The Bayfair area is commonly admired for it’s close proximity to all facilities in the sunny Bay of Plenty. The Bayfair Shopping Centre is one of the largest in the North Island outside Auckland and Wellington. It features a large Farmers, Kmart, Countdown, plus over 80 specialty stores and a food court all situated on 1 level.
Bayfair is also superbly located close to the beach, cafes, restaurants and shopping in Downtown the Mount and Tauranga.
A golf course is well in place for those to enjoy along with swimming pools, gyms and doctors all nearby.
Mount Maunganui is a coastal resort town which enjoys great weather year round, and is a popular destination for those seeking sun, sand and relaxation.
As New Zealand’s “Surf City”, Mount Maunganui’s beaches are great for surfing and diving, with large numbers of visitors wanting to experience the laid-back summery atmosphere.
“The Mount” is a centre for summertime activities, hosting everything from surf lifesaving events to beach volleyball, national surf contests to sandcastle-building.
Mount Maunganui, or Mauao, 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.
The relaxed atmosphere of Mount Maunganui has something for everyone, from its vibrant cafe and pub scene, to its coastal shopping and beach culture.
Seaside Papamoa has been growing at record speed and it is now full of diverse options for visitors.
Located down the road from Mount Maunganui, Papamoa’s lone beach is a quiter option than the busier Mount Maunganui areas and there are many access spots along the Papamoa Beach Road. Papamoa’s coast stretches out to the sky, bordered by wild, protected dunes and more remote beaches. Mauao (Mount Maunganui) can be seen in the distance through a haze os sea spray and endless white sand beach.
Unwind in Papamoa, buy your vegetables from the side of the road, visit the local market or make the most of restaurants by the sea and inland.There are several small shopping centres, recreation reserves, sports centres and nearby golf courses.
Visit the Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Park, which has stunning views of the area and ancient Maori pa sites, or take in the nearby native bush walks and waterfalls. Fulfill your shopping needs at the Papamoa Palm Beach Plaza or Fashion Island.
Tauranga is the main centre of the region and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbours in New Zealand and nestled beside the magnificent Mauao (Mount Maunganui), Tauranga is also home to the country’s biggest export port, Port of Tauranga.
The harbour hosts many cruise ship visits each summer and is popular with windsurfers, jet skiers and all those who love to spend their leisure time on the water.
Two large marinas hold over 1000 yachts and launches with many charter boat operators taking keen game fishers out to the internationally renowned deep sea fishing waters of the Bay of Plenty. Scuba diving is also enjoyed by many and there are wrecks, reefs and volcanic islands to explorer underwater.
Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area has undergone a major redevelopment in the past few years, and the changes include a children’s play area with water feature, seating areas and cultural artwork. The Strand area also has a number of cafés, restaurants and pubs plus a vibrant nightlife.