Why choose to live in the Bay of Plenty?
David Sims
| Last Updated: September 2023 If you’re on this page, it’s clear you’re wondering this: Why choose to live in the Bay of Plenty?
People choose to live in the Bay of Plenty in NZ’s North Island because of its natural beauty and plethora of outdoor activities. Here, people regularly wake up to the soothing sounds of waves, take a leisurely stroll through lush kiwifruit orchards, or enjoy a cup of coffee with a panoramic view of the majestic Mount Maunganui.
But before you pack your bags, join us as we dive into all aspects that may influence your decision to choose the Bay of Plenty as a place to live.
Natural Beauty
The Bay of Plenty is aptly named—it truly is a place of plenty, from orchards and beautiful beaches to lakes and forests. Below are some of the best places showing that.
- Kiwi Orchards
The kiwi orchards here stretch as far as the eye can see. These fruit-laden fields add to the bay’s visual appeal and ensure that residents have abundant fresh produce throughout the year.
- Mount Maunganui
No matter where you live in the bay, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of Mount Maunganui. Its peak is often shrouded in mist, which never fails to inspire awe.
- Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park
This park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and submerge yourself in nature. You’ll find many native plants and animals here, including kauri trees, kiwi, and tui.
Outdoor Activities
The Bay of Plenty is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From surfing at some of the country’s best beaches to hiking along its scenic trails, there’s always something to do here.
Here are a few of our favourite outdoor activities to do in the bay.
- Hiking
Over 1,000 hiking trails in the Bay of Plenty range from easy walks to challenging treks. Some popular hiking trails we’ve done include the Mount Tarawera Walk and the Redwoods Treewalk.
- Biking
The Bay of Plenty is a great place to go biking, with various trails for mountain biking, road biking, and cycling. Some places and trails we like cycling are: within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, along the Waiotahi River Trail, and along the Te Puke Rail Trail.
- Surfing
The bay is home to some of the best surfing beaches in New Zealand, including Mount Maunganui, Papamoa Beach, and Waihi Beach. Whether a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll find a wave to suit your skill level.
- Fishing
The waters here are teeming with various species, making it a dream destination for anglers. We’ve caught snapper, kingfish, tarakihi, and kahawai.
Quality of Life
Choosing to live in the Bay of Plenty means choosing a life of comfort, convenience, and community. It’s a place where you can enjoy the benefits of modern living without the stress and hustle of city life.
The people here are known for their welcoming nature, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. Plus, from healthcare facilities to shopping centres and restaurants serving delicious local and international cuisine, you’ll find everything you need right at your doorstep.
Despite offering a high quality of life, the Bay of Plenty also remains an affordable place to live. Here are some average cost of living figures based off of livingcost.org to give you a glimpse of what to expect if you choose to live in the Bay of Plenty.
• 1-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre – NZD 1161 per month
• 3-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre – NZD 1520 per month
• Lunch at a Restaurant – NZD 13.5 on average per person
• Dinner at a Restaurant – NZD 61.5 on average for 2 people
• Beer in a pub – NZD 5.63 per pint
Employment Opportunities
Life in the Bay of Plenty means a diverse job market that offers a wealth of employment opportunities.
Agriculture, especially horticulture, is one of the key sectors driving employment in this region. The area’s rich soils and favourable climate have made it New Zealand’s leading producer of kiwifruit and avocados.
There are also many jobs in the tourism sector because of the bay’s stunning landscapes, beaches, and cultural attractions.
The Bay of Plenty is also home to thriving manufacturing and construction industries, offering roles ranging from skilled trades to engineering and project management.
Meanwhile, the region’s growing tech sector provides an increasing number of opportunities for IT professionals, digital marketers, and software developers.
Education
In the Bay of Plenty, education is highly valued. Schools here are known for their high academic standards and diverse curricula.
In addition, many schools incorporate Maori language and culture into their curriculum, promoting cultural diversity and mutual respect among students.
Housing Market
As of writing, the median house price in the Bay of Plenty is 790,000 NZD. This makes it an accessible market for first-time homebuyers and those looking to upgrade their living arrangements.
The Bay of Plenty’s housing market has also shown strong growth over the past decade, making it an excellent choice for property investors.
Moreover, the rental market in the Bay of Plenty is also fluorishing. The region’s steady stream of renters includes students, young professionals, and families.
Examples of properties on the housing and rental market are below:
- Beachfront Homes
- Modern Apartments
- Townhouses
- Farmhouses
- Country Homes
Accessibility
Whether commuting for work, embarking on a road trip, or running errands, getting around is easy and convenient in this region.
The Bay of Plenty boasts an extensive road network. Major highways like State Highway 2 and State Highway 29 provide smooth, direct routes to key destinations.
Public transport services are also efficient and well-managed in the Bay of Plenty. Regular bus services connect different parts of the town, and there are also community transport services for elderly and disabled residents.
Air travel is also convenient, with Tauranga Airport offering regular flights to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. This makes the Bay of Plenty easily accessible for those coming from other parts of the country and easy for residents to explore beyond their home base.
Cultural Experiences
One of the defining aspects of the Bay of Plenty’s cultural scene is its strong Maori heritage. The region is dotted with Marae (Maori meeting grounds) and other historically significant sites like the Elms, or Tauwhare Pa Scenic Reserve.
Many local events, festivals, and art exhibitions reflect Maori traditions, allowing residents to learn about and appreciate this vibrant culture.
Arts Culture
The Bay of Plenty is also known for its thriving arts scene. Local galleries like Tauranga Art Gallery and Pohutukawa Gallery showcase works from local and international artists, covering anything from paintings and sculptures to digital art.
Music Culture
For those who love music, the region hosts numerous concerts and music festivals throughout the year like NZ Blues & BBQ Festival. So, whether you prefer small intimate gigs or large outdoor concerts, there’s something for every music lover in the Bay of Plenty.
