
“Summer hills” propose a bike park at its summit, for enthusiasts of mountain biking or downhill biking, nothing magical, just enough for a small ride.
Both summits offer an interesting view on Papamoa beach including   Maunganui Mount and Tauranga. The panorama reaches its full potential at sunset due to the intensity of the colors that are revealed.

Kaiate falls

To reach the beautiful waterfall of Kaiate, you have to take a steep path. Just go down the stairs to enter into the fresh bush and enjoy this shady fall. A little walk, a bit steep, where you have to think to take a little jacket. However, for the amateurs of sensations it is also the possibility of offering a few dips in the icy water. Two strings are, unofficially, attached to either side of the waterfall to jump into the water hole at its base. The less sensitive to cold can come to have fun without problem.

Papamoa Beach

The immensity of a white sand beach swept by the wind in front of the expanse of the sea. Papamoa beach is one of the big spots around Tauranga very appreciated by local people. Pleasant for surfing, swimming, walking, you can also contemplate the sunrise and sunset over the sea with views on Maunganui Mount. Very pleasant on any occasion, clean and full of seashells, space doen’t miss. However it remains full of people during summer time. Fishing lovers will also find their happiness in fish and shellfish.

Papamoa beach

Omanawa falls

A spot giving view on a beautiful waterfall that has been closed and needs to be rehabilitated. The access to the view from the top has been unofficially reopened, by careful cutting of the protective fences. However for those who love adventure there is always a way to go further. So we did not just take advantage of the view from above but we found an access, a bit dangerous, passing through woods to reach the base of the waterfall.

Omanawa falls

The least risky, arrived at the grid, is to turn back up towards the parking, a few meters on the left it is possible to find an access through the woods which is much safer than climbing the cliff and the iron gate which block the access.
Reaching the waterfall requires a bit of dexterity, the path is steep and extremely slippery and there are three ladders, in a state which leaves to be desired, to cross. But the show is worth it and for the ones less cold sensitive they can access to the cave behind the fall, accessible only by swimming. A very nice hike that we did with several people and gave us as much anxiety than laugh.

Otanewainuku park

A pretty unknown park so, well preserved. You can find there a lot of starting for hiking from 2h30 of walk to 6h. We had the pleasure of doing the walk of 2h30 whose goal is to reach a pretty little waterfall through the bush and undergrowth. A peaceful and pleasant place. The walk we chose had no difficulties and we really enjoyed it, a breath of fresh air in our daily at the kiwi fruit packhouse. For the lucky ones, know that the park is considered as protected area where it’s possible to meet the legendary bird, the kiwi. Unfortunately we will not have that chance.