What to see and do in New Zealand

The Bay of Plenty, from Waihi Beach to Cape Runaway along the Pacific Coast Highway, has outstanding surf beaches, with Mt Maunganui and Ohope the most popular. The Bay of Plenty enjoys a sunny climate, ideal for growing avocados, kiwifruit, citrus and other subtropical fruits for which the region is famous. The entire bay offers magnificent waters for big-game fishing, and inland waterways host jet-boating. Other outdoor activities include kayaking, dolphin watching, white-water rafting, paragliding, trout fishing and hiking. Whakatane is one of New Zealand's richest farming and forestry regions. Volatile White Island is an active volcano off the coast. On occasions it bursts into life and spews ash into the atmosphere. The island is fast becoming known for scuba-diving adventures. Opotiki has the Waioeka Scenic Reserve where activities such as river rafting, swimming and canoeing are popular.