The typically New Zealand small town of Te Puke has an outsize reputation courtesy of a fuzzy green-fleshed fruit – this is the centre of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. Every September the town celebrates with a Kiwifruit Festival and visitors wanting to find out about this famous New Zealand agricultural export can visit Kiwi 360˚ - a popular kiwifruit-themed visitor attraction. Situated amidst kiwifruit orchards and just a short drive from white-sand beaches and the bustling centres of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, Te Puke is a good base for exploring the Bay of Plenty.

Sights & Destinations in Te Puke

Kiwi 360˚

This popular attraction lies at the epicentre of New Zealand kiwifruit production – the microclimate here produces what are arguably the best kiwifruit in the world! Jump aboard a KiwiKart and take a guided tour of a kiwifruit orchard to discover how this delicious fruit is grown.

Maketu

Just 15 minutes’ drive from Te Puke, Maketu is a beach community steeped in history – this is the landing place of Te Awawa, one of the original canoes to bring Maori from the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. Look for the memorial on the foreshore. As well as the popular beach, the other draw-card at Maketu is the famous local pie-maker. Maketu Pies are known throughout the Bay of Plenty and beyond, even finding their way into some Auckland supermarkets!

Paengaroa

South of Te Puke, on State Highway 2 to Rotorua, lies Paengaroa. Within easy reach of this small rural village are numerous activities, from a golf course to a honeybee visitor centre.

Royden Downs Bush and Farm Walks

This hill country farm has gradually been developed and reforested over the past 45 years. Take a walk through farmland and through native forest, paddle in the streams or enjoy a picnic or BBQ. Camp overnight and see the glow-worms. Entry is by donation.

Activities in Te Puke

Walking and hiking

Head to Royden Downs Bush and Farm Walks for a gentle country stroll. Otawa Scenic Reserve in the Papamoa Hills, midway between Te Puke and Papamoa, is a beautiful native forest reserve. There are numerous walks to choose from here, from the 15-minute walk from Manoeka Road to Te Puke’s original water reservoir to the four-hour hike from Upper Papamoa Road to Manoeka Road.

Kiwi 360˚

Visit Te Puke’s famous visitor attraction for an insight into how kiwifruit are produced. There’s also a café and shop selling New Zealand products.

Beaches

Te Puke is located just 10 minutes’ drive from three beautiful white-sand surf beaches – Maketu, Papamoa and Pukehina – offering opportunities for boating, fishing or swimming.

Adventure activities

The nearby Spring Loaded Fun Park is a hotbed of adventure, offering jet-boating, four-wheel-driving and scenic helicopter flights.

Horse riding

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding down a beach on horseback, this is an excellent place to try it. Maketu is home to an excellent horse-trekking operator with access to trails across hundreds of acres.

Golf

Te Puke Golf Club is an irrigated 18-hole course set in lush grounds dotted with native trees and only five minutes from the Pacific Ocean. The excellent facilities include a pro shop, practice green, driving range, changing rooms, café and bar.