Nestled in the crook of Coromandel Peninsular to the West and East Cape to the East, the
Bay of Plenty is one of those rare, unspoiled marine playgrounds that enjoy a warm climate and good shelter. The region was named by Captain Cook, who found everything he wanted here - plenty of food, good weather and good shelter. 500,000 modern day inhabitants feel much the same about it now as he did then.
http://www.charterguide.co.nz/F_area.htmHoward [ Just Imagine ] 18-Jan-2010
Motiti Island
12 miles east of Tauranga is
Motiti Island - known locally as Jurassic Park because of the huge fish caught there. The island has exquisite bays and beaches, excellent fishing and good shelter. Dolphins and whales are a common sight - Baleen whales are often seen around here with their calves. Nearby rocks and reefs, including the Astrolabe, Schooner Rocks and Plate Island offer diving which, under the guidance of a competent boat man, would be equal anywhere in the world.
http://www.charterguide.co.nz/F_area.htmHoward [ Just Imagine ] 18-Jan-2010
White Island (Whakaari)
There she boils! 26 miles off the coast,
White Island is New Zealand's most
active volcano. Noisy Nellie and the huge main crater blast steam and slush hundreds of feet into the air while the extraordinary landscape and remains of the old sulphur factory will have you wondering whether you are visiting mars or down town Beirut. White Island can be dangerous, so it pays to go with an experienced guide.
http://www.charterguide.co.nz/F_area.htmHoward [ Just Imagine ] 18-Jan-2010
Ohiwa harbour
Between Whakatane and
Opotiki,
Ohiwa harbour is a large shallow estuary with extraordinary wetlands that is home to huge numbers of migrating sea birds. Opotiki is the centre of the Eastern Bay of Plenty with fishing, wind surfing, kayaking and sailing, on the ocean and the Motu river providing jet boating and white water rafting through a pristine primeval forest.
http://www.charterguide.co.nz/F_area.htmHoward [ Just Imagine ] 18-Jan-2010
Te Kaha
Beyond Opotiki lies the legendary township of Te Kaha. Famous just because it is,
Te Kaha is a coastal icon, the place where snapper fishing was probably invented. The township does dive fills, dive trips, fishing trips and great beach parties. A fine pub and an excellent fish and chip shop have kept Te Kaha up there beside New York on any sophisticated traveller's itinerary.
http://www.charterguide.co.nz/F_area.htmHoward [ Just Imagine ] 18-Jan-2010