Discover Paengaroa: Kiwifruit Country and the Kaikōkopu Cycleway

Paengaroa combines a rural character with experiences centred on kiwifruit growing and a distinctive cycling route. The settlement lies east of Te Puke, at the eastern end of the Tauranga Eastern Link Motorway. Two different perspectives are at the heart of planning a visit: knowledgeable guides explain orchard growing, while the Kaikōkopu Cycleway explores the rural landscape.

Kiwifruit, Comvita and an important visitor notice

Kiwifruit Country is a family-owned and family-operated tour company. On the tours, knowledgeable guides show how kiwifruit is grown, pruned, pollinated and harvested throughout the seasons. The focus is not only on the fruit, but also on the different stages of growing it. Those interested in agriculture and seasonal processes can learn more about how it is produced here. This is a different focus from a journey through the landscape: when planning, you can weigh up whether you would rather learn more about orchards or take in changing scenery along the way.

Comvita describes Paengaroa as its home and as a place for people who work with nature and learn from it. The company’s global headquarters are also in Paengaroa. Viewed from the road, the Comvita warehouse resembles large, colourful beehives. According to the latest official notice, the Comvita café, shop and experience centre are no longer open to visitors. As the closure status may change, check the visitor notice again before travelling.

Cycling through rural landscapes

The Kaikōkopu Cycleway runs between Paengaroa and Ōkere Falls. The Kaikōkopu rural ride passes through varied terrain, with native bush, kiwifruit orchards and farms, as well as views of lakes and the sea. This puts the emphasis on scenic contrasts rather than a guided explanation of fruit growing: on the ride, the experience is shaped by the changing sights along the route.

A different cycleway, from Paengaroa to Rotoiti, has an important usage rule: horses are not permitted. Bear this restriction in mind when choosing your route if you are travelling with a horse.

More experiences in the Western Bay of Plenty District

Elsewhere in the wider Western Bay of Plenty District, experiences at other locations complement Paengaroa’s rural character with art, coast and regional food. In Katikati, a town-centre walking route leads from Haiku Park along paths featuring haiku verses carved into rocks and paving. It follows Uretara Stream, crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing and continues along the main road to murals and other artworks in the town centre. Individual installations may change. The route brings together poetic texts in public spaces and artworks in the town centre.

The Katikati Cuisine Trail offers another way to discover regional produce: visitors can meet local artisan food producers and sample their products at the source. Individual producers and offerings may change. The Orokawa Bay Walk starts at the northern end of Waihī Beach and crosses the coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay; the walk takes about 45 minutes each way. Dense bush, with pōhutukawa, kauri and puriri trees and native nīkau palms, lines the track. The bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. Tides and swell affect access, so check conditions before setting out.

Choosing the right place to stay

When choosing accommodation, it is worth distinguishing between experiences in Paengaroa itself and examples elsewhere in the Western Bay of Plenty District. If you also plan to visit Katikati or walk to Orokawa Bay, compare accommodation locations in light of your planned visits. This keeps your decision focused on the experiences you actually want to make central to your trip.

Discover more destinations

Lower Kaimai, Pyes Pa, Katikati, Athenree, Te Puna, Papamoa, Tahawai, Whakamarama

For the wider travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.