Where To Eat, Play and Stay in The Bay of Plenty

Make your way to Moananui ā Toi—the coastal Bay of Plenty. Located in the East Coast of the North Island in Aotearoa, this region is home to stunning coastline beaches and forest walks. Known for their orchards and ocean-to-plate kaimoana, it’s no surprise that their annual food festival (‘Flavours of Plenty Festival’) attracts locals and visitors alike, celebrating the food community over almost three weeks. 

From highlighting local produce to showcasing emerging talent, restaurants and cafés take part from Waihī Beach to Ōhope, and everywhere in between. From mystery box challenges to create festival dishes, to locally-run food talks and workshops, to pop-up events showcasing culinary flair—Bay of Plenty is a hidden gem for foodies. With only a short flight (or drive) away, make this your next local escape for the weekend. 

This year I was very lucky to experience the first weekend of the festival thanks to Tourism Bay of Plenty and my connection with Eat New Zealand, a collective of food storytellers across Aotearoa. It was a weekend deep-diving into the region’s culinary scene—chatting to chefs, restaurateurs and checking out some of the creative plates from local restaurants and cafés. 

With just a short window, I travelled around Pāpāmoa Beach, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui—and I would recommend venturing across the wider region with more time. Festival aside, this regional gem is pushing the plate all year round with passionate producers, arts and culture, and warm hospitality like no other. There’s plenty to uncover (pun intended), whether you’re planning your next meal, soaking in the arts and culture or looking for a breathtaking outdoor adventure. 

Here is my guide on where to Eat, Play and Stay when visiting Moananui ā Toi—the coastal Bay of Plenty.

Where To Eat

The Grocer

Image: The Grocer | Vicki Young

Start the day right and make a beeline to The Grocer in Tauranga by The Strand. Having been open for about six weeks at the time of visiting, you can tell it’s run by a seasoned chef—Chef-owner Ian jumps on the coffee machine and welcomes regulars in between our chats, even making time to sit and have a chat over coffee. From England to Pōneke (we reminisced over Matterhorn, Good Luck Club and those good ol’ years), then making his way to Tāmaki Makaurau (working in kitchens such as Clooney), before settling in Tauranga with family—Ian knows a thing or two about great hospitality. 

The menu is relaxed and approachable, with something for every appetite and taste. From house-made sauces to house-made sodas (I opted for a refreshing tamarind-roasted pineapple with lime and mint), the same can be said of the drinks line-up too. With Hine’s Cold Milk Milo and Maia’s ‘Lewis Road’ Iced Chocolate on the drinks list (his daughters’ drinks of choice), as well as the bro-in-law Vinny’s Iced Flat White, thoughtful touches like this makes it clear the menu is for the community and all about championing local suppliers using local ingredients. He’s also got a bunch of preserves that capture a snapshot of each season (they’ll be offering this in their soon-to-come deli side too). 

Image credit: The Grocer's ‘John Montagu (4th Earl of Sandwich)’ | Vicki Young

From the daily staff meal (it’s on the menu) to a ‘posh omelette’ (complete with prawn bisque hollandaise), I couldn’t resist eyeing up the headliner breakfast to start my day: Sunday Beef Roast in the form of a breakfast wrap. Enter the ‘John Montagu (4th Earl of Sandwich)’ with a Yorkshire pud wrap, encasing all the fatty trimmings of a tender beef brisket, pops of roast potatoes, caramelised onion, peppery greens and a tangy horseradish crema. It was deeply satisfying, with a flat white in hand. 

For those after less meaty and more fruit-forward starts to the day, a vibrant ‘Alligator Pear,’ featuring the namesake (and locally famous) avo, preserved stone fruit and feta with wholegrain toast looked just as tempting—and I honestly found it quite hard to decide what to get. With fried Brussels sprouts, crispy confit duck and freshly baked cinnamon and cardamom scrolls at the counter, plus a myriad of cookbooks next to an inspiring Anthony Bourdain print, you could honestly spend all day here (along with an extensive drinks list, cocktails and those house-sodas, it would be rude not to).

Captain Bones

For those in Mauao Mount Maunganui, head to Captain Bones, an extension of their other popular local go-to Tay Street Store on Marine Parade. Captain Bones has the bones of a great community feel like Tay Street (see what I did there), but a retro lilac purple and orange twist. It’s a colourful oasis tucked away from the main street. As soon as you step in, the fit-out gives all the feel-good vibes (plus they’re dog-friendly with a jar of dog treats by the door). Check out the cabinet of focaccia sandwiches with fillings from ‘The Scram’ to ‘The Reuben.’ At only $17 each, they’re a great on-the-go breakfast sando before a big walk along the beach. 

Somethin’ Somethin’

For brunch (of the bottomless variety) with friends, make your way to Somethin’ Somethin’. Their white chocolate matcha topped with coconut foam is a popular pick, as are the bottomless weekend brunches in the sunny courtyard.

