Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui, Western Bay
2-3 hours -
Easy level
Taking a Kewpie Cruise from Pilot Bay in Mount Maunganui is one of the best value activities for families in the Western Bay, as it’s free for children under 12. After enjoying the views of Mauao from the boat, ask the crew if you can hop off at Matakana Island and explore this stunningly biodiverse whenua, carefully looked after by the kaitiaki of the island, with more than 100 native plants growing in abundance!
Native flora:
More than 100 native plant species grow on Matakana Island.
Mana whenua:
Ngai Te Rangi.