36°50′S 175°35′E / 36.833°S 175.583°E / -36.833; 175.583
45-740: The Wheao River is a river of the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island . An upper tributary of the Rangitaiki River , it flows predominantly north through the Kaingaroa Forest to reach the Rangitaiki south of Murupara . "Place name detail: Wheao River" . New Zealand Gazetteer . New Zealand Geographic Board . Retrieved 12 July 2009 . 38°34′S 176°39′E / 38.567°S 176.650°E / -38.567; 176.650 This article about
90-696: A stingray , with the Wellington Region being its head, the Northland Peninsula its tail, and Coromandel Peninsula its barb or spine. The English-language name for the peninsula comes from HMS Coromandel (originally named HMS Malabar ), a ship of the British Royal Navy that stopped at Coromandel Harbour in 1820 to buy kauri spars. The ship was named for the Coromandel Coast of India. The peninsula
135-698: A part of the Northern Districts cricket region and the Midlands hockey region. Coromandel Peninsula The Coromandel Peninsula ( Māori : Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui ) on the North Island of New Zealand extends 85 kilometres (53 mi) north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty , forming a natural barrier protecting the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames in the west from
180-509: A river in the Hawke's Bay Region is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Bay of Plenty region The Bay of Plenty Region is a local government region in the North Island of New Zealand. Also called just the Bay of Plenty ( BOP ), it is situated around the marine bight of that same name . The bay was named by James Cook after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages there, in stark contrast to
225-471: A vital industry in the 1950s, with radiata pine being planted during the early 20th century. Forestry is commercially planted and managed, mostly using planted foreign tree species, and timber is sent to the Port of Tauranga for export. Geothermal activity is a source of tourism, and geothermal energy is emerging as a major regional source of electricity. Tourism is the other notable industry, accounting for 15% of
270-546: Is a popular domestic tourism destination, and also becoming popular internationally. Whale watching has become a popular attraction as the number of whales such as blue whales and humpback whales migrating into bay waters began to recover. The Bay of Plenty Region has 227 kilometres (141 mi) of rail network and 4,460 kilometres (2,770 mi) of roads. The main rail line is the East Coast Main Trunk Railway , which extends from Hamilton in
315-527: Is being planned and constructed in Tauranga to join with its current network spanning on the western side of the city. The NZ Transport Agency , in conjunction with Environment Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty District Councils, is planning to build an Eastern Motorway bypassing Te Puke, a Western Motorway bypassing Ōmokoroa and a smaller Southern Motorway. The Bay of Plenty
360-723: Is highly seasonal, with many Aucklanders having holiday homes in the Coromandel. During the summer holiday period around Christmas and New Year, visiting families and travellers from around the North Island add significantly to activity in the area, particularly in Whangamatā, Whitianga, Matarangi, Tairua and Pauanui. The peninsula is a popular place to live for people who have chosen an alternative lifestyle , especially those who have left Auckland. The 1970s saw thousands of hippies relocate from large cities around New Zealand to
405-412: Is now a popular tourist destination. Most mining ceased around the 1980s. In late 2009, New Zealand's Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee ( National Party ) noted that there was a possibility of new mining in conservation areas, even though he had previously declared that a stocktake of mineral resources in protected areas did not indicate a desire to mine there. A forest park occupies much of
450-723: Is part of the Thames-Coromandel District and the Waikato Region . The Māori name for the peninsula is Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui , meaning "the barb of Māui's fish". This comes from the legend of Māui and the Fish , in which the demigod uses his hook to catch a great fish (Te Ika-a-Māui or the North Island) from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. In Hauraki Māori tradition, the fish is likened to
495-723: Is represented in several domestic sporting competitions. The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union oversees the Bay of Plenty Steamers , who play in the Mitre10 Cup . The Steamers are also a feeder club for the Chiefs who play in the Super Rugby competition. The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic compete in the ANZ Championship in netball , having previously played in the National Bank Cup . Bay of Plenty also makes up
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#1732786704625540-487: Is steep and hilly and largely covered in bush . The Coromandel Range forms the spine for most of the peninsula, with the Moehau Range at the northern end providing the highest point at nearly 900 metres (3,000 ft). The large Great Barrier Island , which lies beyond the northern tip, can be thought of as an extension of the ranges. The island is separated from Cape Colville on the peninsula's northern coast by