Surf Road

If you’re out for a surf, stop by Surf Road for a post-swim coffee and a cabinet treat (they also have a bunch of gluten-free baking too). Just minutes from the beach, it’s a newly opened spot (about a year now) and a popular choice for the neighbourhood. Make your way there for a cracking fried pizza snack with wine on Friday and weekend nights too (plus they have live music on Sundays). 

Special Mention 

Image credit: Special Mention | Vicki Young

Walk it off along Ocean Beach Road and head to Special Mention in Arataki. This neighbourhood cafe serves a build-your-own brekky with poached eggs over labneh and their fluffy housemade crumpets (tip: do add bacon). Make sure you save room or come back for their smash burger, it’s a must-order having done the rounds as a sell-out pop-up prior to Special Mention days. The locals tell us there’s secret Friday night dinners too—keep an eye out on their socials for the next pop-up dinner.

Pearl Kitchen 

Speaking of Friday night, Pāpāmoa fave Pearl Kitchen is open Friday nights—a great spot for sourdough lamb pizza and a cold pint from local brewery Mount Maunganui Brewing Co. (we recommend the Mermaid Mirth APA).

Izakai Bar and Eatery

Image credit: Izakai Bar and Eatery | Vicki Young

For lunch or dinner, make your way to Izakai Bar and Eatery for Japanese and Māori-inspired bites. Inspired by the owner’s visit to Japan and their love of izakaya, this is their Kiwi twist, a hidden gem in the indoor-outdoor food courtyard at Bayview Shopping Centre. Start with creamed paua and prawn dumplings, and parāoa parai with miso and kawakawa butter—but don’t stop there. Their ika mata with Pacific-style coconut-based ceviche and sashimi come together in one generous bowl with truffle ponzu and crunchy textures of capsicum salsa. Then there’s hot dishes like horopito-crusted lamb ribs with a crisp exterior that gives way to meltingly tender and fatty lamb. If you’re after comforting eats on a cold day, look no further than a steaming bowl of hāngī-style ramen with watercress and applewood smoked pork belly—it’s great with a cocktail too (check out their monthly cocktail, Beka’s always got some creative flavours in the pipeline for the next drop). 

The Rising Tide

For those who are more into craft beers, check out the local brewery in Mount Maunganui, The Rising Tide, who are also known for their dumplings. The Rising Tide serves great dumplings by Johney’s Dumpling House with flavours like bánh mi complete with pâté mayo or red Penang-style curry ladled over a selection of dumplings—they’re a go-to with a cold local beer in hand.

Solera

If a wine bar setting is more for you, look no further than Solera. With a stunning selection of Aotearoa wines, as well as a menu dedicated to modern hearth cooking—showcasing smoky flavours alongside fresh and vibrant snapshots of the season cooked over mānuka and oak on their locally-made open-fire grill. Do get the snack taster (my kind of menu choice, with five snacks to choose from on their menu) and ask them to choose the wine for you too (with an excellent by the glass list, or you can opt for the Solera Wine Experience over dinner). As well as wine, they also have an extensive beer list, classic cocktails, Solera cocktails and mocktails (made with house-infused zero proof gin), and local alcoholic ginger beer from Papamoa (The Island’s ‘Easy’) and Bay of Plenty’s Dr Bucha kombucha (big fan of the kawakawa, ginger and apple number).

Palace Tavern

Image credit: Palace | Instagram

For a late night bite, make your way to Palace Tavern for a burger and whatever’s on rotation in the cocktail slushie machine. It’s a popular spot for hospo, and one of the rare places open on a Sunday night (you can thank me later). Plus they’re open Monday nights too—which if you know about their local nights on Mondays then you’ll know the $10 cheeseburgers and $15 classic chickens or cauliflower dreaming burgs are a vibe.  They’ve also got Blondie diner and deli down the road, the modern American diner-inspired day eatery for breakfast and lunch the next day (and check out that epic sandwich line-up).

Agave Bistro and Drinkery

Post-dinner, make your way to Agave Bistro and Drinkery. With $8 tacos on Tuesdays, jam nights on Thursday at “the Cruise Deck,” or for a late night cocktail creation (especially of the mezcal variety), pop in and see the team for cocktails and plates that deliver in flavour and fire (and don’t forget Vini’s burnt tortilla pannacotta for dessert).

Yomi

For more sweets (both of the day to late night vibe), check out the newly opened Yomi by local husband and wife duo Michael and Rachel Sparrow. Made to satisfy both healthy and indulgent cravings, Yomi is a self-serve frozen probiotic yoghurt and açai bar with toppings for whatever the craving mood. From toppings like fruit and nuts, Dubai-inspired chocolate, to freshly-cut fruit, plus a Whittaker’s chocolate fountain, there’s something for every yoghurt flavour (we’re keeping an eye on when ube, feijoa and dulce de leche yoghurt flavours drop).

Where To Play

Image credit: Grey Street Alleyway | Vicki Young

The arts scene is really something in this region—from street art murals to  installations at almost every turn, check out the City Art Walk app while walking around Tauranga CBD. Look for the Grey Street alleyway painted with a stunning ocean mural by Sam Allen that flows onto the pavement, along with a kōwhai grove made with single-used plastics and LED lights twinkling overheard by local artist Bobbie Gray. Walk through and into RIKARIKA at the back. What started as a small sushi catering business is now offering ramen and sandos, along with barista coffee and matcha mochi. 

