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Mount Maunganui and Ocean Beach, Bay of PlentyBay of PlentyThe Bay of Plenty is an area of thriving agricultureand endless coastline, popular with NewZealanders, many of whom escape from thetowns to their baches (holiday homes) along thestretch of coast between the principal town ofTauranga and the popular Papamoa Beach. AcrossTauranga Harbour the skyline is dominated by thevolcanic cone of Mauao, where a fairly challengingclimb is rewarded with unobstructed views alongthe coast. Mount Maunganui, the town at its base,is a centre for surf and adventure year-round.To the east is Whakatane and its smaller seasideneighbour of Ohope, offering another sweepingstretch of empty, golden sand. Off the coast liesthe small but smouldering Whakaari, NewZealand’s most active volcano, whose steamyshroud is clearly visible all along the bay.Visitors on Whakaari (White Island), Bay of Plenty20Whakaari (White Island), Bay of PlentyWhakaari (White Island)Volcanic White Island is a designated privatescenic reserve and can only be visited withrecognised operators with whom we are able toarrange day tours. Although mined for sulphurextensively in the early 1900s, it was soonacknowledged that this unique environment andits endemic species should be protected. Today,trips take visitors over by helicopter or boat, andincorporate both a visit to the old sulphur miningfactory and an exhilarating walk around thecrater’s edge, peering right into its hissing,steaming heart.Lake McLaren kayakingBeautiful Lake McLaren offers a uniqueopportunity to kayak by the light of glow worms.Accompanied by an experienced guide you canenjoy light refreshments at the side of the lake asdusk falls, before taking to the water in yourdouble kayaks, paddling gently to the far end ofthe lake. In the peace and stillness you will be ableto see the glow worms as they light up the nativebush along the lake’s shores and, if water levelsallow, you will access a narrow inlet full of glowworms whose bright glow reflects on the watermirroring the stars above.