585-421: Is the conurbation of the city of Tauranga and its neighbour Mount Maunganui in the west. The town of Whakatāne is located in the centre of the coast. Other towns of note include Waihi Beach , Katikati , Maketu , Pukehina Beach and Ōpōtiki . Most of the population along the coast is concentrated in the western and central parts of the shore; the eastern part is sparsely populated hill country. The region has
630-474: Is the site of a geothermal power plant that will reportedly meet up to one third of residential and industrial electricity demand in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Whakaari/White Island, the site of a former sulfur-mining operation, is an active volcanic island popular with tourists. The eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 and the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake were two disasters related to geological activity in
675-879: The 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 25,641 people (8.3%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 66,399 people (24.8%) since the 2013 census . There were 163,203 males, 170,004 females and 939 people of other genders in 120,057 dwellings. 2.3% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 39.7 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 66,453 people (19.9%) aged under 15 years, 57,576 (17.2%) aged 15 to 29, 145,197 (43.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 64,911 (19.4%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 71.9% European ( Pākehā ); 30.6% Māori ; 4.3% Pasifika ; 8.8% Asian ; 1.2% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.1% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
720-512: The Colville Channel . Although the peninsula is close to large centres of population such as Auckland to the west and Tauranga to the southeast, its rugged nature means that much of it is relatively isolated, and the interior and northern tip are both largely undeveloped and sparsely inhabited. The Coromandel Forest Park covers much of the inland part of the peninsula. Numerous small islands and island groups lie offshore, such as
765-572: The Lakes of Rotorua . Much of the central part of the region lies within the Taupo Volcanic Zone , which extends from the centre of the North Island northwards to Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic mountains and lakes, geothermal areas and geological fault lines all dot the landscape. The geothermal region around Rotorua is a major tourist site, while many hot springs in the region are used as swimming areas. The geothermal field near Kawerau
810-731: The Motukawao Islands to the northwest, the Aldermen Islands and Slipper Island to the southeast, and the Mercury Islands to the northeast. The peninsula shows considerable signs of past volcanism. It comprises the eroded remnants of the Coromandel Volcanic Zone , which was highly active during the Miocene and Pliocene periods. Volcanic activity has since primarily shifted southeast to
855-431: The Taupo Volcanic Zone , although Mayor Island some 25 km to the east was recently active. Geothermal activity is still present on the peninsula, with hot springs in several places, notably at Hot Water Beach (in the central east coast between Whitianga and Tairua ) and near Te Aroha . Owing to the nature of the land, much of the Coromandel's population clusters in a small number of towns and communities along
900-853: The Waikato region to Kawerau via Tauranga, with the Murupara Branch Railway extending the Kawerau terminus to Murupara, and the Mount Maunganui Branch connecting the Mount Maunganui terminus with the East Coast Main Trunk. The rail network is used exclusively for freight. The hub of regional economic activity is the Port of Tauranga, with well-established rail and road connections to other parts of
945-404: The Coromandel in search of an environmentally friendly lifestyle associated with the counterculture back-to-the-land movement . As of 2010 , increasing numbers of affluent Aucklanders have started moving to the Coromandel. Population density decreases with both distance from the coast and distance north. Of the main population centres, only Coromandel, Colville, Matarangi and Whitianga lie in
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#1732786704625990-604: The North Island, from the base of the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east. The region extends 12 nautical miles from the mainland coastline, and also extends from the coastlines of several islands in the bay, notably Mayor Island/Tuhua , Mōtītī Island , Whale Island and the active volcano of Whakaari/White Island . It extends inland to the sparsely populated forest lands around Rotorua and Murupara . The region has more than 200 square kilometres (77 sq mi) of lakes, known as
1035-512: The Pacific Ocean to the east. It is 40 kilometres (25 mi) wide at its broadest point. Almost its entire population lives on the narrow coastal strips fronting the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty. In clear weather the peninsula is clearly visible from Auckland , the country's biggest city, which lies on the far shore of the Hauraki Gulf, 55 kilometres (34 mi) to the west. The peninsula
