There is always something to do in Mount Maunganui - but if it’s a bit colder out there, or when you are in the mood for something else while staying at Capri on Pilot Bay, we are happy to give you a few suggestions for a day trip elsewhere. There is a lot more to the area than ‘just’ the Mount. 

 
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Red Woods

The history and culture surrounding the Whakarewarewa Forest, the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse range of exotic tree species, mix of native undergrowth, panoramic views, and proximity to lakes, thermal areas and the city centre have made The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures.

Over 5600 hectares of forest awaits you to enjoy and explore at your leisure. If you love the outdoors and want to experience nature at its best this area is definitely for you!

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Coromandel Peninsula

The beautiful and unspoiled Coromandel Peninsula is a popular place to visit for many of Capri on Pilot Bay's guests. Thames and Waihi, the gateways to the Coromandel on either side can be found at about an hour’s drive from Mount Maunganui so the region is an ideal choice for a day away.

The Coromandel is an area with majestic mountains and a stunning, isolated coastline vying with native bush and forests. 

There are some natural wonders here that you won’t see anywhere else in the world: Hot Water Beach near Hahei for instance, where you can sit back and relax in mineral hot spring salt water. 

If you love the unspoiled beauty of deserted beaches, places like Mercury Bay, Wilson Bay or Kennedy Bay are perfect destinations. Or take a trip to view the wonderful rock formations that make up Cathedral Cove.

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Hobbiton

Hobbiton™ Movie Set is an experience to tantalise the senses of visitors from all across the globe, as guests find themselves engulfed in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of The Shire™, at the home of the Hobbits™, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

The extraordinary following that the movies have amassed has led to our tours becoming a must see while travellers are in New Zealand. The Hobbiton Movie Set is the only set that remains intact from the trilogies, and that allows our visitors to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of The Shire.

Visitors are given the once in a lifetime opportunity to see an iconic movie set in its full glory; from wandering the rambling paths of The Shire, to seeing the submerged Hobbit Holes™ that litter the rolling hillsides.

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Thermal Wonderland

A trip to Rotorua is a must if you have the time, offering an intriguing mix of action activities, natural beauty, historical significance and geographical fascinations.

Rotorua's volcanic activity has drawn visitors to the region for generations and when it comes to things to do in Rotorua, no visit is complete without exploring its spectacular thermal parks and attractions.

You will be amazed by Rotorua's geothermal features including spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and colourful sinter terraces.

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Wine trails

There are some great, award winning wineries to visit in the Bay of Plenty. Two of them are based in Tauranga, and only 30-minutes by car from Mount Maunganui. Morton Estate and Millsreef both often organise wine tastings and they are fantastic venues for a lunch and/or dinner with a difference.

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Maori Culture

There are villages and marae that welcome visitors, allowing them to experience the traditional Maori welcome (powhiri), savour the fantastic flavours of a genuine hangi (cooked in an earth oven) and be entertained by the passion and power of Maori song and dance.

Hard to miss, Rotorua’s geo-thermal activity surrounds the city with a distinct sulphuric smell and its various attractions provide easy access to bubbling mud and gushing geysers amidst stunning lake and forest landscapes. 

Visiting some of the fabulous natural attractions in the area like Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Pohutu geyser, and the Buried Village of Te Wairoa will leave you with an everlasting impression. 
Feel the spirit!