The Best Places to Stay in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Explore the north coast of the North Island from these bases
Explore the north coast of the North Island from these bases | Courtesy of Tuscany Villas Whakatane Boutique Hotel / Expedia
Thalita Alves

The Bay of Plenty in New Zealand is a popular summer destination. From secret beaches to geothermal wonders and picturesque harbourside cities, the area is filled with interesting places to explore. If you’re passing through, here are our top picks for places to stay in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand – now bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Prince's Gate Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Room with double and single bed at Princes Gate Boutique Hotel with striped wallpaper, draped curtains and floral bedding
Courtesy of Prince's Gate Boutique Hotel / Expedia

This historic Bay of Plenty boutique accommodation is located right in the heart of Rotorua. Besides being within close walking distance from iconic attractions like the Government Gardens, the Princes Gate Hotel features a number of elegant facilities that are bound to make your stay as comfortable as it can be: including two dining venues, a bar, a private thermal heated pool, and a collection of ornate estate rooms, designer rooms and assorted suites to accommodate all tastes and budgets.

2. Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Hotel

Double bedroom at Trinity Wharf Tauranga with large windows and doors overlooking the water
Courtesy of Trinity Wharf Tauranga / Expedia

If you’re looking for a picturesque, waterfront-facing hotel in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga’s Trinity Wharf is one of the Bay of Plenty’s best offerings. Room options range from two-bedroom apartments with expansive garden views to tranquil guestrooms that enjoy some of the finest harbourside vistas. Trinity Wharf also features an all-day al fresco dining restaurant as well as function venues for weddings and conferences.

3. Oceanside Resort and Twin Towers

Resort, Hotel

Simple double bedroom with a sofa and floral armchair at Oceanside Resort and Twin Towers
Courtesy of Oceanside Resort and Twin Towers / Expedia

The Oceanside Resort and Twin Towers is a beachfront accommodation in the Bay of Plenty that prominently sits in the midst of Mount Maunganui. Owned and operated by the same family since 1997, the hotel has, over the years, become a landmark in its own right – not only as a fixture of the local skyline but also because of its reputation as the go-to for conferences and holidays. Along with an incredibly convenient location, the hotel offers a nice selection of apartment suites with lovely seaside vistas.

5. Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort

Resort, Hotel

Long and thin swimming pool with deck outside Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort
Courtesy of Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort / Booking.com

Waihi Beach is a coastal town known for being the gateway into the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel regions. The Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort sits just off State Highway Two, which connects these two desirable sea-side areas, and enjoys direct access to the beach from its parkland location. This budget-friendly option features resort-like motel units, a range of self-contained rooms, plus cabins and campsites for those searching for the ideal, low-key getaway.

6. Ohope Beach Resort

Resort, Hotel

Living room with leather sofas and chairs and a balcony overlooking the ocean at Ohope Beach Resort
Courtesy of Ohope Beach Resort

Ohope Beach is a popular summer destination in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. If you want to add a bit of luxury to your sun-kissed holiday, the Ohope Beach Resort will be right up your alley. Guests are invited to choose between a two-bedroom apartment or a penthouse unit, in a complex with magnificent panoramas that stretch from the pristine coastlines of the Ohiwa Harbour to the rolling hills of the Urewera Range. The resort also includes various first-class facilities – from swimming pools and tennis courts to a sauna and gym.

7. Tuscany Villas Whakatane Boutique Hotel

Hotel

Double bedroom at Tuscany Villas Whakatane Boutique Hotel with cream walls, white linen and flowers on a small table
Courtesy of Tuscany Villas Whakatane Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Located right in the town centre of Whakatane, Tuscany Villas Whakatane Boutique Hotel brings a touch of Italian indulgence to its peaceful Bay of Plenty setting. There are six types of rooms to choose from, including modern deluxe studios, luxurious spa suites, family bedroom suites and a romantic Super King suite. The hotel also has its own in-house Giordano’s Winebar and Italian BBQ restaurant, which offers plenty of rustic flavours during the summer season.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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