1080-425: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 42,465 (15.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 145,284 (54.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 66,879 (25.0%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 39,000, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 26,280 people (9.8%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
1125-479: The centre of the peninsula, and the coasts are dotted with numerous beaches and scenic views. Evidence of the region's geothermal origins can be found in hot springs , notably at Hot Water Beach on the peninsula's east coast. The town of Whangamatā is a popular holiday retreat, and Whitianga on Mercury Bay is renowned for its yachting . The peninsula's waters are also a popular destination for scuba divers . Cathedral Cove , named for its cathedral-like arch through
1170-526: The earlier observations he had made in Poverty Bay . The Bay of Plenty had an estimated resident population of 354,100 as of June 2024, and is the fifth-most populous region in New Zealand. It also has the third-highest regional population density in New Zealand, with only the 11th-largest land area. The major population centres are Tauranga , Rotorua and Whakatāne . The Bay of Plenty is one of
1215-478: The fastest growing regions in New Zealand: the regional population increased by 7.5% between 2001 and 2006, with significant growth along the coastal and western parts, and grew by 8.3% between 2018 and 2023. It has the second-largest Māori population in New Zealand, with over 30% of its population being of Māori descent, and the second-highest number of Māori speakers in the country. The Bay of Plenty also has
1260-794: The inland parts of the region. The Kaingaroa Forest is the world's largest planted forest, comprising radiata pine mainly used for timber. The Bay of Plenty Region has warm, humid summers and mild winters. It is one of the warmest regions in New Zealand, particularly along the coastline, and most areas experience at least 2,200 hours of sunshine per annum. Average daily maximum temperatures range from 10 to 16 °C (50 to 61 °F) in winter and 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F) in summer. Typical minima vary from 0 to 9 °C (32 to 48 °F) in winter and 11 to 17 °C (52 to 63 °F) during summer. Rainfall occurs more frequently in winter than in summer, but tropical storms in summer and autumn can produce heavy rain with high winds. Central parts of
1305-413: The largest number of iwi of any region. There are 35 local iwi, 260 hapū and 224 marae, with the most significant iwi being Te Arawa , Ngāi Tūhoe , Ngāti Awa and Te Whakatōhea . Significant horticultural, forestry and tourism industries are well established in the region. However, the Bay of Plenty is the third-most economically deprived region in New Zealand, with the eastern districts being among
1350-593: The least economically developed in the country. The Bay of Plenty Region as a local government area was formed in the nationwide 1989 local government reforms . The new region incorporated the former counties of Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakātane and Ōpōtiki. Bay of Plenty Regional Council oversees regional land use, environmental management and civil defence. The region wholly includes the territorial authority areas of Western Bay of Plenty District , Tauranga City , Whakatāne District , Kawerau District , and Ōpōtiki District , and parts of Rotorua Lakes District and
1395-614: The least economically developed in the country. The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of Bay of Plenty was estimated at NZ$ 17.24 billion in the year to March 2019, 5.7% of New Zealand's national GDP. The subnational GDP per capita was estimated at $ 53,700 in the same period. In the year to March 2018, primary industries contributed $ 1.89 billion (11.6%) to the regional GDP, goods-producing industries contributed $ 3.24 billion (20.0%), service industries contributed $ 9.72 billion (59.8%), and taxes and duties contributed $ 1.39 billion (8.6%). Agriculture , natural resources and tourism are
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1440-404: The limestone cliff, is a popular destination, only accessible by boat or on foot. In recent years, dolphins and more coast-loving whales are appearing along the coasts as their numbers began to recover, such as southern right whale , Bryde's whale and humpback whale . The towns are connected by State Highways 25 and 25A , which form a circuit around the peninsula. Not all of the roads on
1485-478: The major industries. Most (96 per cent) of the region is defined as 'rural', with 22% of land usage representing farm land and 38% representing nature reserve land. The most common agricultural land uses are horticulture , dairy , grazing and sheep farming. The region has over 11,500 hectares of horticultural land, predominantly producing kiwifruit and avocadoes . The region also has an abundance of coastal, forestry and geothermal resources. Forestry emerged as
1530-573: The north of the peninsula, and much of the inland parts remain virtually uninhabited. Prior to contact with Europeans, the Tahanga Quarries of Ōpito Bay were an important source of basalt ( karā or pakawera ), which Māori used in the production of stone tools such as adzes (particularly during the Māori Archaic period (1300–1500)). The area was once known largely for its hard-rock gold mining and kauri forestry industries, but
