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whitianga - tauranga WHITIANGA - TAURANGA (via Whangamata) Driver Information A travel journey designed to showcase the stunning beaches and coastal surrounds of this area of New Zealand’s North Island. A unique combination of cafes, kayaks, hot water beaches, optional ferry crossings and other outdoor activities awaits you on this part of your day’s journey, before enjoying an evening stop-over in vibrant Tauranga. After enjoying an evening in the popular tourist resort area of Whitianga, it is time to pack your rental vehicle up and enjoy another day of fabulous scenery, relaxing driving conditions and plenty of opportunities to stop and see, taste or experience along the way. If you haven't had the opportunity to do so yet, before leaving Whitianga, catch the ferry to the south side of the harbour for a visit to Cooks Beach. Some notable stops along the route to Tauranga include: HOT WATER BEACH HAHEI BEACH CATHEDRAL COVE WHANGAMATA WAIHI WAIHI BEACH TAURANGA Downtown Tauranga take a visit to The Strand waterfront area for a selection of great cafes, restaurants and a vibrant night life. There are also plenty of accommodation options for your over night stay, however we do recommend you book in advance during the busy Christmas and summer holiday season. Highly recommended Tauranga tourist attractions include... Mount Maunganui - is the New Years Eve party capital of New Zealand! However, during other times it is just considered one of the top beaches and resort areas of New Zealand. Referred to as 'The Mount', the main swimming beach is located at the base of majestic Mount Maunganui. You can take a walk to the peak of Mount Maunganui and enjoy stunning coastal views. The main beach area also boasts a selection of superb cafes and nearby boutique shopping. McLaren Falls Park - Enjoy a whopping 170 hectares of lakeland park boasting a beautiful waterfall that marks the starting point for kayaking and white-water rafting on the Wairoa River. Enjoy year-round fishing or enjoy one of the many native bush-walking tracks, feed the ducks and swans or enjoy some bird watching. Make a day of your visit here and pack some goodies to cook on the coin operated BBQ. Whale & Dolphin Watching - Marine encounters are in abundance with many eco tourism operators keen to offer you the unique experience of swimming with dolphins or simply viewing them and whales in their natural habitat. Longridge Fun Park - Located in Te Puke, this award winning visitor activity is loads of fun for those seeking outdoor action. Take a jet boat trip down the awesome Kaituna River before take a U-Drive 4WD adventure along a customised, off-road course. Softer adventure options include guided farm tours and Kiwifruit tours. Tauranga is a popular holiday destination and combines the conveniences of a city with the attractions and activities of the coast. This is where you can go shopping in the morning, lunch in an up-market café, enjoy a leisurely walk on a white sandy beach, before swimming with dolphins… all in one day! |
Travel distance is approximately 168kms (105 miles).
Considered one of the 'must see' areas in the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is accessible by boat or foot, with the walking track beginning at the northern end of Hahei beach.