Nestled on the eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island, the Coastal Bay of Plenty region is known for it’s stunning beaches, many of them offering accessible beach matting, wheelchair beach chairs, and accessible board walks. There is plenty on offer to do as well. Check out our suggestions below, but as always make sure you ring ahead to make sure the activities and accommodation are accessible for you.
Wheelchair Adventures in Papamoa, Tauranga and Mt Maunganui
Mount Maunganui is packed with great things to see and do, places to eat and even the Bayfair Shopping Centre which has previously won the People’s Choice award for accessibility. Be warned though while there are plenty of accessible car parks at The Mount, it is a popular year-round destination so you might need to allow extra time to find one. A little further down the road is Papamoa Beach and it’s hard to resist as well, a little less busy than The Mount, it has a chilled beachside vibe and some neat cafés.
1. Wish4Fish
Wish4Fish is a registered charity dedicated to giving people with disabilities the chance to enjoy some of the best the Bay has to offer: fishing aboard their purpose-designed boat
You need to have registered with them to do so, it’s not just a regular book-in charter. Check ahead for suitability and keep an eye on the weather too, but what a great experience.
3. Archery - Tauranga Archers
Tauranga Archers provides a “Have A Go Day” to the public at least once a month. It runs for 2 hours and is for all ages 11yrs +.
4. Waimarino Kayak Tours
Waimarino Kayak tours offers a great evening glowworm kayaing experience. Waimarino Kayak tours have worked with Making Trax to make their tours as inclusive as possible, with a support seat.
5. V8 Trike Tours Tauranga
Or how about a pillion ride on a V8 Trike Tour? Their Trikes are low to the ground and are accessible for those in a wheelchair, it does require being lifted into the trike from your wheelchair but the owners are more than happy to help.
All of the above of course are ‘stretch’ activities that will need the usual checking with the owners around your needs. After something a little less challenging but no less enjoyable?
6. KatiKati Bird Gardens
KatiKati Bird Gardens is a place of wonder. Wide (1.4m) and flat paths make the going easy.
7. Tauranga Art Gallery
If you’re an art fan that the Tauranga Art Gallery is the place for you. The Tauranga Art Gallery is free entry, The Gallery is wheelchair friendly, with large doorways, a lift to the second floor and it has accessible toilets on the ground level.
8. The Mount Hot Pools
Depending on how you feel about bathing, you can enjoy a truly relaxing experience at the recently reopened The Mount Hot Pools. They offer accessible access and changing/shower room, plus a hoist for the Hydrotherapy and Relaxation pools, and a water wheelchair.
Walks, trails and beaches
It’s an icon of the Mount and actually accessible, to a point. The base track is wide enough for a chair and the light gravel isn’t too hard work. Takes about 45 minutes all round and is quite busy at times.
Another famed spot, just 10 minutes’ drive from Tauranga, popular for camping, fishing, watersports and just taking in the views. The Waterfall track is accessible to the left of the falls and you might even see glowworms after dusk! Winter weather caused damage so check Tauranga Council website for updates.
The Council also has a Trail Rider for free hire, enabling you to explore almost any track with help from companions. With four of them, you can even summit The Mount. Book at the Council website and collect from the Beachside Holiday Park (below).
Thanks to Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park and the Hibiscus Surf School, the main beach is made more accessible with two free beach wheelchairs available from either. Any ‘Book now’ on the Holiday Park site will give you the wheelchair option, or go to Equipment Hire for the Surf School.
Beach matting is available at Main Beach, Pilot Bay and Cutters Cove.
Accessible Accommodation options
As far as accommodation goes, remember the crucial details: if the accommodation you’ve booked doesn’t measure up it can be a disaster. So, although the options below have been chosen based on accessible travellers’ feedback, be sure to do your homework. Call providers in advance and do the usual talk-through on your requirements. Including asking for photographs and measurements to ensure what you need is there, from flooring and grab handles to worktop and basin heights. You can also cover parking and what’s accessible nearby, like cafés, shops and supermarkets.
This popular holiday camp in Papamoa has two four-bedroom villas with wheelchair access and accessible bathrooms.
Right on Papamoa Beach, the beachfront villas here will sleep up to six, are wheelchair accessible and have accessible bathrooms. Most facilities and pathways are wheelchair accessible too.
Beachside Retreat (Airbnb) Papamoa →
A new one-bedroom property built to be wheelchair accessible. Bathroom is accessible, as is the kitchen though it’s not adapted for accessible use.
Accessible Transportation
No modified vehicle, or you’re too far away and need to fly in? No problem. Freedom Mobility will get you mobile with a range of vehicles from hand-controlled cars and wheelchair accessible vans for hire. We can deliver to you throughout New Zealand or wait for you at the airport. Let our friendly team help you find the best solution, and you’re covered by roadside assistance 24/7. With high demand over summer, be sure to book in advance.
Explore Nearby Accessible Beaches
Accessible Waihi Beach
There’s no lack of beaches around the Mount, but past the other end of Tauranga Harbour you’re close to the Coromandel and the vibe is very different. A 70-minute drive north with occasional glimpses of Tauranga Harbour and Matakana Island will deliver you to Waihi Beach. It’s very chilled but with some cool places to hang out, eat and drink–not all accessible though. Try the popular Flatwhite Café or the Surf Club upper deck via elevator.
What is accessible is the wonderful beach next to the Surf Livesaving Club at the northern end. There’s beach matting available all summer, three mobility parks, accessible toilet facilities and free beach wheelchairs from the Tasman Holiday Park across the road. Don’t forget your sunscreen…
Accessible Whangamata Beach
If you liked a taste of the Coromandel at Waihi Beach, treat yourself to a main course at Whangamatā: just under two hours from Papamoa. The main drag offers shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, and at peak times it can be packed–particularly for things like The Beach Hop. But drive on down to the wharf area to be greeted by sparkling waters with stunning views plus plenty of parking. It’s at Williamson Reserve on the beautiful main beach however that Toes In The Water lays on all manner of accessible options. Along with beach matting there are child and adult beach wheelchairs with harnesses, and two adult beach walkers. Check out their website to register and book, and make a donation if you wish.
Accessible Whakatane - Ohope Beach
No trip to the Bay of Plenty would be complete without a visit to sun-drenched Whakatane and Ōhope. Heading south this time, another 70-minute drive will get you there. With its white sands known as the eastern Bay’s seaside playground, unsurprisingly Ōhope Beach was voted New Zealand’s best beach by AA Traveller. And it’s accessible, with wheelchair matting available from the Surf Club and beach wheelchairs from the Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park. Slip, slap, slop!
Explore Nearby:
Other Useful Travel Resources:
Freedom Mobility’s NZ Accessible Play and Stay Directory →
A searchable database of accessible accommodation, activities and attractions throughout New Zealand. Many of them are supplied by our customers who have previously travelled around New Zealand in one of our accessible vehicles.
New Zealand Accessible Travel Forum →
An accessible travel forum on facebook. A great place to get recommendations from other NZ Travellers. You will need to join the group.
A great NZ travel blog site with lots of great reviews of accessible accommodation, activities and walks around New Zealand
What a great accessible adventure anywhere in New Zealand, without the stress of planning it. Give Sandy and the team at Ability Adventures a call. Whether you are keen to self-drive or want a fully guided trip, they will make sure you have a memorable holiday in New Zealand. Freedom Mobility are Ability Adventures preferred supplier of Accessible Rental Vehicles.