1575-521: The peninsula are sealed (i.e. are gravel roads ) notably the 309 Road , which connects Coromandel Town and Whitianga. Some hire car companies have contracts that specifically exclude driving on these roads. A passenger ferry runs from Ferry Landing to Whitianga, providing direct access to the shops and restaurants of Whitianga for pedestrians and cyclists based in Cook's Beach, Flaxmill Bay, Front Beach, and Ferry Landing. The ferry takes only 5 minutes to cross
1620-409: The region can receive up to 2,000 millimetres (79 in) of rainfall annually, while the eastern and western areas can receive up to 4,000 millimetres (160 in). Bay of Plenty Region covers 12,071.55 km (4,660.85 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 355,200 as of June 2024, with a population density of 29 people per km . Bay of Plenty Region had a population of 334,140 in
1665-544: The region's GDP from March 2000 to 2004. Overall economic growth in the Bay of Plenty averaged 2.1% between March 2000 and 2004, compared with the national rate of 3.5%, although per capita real GDP growth in the five years to March 2003 matched the national growth rate at an averaged 2.3%. In the 2013 Census, the median annual income was $ 26,200, below the national median of $ 28,500. Further, 39.3% of people aged 15 years or older earned an annual income of less than $ 20,000, compared with 38.2% of people nationally. Unemployment
1710-549: The region. The three commercial airports are Tauranga Airport , Rotorua Airport and Whakatane Airport . Car travel remains the dominant form of transport in the region. In 2002, the number of vehicles owned in the region was 189,000, with an average of 1.51 vehicles per household. There are public transport bus services in Tauranga and Rotorua only. Significant growth in the Western Bay of Plenty District has seen increased strain on road infrastructure, particularly with increasing traffic congestion in Tauranga. A new highway network
1755-553: The southeastern and southwestern coasts. Only five towns have populations of over 1000 ( Coromandel , Whitianga , Thames , Tairua , and Whangamatā ), and of these only Thames, with 7,440 people, and Whitianga, with 6,540 people, have populations of over 5000. Several small towns dot the coast of the Firth of Thames in the southwest. Other small towns on the peninsula include Te Puru , Matarangi , Whangapoua , Whiritoa , Hikuai , Port Jackson, Port Charles, Tairua , Pauanui and Colville . The population of several of these centres
1800-403: The third-highest regional population density in New Zealand, with only the 11th-largest land area. The major population centres are Tauranga , Rotorua and Whakatāne . Significant horticultural , forestry and tourism industries are well established in the region. However, the Bay of Plenty is the third-most economically deprived region in New Zealand, with the eastern districts being among
1845-456: The town of Rangitaiki in Taupō District . Public health in New Zealand is broken into regions. The Bay of Plenty and Lakes district health boards have public health provided by Toi Te Ora – Public Health. The Bay of Plenty Region covers 12,200 km (4,700 sq mi) of land and 9,500 km (3,700 sq mi) of coastal marine area. It extends along the eastern coast of
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1890-525: The volcanic plateau. Prominent volcanic cones in the region include Mount Maunganui , Mount Tarawera and Mount Edgecumbe/Putauaki . These features also have cultural significance to local Māori. The Kaimai and Mamaku mountain ranges lie at the western border of the region. Swamp land was formerly concentrated around a number of rivers, but much of this was dredged in the early part of the 20th century to increase land for settlement and other uses. Large native and foreign (planted) forest areas are found in
1935-465: Was at 9.0% of people 15 years or older, compared with 7.1% nationally. The Bay of Plenty Region is a popular holiday destination due to the warm and sunny summer climate and public beaches. The region received over 645,000 tourists in 2003, equivalent to one in three visitors to New Zealand coming to the region. Rotorua is a popular destination for international visitors, in particular the surrounding geothermal areas and Māori cultural centres. Tauranga
1980-556: Was spoken by 96.2%, Māori language by 9.0%, Samoan by 0.4% and other languages by 10.3%. No language could be spoken by 2.1% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 20.6, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 30.4% Christian , 1.3% Hindu , 0.3% Islam , 3.7% Māori religious beliefs , 0.6% Buddhist , 0.4% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 2.7% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 53.4%, and 7.4% of people did not answer
2025-400: Was that 129,156 (48.2%) people were employed full-time, 37,209 (13.9%) were part-time, and 9,216 (3.4%) were unemployed. The region has smaller populations of Pasifika and Asians than other regions. The Bay of Plenty is the fifth-most populous region in New Zealand, accounting for 6.7% of the national population. The coast is dotted with several sizeable settlements, the largest of which
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