Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui, Bay of Plenty - January 2009

A couple weeks after we unpacked our suitcases, we headed out again. We were going to visit Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui situated on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, in the Bay of Plenty (3 hours away from Auckland).

Tauranga is the main centre of the region and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. It is 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.



We rented a cozy little cottage in one of the city's suburbs.



It was nice to take a break to read while seated on the vine covered porch.





On Saturday morning, we went for a walk around downtown Tauranga. The Strand, waterfront area features a children’s play area with water feature (where E had a swell time), seating areas, a number of cafés (where E enjoyed his "fluffy"), restaurants and pubs.



















We had a quick look at the ornately carved traditional war canoe. It is still used on ceremonial occasions on the harbour.







As we continued our walk, we came across The Elms Mission House (one of NZ's oldest homes finished in 1847.





In the afternoon, we went to see Mossop's Honey. We were very excited about their educational beehive and beekeeping display with four live working beehives... Unfortunately, when we arrived, we learnt that the place had burnt down before the holidays and had not reopened yet. We were able to taste some honey ice-cream and buy a jar of great Manuka honey.

We hopped into the car, undeterred by this small setback, and headed for the only local winery, Mills Reef Winery. The cellar door open 7 days a week happened to be closed during that weekend to host a concert...

Still quite positive, surprisingly too, we decided to venture a little further from Tauranga. We went to the beautiful McLaren Falls Park.













Within this park there is the unique Marshalls Animal Park, where one can hand feed a large selection of animals (some quite unusual). We all enjoyed the experience.























After a great time at the park, we drove to Papamoa Beach, where E had his dinner picnic style (one of his favourite, Fish and Chips).















And this is E's version of picture perfect "CHEESE!"



On Sunday morning we made our way to Mt. Maunganui - all the way to the top. Even though the hike up and the walk down were a bit challenging (especially to Eric who carried E), the views from the top and from around the base were well worth it.



























We treated ourselves to a walk along the beach and another "fluffy" before we headed back to our cottage for a nap.





In the afternoon, we drove to Waimarino Adventure Park for a ride on an Italian Pedallo down Wairoa River.















After the ride, E did the Adventure Challenge Course... with a lot of confidence.







The following morning, we headed back to Auckland. On the way back home, we stopped by one of the popular beaches of that area: the Waihi Beach.

















And some distance further, we stopped by one of one of the entry points to the famous Karangahake Gorge.











Travelling for the last few months has been great but we feel a bit tired so we will stay closer to home for a while.