Stretching from Waihī Beach through to Ōmokoroa, Tauranga and the Mount, the Bay of Plenty is a region that lives up to its name. It's where long days at the beach meet long-term investment potential. With strong population growth, ongoing development and a relaxed pace of life, it's a magnet for families, retirees, remote workers and professionals alike. And with Barfoot & Thompson branches across the area, we’re here to help you make the most of it.
If life had a “sunset mode,” the Bay of Plenty would be it. Locals tend to set their own pace – early morning dips, a leisurely coffee without the queues, and afternoons that stretch into evenings without feeling rushed. Fresh air and outdoor time play a big part in daily life, whether that’s a stroll on the beach, a kayak on the harbour or a bike ride through the bush.
The climate plays its part, but so does the way the region is laid out. Town centres, schools, sports grounds and coastal access sit close together, making life feel easy and connected. It’s not slow, and it’s definitely not sleepy. It’s practical, balanced and intentional – delivering the kind of lifestyle that quietly holds its ground.
One of the Bay of Plenty’s real strengths is the range of communities packed into a relatively compact stretch of coast and hinterland. From beach towns to rural centres to a growing city core, each place has its own rhythm – and a strong sense of identity.
Along the coast, Waihī Beach, Bowentown, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa are shaped by the ocean and by people who know their neighbours. Head slightly inland and the vibe changes. Katikati, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke offer a more village-style pace, with schools, sports clubs and local businesses anchoring daily life.
At the centre of it all sits Tauranga – the region’s commercial and service hub – while rural pockets like Whakamarama and Aongatete add breathing room, lifestyle blocks and long-standing community ties, all within easy reach of the city.
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Life’s well covered here – and improving all the time. In terms of healthcare, Tauranga Hospital sits at the heart of the region, supported by medical centres, GP clinics, dentists and pharmacies across Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Te Puke, Katikati and Ōmokoroa. Private clinics and specialist services continue to expand alongside population growth.
For shopping and day-to-day essentials, you don’t have to travel far. Tauranga Crossing, Bayfair and the Mount town centre handle big-name retail, groceries and dining, while local town centres keep things practical with supermarkets, bakeries, hardware stores and services close to home. Katikati, Te Puke and Waihī all punch above their weight for local convenience.
Add in libraries, community hubs, sports facilities and aquatic centres across the region, and you’ve got a setup that supports a growing, varied population without losing its ease.
Generally manageable – with a few known pressure points. Tauranga is the region’s main employment hub, and like any growing city, it experiences peak-time congestion, particularly on key routes in and out of the city and around the harbour crossings. Having said that, many residents still enjoy relatively short daily trips – and outside peak hours, travel is typically straightforward.
Population growth is driving change. Major roading upgrades and transport projects are underway to ease congestion. Public transport options continue to expand, and flexible work hours, hybrid roles and remote work are now common, helping many locals sidestep the worst of peak traffic altogether.
There’s a strong mix of schooling options across the region, from well-regarded public schools to private and independent alternatives.
Primary schools throughout Katikati, Ōmokoroa, the Mount, Papamoa and Te Puke are typically community-focused and well supported, with many families drawn to their local feel and strong day-to-day involvement.
At secondary level, long-established colleges like Tauranga Boys’ College and Tauranga Girls’ College remain popular, alongside Mount Maunganui College, Papamoa College, Ōmokoroa College and Katikati College, each serving fast-growing communities with a broad range of academic, sporting and vocational pathways.
Private and integrated options add further choice, including ACG Tauranga, Bethlehem College and Aquinas College, giving families access to international, faith-based and alternative learning environments.
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Varied, spacious and built around lifestyle. Across the region you’ll find everything from classic beach houses and established family homes to contemporary builds designed for easy, indoor–outdoor living. Sections tend to be more generous than big-city norms, and sunlight, decks and garden space are very much part of the brief.
Beyond the urban areas, lifestyle and rural properties feature strongly. Think orchards, lifestyle blocks and semi-rural homes offering space, privacy and room to breathe – often just a short drive from town or the coast. It’s a popular option for those wanting the best of both worlds.
New developments continue to add choice, including townhouses and master-planned communities, while retirement living is well catered for with a wide range of villages and age-friendly options. Overall, the Bay of Plenty offers flexibility – whether you’re after land, low maintenance, coastal living or long-term value.
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The Bay of Plenty is an outdoor playground with personality. Fishing, boating and time on the harbour are staples, whether that’s launching early for a snapper mission, cruising the coast or spending summer days skiing and wakeboarding on nearby lakes like Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. Easy access to ramps, marinas and calm waterways makes getting out there easy.
On land, walking and cycling options are just as strong. The base track around Mauao is a local favourite, while longer rides take in sections of the Motu Trails or forest tracks through Whakarewarewa Forest. Golf courses, surf beaches and river trails round out the mix.
And when you feel like doing something a bit different, the region delivers – from wildlife and dolphin cruises to glow-worm kayak tours at dusk, scenic flights and guided river adventures. So much on offer!
Life here has a strong social rhythm, and it doesn’t revolve around malls or motorways. Weekends might mean sunrise walks around Mauao, a long lunch at a vineyard or brewery, or a casual catch-up that turns into dinner without much planning.
There’s a solid events calendar too. Food and wine festivals, surf competitions, night markets and outdoor concerts pop up through the warmer months, while fixtures like the Zespri AIMS Games, Tauranga Arts Festival and seasonal community fairs bring the wider region together. They’re big enough to feel buzzy, but still local enough to run into people you know.
Evenings tend to stay relaxed. Think casual dining at the Mount, live music in town, quiz nights, food trucks, cinema under the stars, or a sunset drink by the water. It’s social without being frantic – with the bonus that home is never far away, and usually a lot calmer than the city you left behind.
Ready to enjoy more of your weekends? Talk to a Bay of Plenty local →
