Tourism

Tourism is the fastest growing local industry and presents plenty of investment opportunities. The Eastern Bay of Plenty’s spectacular inland and coastal attractions, including marine volcano White Island, have encouraged the growth of tourism, with local marketing activities helping to lift visitor numbers and strengthen the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s economy.

Stunning beaches, big game and in-shore fishing, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and activities such as swimming with dolphins make the region highly attractive as a holiday destination. The former timber town of Murupara boasts some of the best trout fishing rivers in the entire North Island, while Te Urewera National Park, home of the Tuhoe people and magnificent Whirinaki Forest Park, provides superb tramping, camping, hunting and horse trekking opportunities.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty is also host to numerous sports/adventure events which bring large numbers of competitors, family and supporters to the area. Kawerau, in particular, is becoming well-known as a centre for kayaking, with national events held on a world-class whitewater course on the Tarawera River. Other rivers throughout the region offer exhilarating kayaking experiences to suit all levels of experience.