Thornton Beach is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Bay of Plenty and other popular areas close by. There are many options for a great family day out while staying with us. Whakatane, Te Puke, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are all within an hour's drive. New Zealand's number one tourist attraction Rotorua can be reached in an hour and a half and stunning Lake Taupo is only two hours away.
Tauranga and the Mount
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Tauranga and Mount Maunganui in the Western Bay of Plenty are great options for a day out. The vivacious harbour town of Tauranga is New Zealand's fastest growing city. Every type of entertainment, shopping and culinary experience you would expect of a modern city is here. It's big city lifestyle at Tauranga's own pace. Mount Maunganui is most famous for the fantastic beaches and excellent cafes, restaurants and bars complement the stunning scenery. There is great shopping on offer and the Mount also boasts New Zealand's first artificial Surf Reef. When construction is fully completed, it will provide world-class surfing conditions. There is always something going on in Tauranga or at the Mount. The huge cruise ships that visit in the summer months are a spectacular sight. There are triathlons, beach volleyball and netball competitions, boat racing, life saving events and much more to enjoy. And every Easter, the annual Montana Jazz festival hits town. This 4-day festival draws thousands of visitors to party and enjoy the sounds of live jazz performers. It's not to be missed. Te Puke
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Get a slice of happiness in New Zealand's kiwi fruit capital Te Puke. The kiwifruit, a national icon, is one of New Zealand's major export products and the story of its success is a real testament to kiwi ingenuity. Kiwi360 in Te Puke is a great place to find out all there is to know about this fruit. Take a tour, enjoy the kiwifruit based food and beverages and visit the shop full off wonderful New Zealand products. Another great place to visit in Te Puke is the Vintage Auto Barn next door to Kiwi360. Here's your chance to view over 100 vintage & classic vehicles. You'll find cars that date back to the early 1900's and VW's from the Flower Power days side by side. It's one of New Zealand's few vintage car displays where you may get really close to the vehicles. All cars are in working condition and are regularly used. Or bee fascinated with the home of natural health and bee products at the Comvita Visitor Centre at the Junction on SH33. Discover the magic of the honey bee while watching the bees busy with their work in live bee hives. Knowledgeable guides will answer your questions. Manuka Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly and other great products are available from the Comvita gift shop.
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