Sun, Surf and Shop ‘til You Drop

Despite New Zealand's reputation as a romantic destination, it's not all European honeymoon suites and smooching couples in the Bay of Plenty. Girlfriends can enjoy soaking up the sun on Mont Maunganui Beach, take group surfing lessons from handsome instructors, or shop ‘til they drop in Tauranga Center. Home to numerous designers and retail stores, shopping can easily become the star of the show during a trip to the Bay of Plenty. Of course, you need to take a plane to find the closest Emporium Armani shop, but it definitely worth a visit.

Women visiting fashion outlets in the Downtown the Mount Shopping Centre, will have the opportunity to stock their wardrobes with seasonal fashions from leading designers. Clothing and accessories available in the boutique shops will tempt the discerning buyer to a point where you can no longer resist a purchase. The coastal Bay of Plenty (www.bayofplentynz.com), one of the country's top holiday destinations for Kiwis, offers a great mix of activities, scenic attractions, culture and top dining experiences. Whether you're after shopping, beach life or a bit of indulgence, the Bay of Plenty has all the bases covered.

SUN, SUN, SUN...

‘The Mount' is the colloquial term of affection for the volcanic cone that rises abruptly on the long sandy peninsula known as Mt. Maunganui.

This icon for lovers of sun, sand and surf, symbolises all the diverse pleasures to be had at this Kiwi holiday ‘hot spot'. Things like riding the perfect wave, body-surfing the shoreline break, lazing on the beach under clear blue skies, and chatting over coffee in a street café. The main shopping street is well supplied with quality retail outlets and the harbour bridge provides a direct link to Tauranga City.

For New Zealanders ‘The Mount' is synonymous with summer holidays and long lazy days on Ocean Beach. This marvellous beach continues as an unbroken stretch of sand for 15 km to Papamoa. From Mt. Maunganui's lofty summit you can see forever. To the west are the rugged Kaimai Ranges and out to sea, a faint plume of steam signals volcanic activity on White Island. On your descent, the soothing waters of a thermal saltwater pool await. If you prefer, you can swim in the clear sheltered waters on the harbour-side beaches by the ‘round the mountain' walking track.

Mt. Maunganui's action takes place on Ocean Beach where surf carnivals and special events are held regularly. There is a party atmosphere along the busy waterfront Strand where you will find a great selection of seafood restaurants, bars and cafés. Down by the port, there are many vessels offering trips and charters. You have a choice of scenic harbour cruises, fishing and scuba diving, or you may crave the excitement of reeling in a marlin.

‘The Mount' is the quintessential seaside resort with an irresistible draw for people who believe that ‘Life is a Beach'.

SURF, SURF, SURF... 
 

The experience of a lifetime... SURFING is FUN and easy to learn, it's for everyone. The New Zealand Surf School was founded at Mt Maunganui in the Summer of 2000 by Jim Hoare and Erica Gilbert. Jim and Erica wanted to share their passion with Surfing and the Ocean and make it accessible to everyone, with an emphasis towards Special Needs, Adaptive Surfing and ‘Youth at Risk'. Jim has over 25 years of surfing experience behind him, as well as being one of New Zealands snowboarding pioneers in the mid 80's as well as being one of New Zealands first Snow Boarding instructors.

They provide lessons that are lead by professional and experienced instructors, who are Surfing NZ certified and hold NZ Surf Lifesaving qualifications. They teach to you your level of experience, offering group or individual tuition, from beginners to advanced. The lesson times are: 10:00am,  12:00am, 2:00pm everyday, the season starts - November 1st - mid April, opposite Tay Street Marine Parade Mt Maunganui. The New Zealand Surf School offer a wide range of surfboards and wetsuits for the beginner and intermediate surfers, to hire by the hour or by the day.

SHOP, SHOP, SHOP 'TILL YOU DROP

Tucked behind The Strand in Tauranga, Grey Street and Devonport are the epicentre of local retail (map). You'll find numerous boutiques and chain stores in landscaped streets that are a pleasure to browse. Maunganui Road, running southeast from the foot of The Mount, is also full of good shops. A large, modern shopping centre - Bayfair - is located at the southern end of Mount Maunganui, while Bethlehem Town Centre, on the northwestern approach to Tauranga, is a brand-new outdoor shopping destination and Fashion Island at Papamoa is a good place to browse the clothing chain-stores.

In the beautiful Bay of Plenty you'll discover one of the best shopping centres in the country. Over 85 of the Bayfair is situated in the seaside resort of Mount Maunganui. With its central location Bayfair offers more than shopping, a day out - a lifestyle you could easily become accustomed to.

SHOP 'TILL YOU DROP