If you have a passion for the great outdoors and adventure sports, then the Bay of Plenty is the place for you! Adventure activities to make your adrenaline pump come in all shapes and sizes, from white-water rafting to skydiving, mountain biking, 4WD adventures, jet boating, rock climbing, or the myriad of water sports available in the ocean and on the harbour.
White-Water Rafting
Open just 28 days a year, the Wairoa River is one of New Zealand's most exciting rivers for rafting or kayaking. The rapids start with simple grade two cascades and gradually build up to thundering grade five rapids, so you can choose from a unique range of experiences, from wild white-water to leisurely scenic floats. Options also include multi-day wilderness river journeys to enable you to fully immerse yourself in the delights of the New Zealand bush.
Jet Boating
Get your thrills on one of the two Hamilton jet boats at Longridge Fun Park, which are powered by V8 Chevrolet engines and have the ability to go 75km/hr. Pumping 380 litres of water per second, the boats have an extra strength hull and use the famous Hamilton 212 jet units, which are a New Zealand invention. Even if you don’t consider yourself an adrenalin junkie, you will love this jet boating experience. The trip takes you 12.5 kms along the stunning Kaituna River, where you can take in native bush, waterfalls and birdlife, as well as experience the legendary 360 degree jet spins!
Blokarts
The innovative land-based yacht, called a ‘blokart’, burst onto the recreational equipment market in 2000, and has a special place in the hearts of those in the Bay. A cross between a land-sailer and a go-cart, the blokart was invented by local entrepreneur, Paul Beckett, in the back of his garage! Because of its small size and extreme manoeuvrability, the blokart can be used almost anywhere, from beaches to car parks, on rugby fields, tennis courts and even on ice. Reaching speeds of up to 90km/h, blokarts are safe and easy to ride – all you need to know to drive one is whether it’s windy or not! Light and able to fit in the boot of most cars, you can either buy your own or visit Blokart Heaven’s purpose built track at Papamoa.
Sky Diving
Enjoy the ultimate adrenaline buzz – a skydive in one of the most scenic drop zones in the world! The highly trained and skilled team at Tauranga Tandem operates from Tauranga Airport - five minutes from the port and Mount Maunganui Beach. Experience a freefall from 12,000 feet, with views from Mount Ruapehu to White Island and the East Cape. A full range of photos and videos are available with your jump.
Off-Road and Rallying
Feel the fear … and challenge yourself! Experience true outdoor Kiwi style fun as you do the driving at Longridge Park’s 4 wheel drive track. Driving Suzuki Vitara 4WD cars across 3 kms of rough, challenging terrain, this activity is a blast for both beginners and the more experienced 4WDers. The off-road tracks have been especially designed for maximum impact and there are 12 challenges, both wet and dry, along the route.
Adventure Sailing
Adventure Sail provides personalised harbour cruises and extended charters to take advantage of Tauranga’s magnificent harbour and coastline. You can choose from a wide range of cruise options, from simple day cruises to beach picnics and overnight excursions. For the more adventurous, choose either a bareboat (you are at the controls!) or a skippered charter package for the weekend or even longer, so you can take the time to explore the wonderful Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula.
Water Sports
Have you always wanted to learn to kitesurf or to perfect your windsurfing, kayaking, power boating or sailing skills? Whether you want to have a go at an activity to see if you like it or you want to learn everything about it, Elements Watersports can put together a package tailored to suit you and your level of skill in a multitude of different water sports. There is also an adventure package for those that want to challenge themselves to be more daring. Don't just dream it - do it!
Scuba Diving & Deep Sea Fishing
There are many dive boat and fishing charter operators working from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, offering a range of experiences from a few hours on the water to overnight trips or expeditions lasting several days. All levels of diver are catered for, as well as those that just want to come along for a day on the water or a little snorkelling. If you would like to learn to dive or qualify as a dive instructor, Adventure Education specialises in the delivery of life changing educational experiences, with modules that can be completed around your other commitments. If your passion is fishing, charters can be organised to suit your needs and budget, including big game fishing experiences.
Paragliding
The Bay of Plenty is one of the best places in New Zealand to paraglide, with the most popular spot to experience the thrill of free flying from the summit of Mauao (Mount Maunganui). Tandem paragliding is a safe and enjoyable alternative for those wanting to experience the thrill of free flying without going through the learning process.
