1097 Travel Guide

White Island (Whakaari) lies about 48 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coast and is New Zealand's most active volcano — in effect the summit of a stratovolcano rising from the sea. The crater vents steam and sulphur gases year-round, staining the walls yellow-white, and the mix of sea mist and steam creates a stark, unusual scene. After the fatal 2019 eruption, landings on the island have ceased; today the crater and island can only be viewed from a safe distance by scenic flight or boat. Its appeal lies in the raw volcanic landscape and its significance for geological research and hazard monitoring.

Papamoa Hill is a volcanic cone east of Tauranga, in the Papamoa area beyond Mount Maunganui. The summit track is short but climbs steadily through grass and low vegetation, and the top opens onto wide views over the long sand of Papamoa Beach, the Bay of Plenty, and Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Harbour in the distance. Far quieter than Mount Maunganui, it suits an early-morning or evening walk to watch the sea. It is exposed and breezy at the top, and on clear days it is a fine spot to photograph the sweep of the coastline.

Papamoa Beach lies east of Tauranga and is one of the longest stretches of sand in the Bay of Plenty, running more than ten kilometres. The sand is fine and the beach shelves gently, with relatively moderate surf — good for swimming, beginner surfing and family beach days. Behind the sand are residential streets and a coastal walkway, with surf lifesaving clubs, parks and cafés along the way. Early morning and evening suit walking, jogging and horse riding, and the open westward sea makes it a popular spot for sunsets. Because the beach is so long, it rarely feels crowded even in peak season.