Lakes and geothermal landscapes are among the defining features of Bay Of Plenty. The region also offers historical discoveries: remnants of gold mining and timber extraction are of interest to visitors. Nature and traces of earlier work thus offer distinct ways to explore the region. This range is useful when planning your trip: you can pursue landscape, cultural history and relaxation as separate interests, rather than assigning the region a single theme. The Elms in Tauranga, two named tracks and the Government Gardens in Rotorua illustrate this diversity through specific places and experiences.

Buildings and historical traces

At The Elms in Tauranga, the wooden library and mission house are the oldest known surviving buildings in Bay Of Plenty. Both buildings are of national significance because they reflect the early contact between the Church Missionary Society and Māori in the region. Their historical significance therefore goes beyond the age of the buildings: the surviving architecture is connected to the history of early encounters. For visitors interested in culture and regional history, this connection between the buildings and their historical significance is the central point.

Remnants of gold mining and timber extraction add to this view of the past. Here, the focus is not on two well-known buildings, but on traces of different activities. Together with the history of The Elms, they offer more than a single way to explore the region’s past: you can consider architectural landmarks and the remains of gold mining and timber extraction as distinct historical themes.

Trails with different points of interest

The Leyland O’Brien Tramline Track follows an old tramway along the headwaters of the Ngamuwahine River. It also connects Whakamarama Road with the North–South Track and is located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in Bay Of Plenty. Its route therefore has a historical connection: it follows the course of an earlier tramway and links two named points. Check DOC conditions before your trip.

The Tarawera Trail starts at the Te Wairoa car park on Tarawera Road and is located in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve. At Hawaiki Bay, it offers access to the lake as well as a picnic area with toilets. For orientation, the starting point and facilities are two separate details: Te Wairoa marks the start of the trail, while the lake access and picnic area are located at Hawaiki Bay. By contrast, the old tramway and its connection to the North–South Track shape the orientation for the Leyland O’Brien Tramline Track. These differences give you specific points to consider when choosing between the two trails.

Spa experiences in Rotorua

The Government Gardens in Rotorua offer another perspective. A therapeutic spa continues to provide relaxation in historic spa buildings. Unlike The Elms, where the buildings reflect early contact between the Church Missionary Society and Māori, the focus here is on the continued use of a spa in a historic setting. If you would like to include this in your travel plans, check the current facilities before visiting.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rotorua District, Western Bay of Plenty District, Whakatane District, Opotiki District, Tauranga District, Kawerau District, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay.

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