White Island Volcano
White Island is one of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth, carrying with it an A grade level of scientific importance. As New Zealand’s only live marine volcano, scientists and volcanologists worldwide are attracted by its unique features. Walking on White Island is like walking on the moon, with virtually no vegetation surviving the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. You can venture right to the edge of the spectacular crater and see evidence of past eruptions. White Island is one of New Zealand's top dive sites, providing excellent visibility, a vast array of fish life, and a chance to view volcanic terrain underwater. It currently sits on an alert level rating of one, meaning it is always active.
Swimming with Dolphins
Experiencing eye to eye contact with wild dolphins, while they swim within a couple of metres inquisitively checking you out, is absolutely unique. During the trip you may also see pods of orcas, whales, turtles, seals, giant sunfish and other marine and bird life. Dolphins are given the freedom to approach the boat on their own terms, so they can actively satisfy their natural curiosity. Moving in harmony with the pace of dolphins enables passengers to enjoy the animals at leisure and to take fantastic surface and underwater photos. Whenever possible, you are able to swim with alongside the dolphins or use the bar on the back of the boat to be towed along while dolphins glide below and around you.
Mountain Biking
Oropi Grove is a mountain bike trail just a short drive from Tauranga city. Set in forest, it also it also extremely scenic and no one will think less of you if you just want to take your time and enjoy the view. Suitable for the more experienced rider, it provides two hours of fun on a technical single track, with only a small bit of gravel road. It offers an adrenalin pumping, heart pounding ride and is not for the faint hearted, requiring a good level of fitness
TECT All Terrain Park
This all terrain park is being developed by stages on a 1600 hectare site in upper Pyes Pa, and will be in use from 2009. It will cater for a range of active and passive recreational pursuits including firearm sports, mountain biking, archery, 4x4, trial and trail bikes, motocross, quad bikes, car rallying, equestrian, tramping and orienteering.
Rock Climbing
The Rock House at Mount Maunganui enables you to challenge yourself with indoor or outdoor climbing. There are high and low ropes courses to tackle or indoor climbing walls to train you up or compete against your friends. Indoor rock climbing is safe and fun for everyone and is suitable for all ages and abilities. For the more adventurous at heart, guided outdoor climbing trips are also run.
Horse Riding and Treks
Get away from the hustle and bustle of life and ride your horse along the glistening sandy beach beside the Pacific Ocean and over rolling green farmland with breathtaking views of the Bay of Plenty and beyond. On clear days you can see up to the Coromandel and down to the East Cape. With access to hundreds of acres of horse riding trails boasting amazing rural and coastal scenic views, the treks are individually designed for all abilities and experience. Experienced riders can enjoy a gallop along the beach, where you could see native and introduced coastal and forest birds, seals, killer whales and historical sites. An overnight trek is also available for experienced riders with a good independent seat. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
Helicopter Tours
There are a number of operators providing sightseeing adventures and joy rides by helicopter around the Bay and beyond. You will enjoy spectacular, unrestricted 180-degree panoramic views from the cabin – perfect for photos and video. Shore excursions, with return flights from various adventure activities, attractions and memorable experiences, are available as well as trips up the unspoilt Coromandel coastline and further inland over the Kaimai ranges.
Kayaking
Waimarino Adventure Park provides a unique outdoors experience, with a range of adventure based activities, trips and courses – some to pump your adrenaline and others to relax you. The park has a great environment for family interaction, outdoor education and team building, with different passes and programmes to accommodate all skill levels and budgets. Waimarino is a centre of excellence in teaching paddle sports and has the largest kayak specialist shop in the Bay. It also runs kayak tours, including sea kayaking, ocean fishing and night tours to see the glow worms at McLarens Falls Park.
South Seas Vagabond
Join the crew of the 18m sailing catamaran 'South Sea Vagabond ' and discover the beautiful islands and beaches of the Bay of Plenty. South Sea Vagabond is fast and comfortable, and available for day charters as well as coastal voyages in New Zealand and throughout the South Pacific. Swim and kayak with dolphins, snorkel, scuba dive, walk in pristine bush or just relax -- the choice is yours. The catamaran is fully licensed and have has expert caterers available. With the backdrop of the sun setting over the Kaimai ranges, there could be no finer venue.