TOI Tauranga Art Gallery

Image credit: TOI Tauranga Art Gallery | Vicki Young

Walk off lunch and head to TOI Tauranga Art Gallery. Having just reopened at the end of last year, the newly renovated (and earthquake strengthened) gallery space houses a rotation of local and international exhibitions. With a range of mediums used from textiles and audiovisual, to whakairo with augmented reality, the current exhibition champions local artists from the area and from across Aotearoa in a thoughtfully designed layout. Stop by the Breadhead "Gallery" site (right outside the gallery entrance) for a coffee and try your luck grabbing one of their sourdough loaves to take home (they sell-out quick, so get in early).

The Historic Village

With more art to see, check out The Incubator Creative Hub at The Historic Village to see the latest up and coming artists in residence and their exhibitions in the space. With local workshops and events happening, this is a great day out (plus check out Med Lounge & Garden, which doubles as an evening gig space for visiting DJs).

Waimarino Glowworm Kayaking

Image credit: Waimarino Kayak Tour | Tourism Bay of Plenty (Photography by Matt Logan Photography)

For those after an adventure outdoors, check out Waimarino glowworm kayaking at night. These intimate tours are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, and our guide Henry made the experience especially memorable with his great storytelling and knowledge of Māori folklore. After a picnic with local snacks and kombucha, we set off in our kayaks across the still waters of Lake McLaren at sunset. As we drew closer to the canyon, we witnessed twinkling glowworms on either side and were surrounded by them when we reached the canyon. It was breath-taking sharing this moment with friends and strangers, and it felt like we had the glowworms to ourselves. I never thought I would see so many of them, and because of their lifecycle, Henry tells us that each kayaking journey will see different patterns of glowworms too. 

Best Behaviour Rum Tasting

For something different during the day, check out the latest brew in town—Best Behaviour Rum. Built on barrel ageing with native ingredients, make a visit to their garage in Mount Maunganui on Thursdays to Saturdays (from 3-6pm). They’ve just opened up their tasting room over the summer, a space to check out the full range in a laid-back and behind-the-scenes tasting session. Word on the street is that the secret pizzeria pop-up Leopard Boy Pizza is making a regular appearance on Friday nights (just look for them down Walls Lane alley).

Where To Stay

Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Image credit: Trinity Wharf Tauranga | Supplied (Photography by Tastefully Studios for Tourism Bay of Plenty)

For a relaxing stay in Tauranga, look no further than Trinity Wharf. With views out to the water (especially on warmer nights with their infinity pool), and the bonus of being just a ten minute walk along the waterfront to The Strand or a ten minute drive to the Mount, the location (and views) are pretty hard to beat. Rooms are kitted out with Aoteaora’s very own Ashley & Co. bathroom amenities to feel luxuriously refreshed. Kick back and enjoy Trinity Wharf’s restaurant and bar offerings, while watching the sunset over the water. The menu is led by Executive Chef Rob Forsman (who has worked in hospitality for well over two decades, as well as having led kitchens like Jervois Steak House and Fed Deli back in Tāmaki Makaurau) and showcases Aotearoa produce and elevated, classic comforting go-to dishes. From 10-day dry-aged lamb rump with all the creamy spuds and jus trimmings, to kaimoana in the form of Clevedon Coast oysters or seafood pasta vongole, to name a few dishes on the menu (plus the restaurant is also open to the public). Come weekends, they also run high tea service every Friday to Sunday serving locally-made Webster’s Tea (we’re big fans of their peppermint blend with hibiscus, lemon myrtle and lemongrass).   

Tree Tops Loft by Beyonder

Image credit: Beyonder’s Tree Tops Loft | Supplied

If you’re in the Mount, keep an eye out for availability at Tree Tops Loft. New to Beyonder, slow-living stays, Tree Tops Loft is a surprisingly quiet oasis even though it’s on the main street. Set on the third floor amongst the views of trees, the loft feels like a getaway in itself—as soon as you step in, relaxed holiday-mode is switched on. With lush, well-thought out interior design details from Aotearoa designers, curators and makers (featuring statement pieces from Mount Maunganui’s Kayu Studio and dreamy wall shelving by Made of Tomorrow based in Tauranga), as well as a fully-equipped kitchen, dining and open-plan lounge space—this is dreamy inner-city living. The loft is separated into two spaces, with the bedrooms and second bathroom upstairs—so it really feels like you’re sleeping amongst the trees. With comfortable and cosy beds with various linen textures (plus a spritz of calming room fragrance from Second Nature Botanicals, handmade in Tauranga), this is exactly the place to unwind after a big day.

Hungry for more adventures in Aotearoa? Check out:

• Eat, Play and Stay in Marlborough
• Take the ferry to Waiheke with our picks on what to do
• Experience dinner in the clouds—at Chefs Table At The Blue Duck

Main Image Credit: Aerial view of Tauranga and Tauranga harbour | Supplied (Tourism Bay of Plenty)