Waimarino Adventure Park; for all things kayaking, this park hires kayaks so you can have fun on the Wairoa River, or visit the park to play on the water various attractions. 15 minutes drive.

Minden Lookout; for amazing views of the Bay of Plenty region, take this detour up Minden Road at Te Puna junction. 20 minutes drive.

Tuahu Kauri; walk to one of the largest Kauri tree in the Bay of Plenty region. A 40 minute return walk. 20 minutes drive.

Mills Reef & Morton Estate Wineries; wine tasting and retail sales. Both 15 minutes drive – one north and one south on SH2.

Katikati Bird Garden; a wide range of native and colourful birds set in a park. 20 minutes drive

Tauranga Art Gallery; open 10am – 4pm daily (except for Christmas). Corner of Wharf and Willow Street, Downtown Tauranga.

The Elms; the oldest European heritage site in the Bay of Plenty, 20 minutes