Culture, Food & Markets
The Bay of Plenty has one of New Zealand's richest food cultures. From kiwifruit orchards and avocado groves to craft breweries, world-class restaurants and vibrant local markets — eating and drinking here is an experience in itself.
← Things To Do🏛 Culture & Heritage
Māori Culture & Te Arawa Heritage
The Bay of Plenty is the heartland of Te Arawa, one of New Zealand's most prominent iwi. The waka Arawa landed at Maketū over 700 years ago, beginning a rich history that continues to shape the region today. Te Arawa cultural experiences are available across Rotorua — the undisputed centre of Māori tourism in New Zealand — including haka performances, hāngī feasts and guided cultural walks through geothermal areas with deep spiritual significance.
Find cultural experiences on Kiwifruit Capital →The Elms Mission House — Tauranga
One of New Zealand's oldest and best-preserved colonial buildings, Te Papa o Ngā Pōhutukawa (The Elms) is a fascinating window into early settler and missionary life in the Bay. Set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Tauranga, the mission house dates from 1847 and includes a library, chapel and gardens. Guided tours available; the grounds are open daily at no charge.
Find heritage tours on Kiwifruit Capital →Katikati — NZ's Mural Town
Katikati has transformed itself into New Zealand's outdoor art gallery, with over 60 large-scale murals painted on buildings throughout the town centre. The murals depict the town's history, local legends and the natural environment. Pick up a self-guided mural map from the information centre and walk the Katikati Art Trail — it takes about 45 minutes and is completely free. The town also hosts the Haiku Pathway along the Uretara River with poems carved into stones.
Find Katikati listings on Kiwifruit Capital →Gate Pā Battlefield — Tauranga
The site of one of the most significant battles of the New Zealand Wars, where in 1864 a smaller Māori force repelled a much larger British attack. The battlefield is now a peaceful reserve in suburban Tauranga with interpretation panels explaining the history. A sobering and important part of understanding the region's complex colonial past. Free to visit.
Find history tours on Kiwifruit Capital →🥝 Food & Drink
Kiwifruit Orchards — Te Puke
Te Puke is the kiwifruit capital of the world, producing a significant portion of New Zealand's famous Zespri kiwifruit. The Kiwi360 attraction offers orchard tours, kiwifruit tastings and insight into how this globally loved fruit is grown and harvested. In harvest season (March–May) the town buzzes with activity. The surrounding countryside is carpeted in kiwifruit vines — a uniquely Bay of Plenty landscape.
Find orchard tours on Kiwifruit Capital →Tauranga Farmers Market
Held every Saturday morning in the Tauranga CBD, this market is one of the region's best. Local growers, artisan food producers, bakers and coffee roasters gather to sell directly to the public. Expect fresh avocados, kiwifruit, stone fruit in season, free-range eggs, smoked fish, artisan cheeses and some excellent wood-fired baked goods. Arrive before 9am for the best selection.
Find markets & food producers on Kiwifruit Capital →Craft Breweries & Wineries
The Bay of Plenty has a thriving craft beer scene, with several notable breweries open for tastings and tours. Baa Brewing and Mount Brewing Co are popular stops around the Mount, while the region's warm climate also supports a small but excellent wine industry. The Katikati area has several cellar doors worth visiting, and the avocado and citrus orchards around Te Puke often sell fresh produce directly to visitors.
Find breweries & wineries on Kiwifruit Capital →Seafood — Fresh from the Bay
The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand's most productive fishing grounds. Fresh snapper, tarakihi, kahawai and crayfish are available year-round from harbourside fish shops, floating fish stalls at the wharves and local fishmongers. Several restaurants along The Strand in Tauranga and the waterfront at Whakatāne specialise in freshly caught local seafood — including some of the best fish and chips in the country.
Find seafood restaurants on Kiwifruit Capital →Hot Pools & Geothermal Experiences
The Bay of Plenty sits atop the Taupo Volcanic Zone, making geothermal experiences uniquely accessible. Rotorua is the obvious hub — hot pools, mud pools, geysers and geothermal parks abound. But the Whakatāne district also has excellent hot springs, and the DOC-maintained Waimāngu Volcanic Valley south of Rotorua is one of the world's most impressive active geothermal landscapes, featuring the world's largest hot spring lake.
Find hot pool experiences on Kiwifruit Capital →
Running a café, market stall or food experience?
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