Do summer the Bay way

Whether it’s relaxing at one of our beaches, reaching the summit or fishing at one of our lakes, the Bay of Plenty is spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do this summer.

To make sure you and your whānau get the most out of the Bay, here’s a few top tips and rule reminders to help us all enjoy our beautiful Bay:

Don’t be slack – stay on the tracks

Whether you prefer Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Park or Onekawa Te Mawhai, make sure you remember to stay on the tracks when visiting our regional parks.

Alongside the community, we work hard to keep our parks looking their best, so here’s a few other reminders:

No dogs
No motorbikes or mountain bikes
No camping
No fires

While it might not seem like a big deal, straying from the tracks, bringing your dog, using a motorbike or mountain bike, or lighting a fire could cause damage to the unique and historical landscapes in our regional parks. If you visiting one of our parks, remember the rules and keep to the tracks – there’s plenty to choose from!

Look before you leap

Before jumping in at your favourite swimming spot, make sure you know if it’s ‘safe to swim’ – that the water is good quality and not a risk to your health.

Safe swimming areas

Can’t find a park – try Baybus

With an influx of visitors to our region, the Bay can be a busy place in summer. Skip the dance of trying to find a carpark and try Baybus.

Baybus

Know the boating rules

If you are out enjoying the region's lakes, rivers and harbours, make sure you know the navigation and safety rules.

Recreational boating

No hoons on the dunes

Vehicles can cause damage, making the dunes ineffective at protecting homes and property vulnerable to storm surges and tsunamis.

If you are using your vehicles on the beach (in a place you’re allowed too!), make sure you use official vehicle accessways and stay out of the dunes.

Coast Care

Before you DIY, check if you need a Bylaw Authority

Live in one of our rivers and drainage schemes? Before you dig, plant or build on your property, take a second to check if you need a Bylaw Authority.

A Bylaw Authority is written permission with conditions to help keep our flood protection and drainage infrastructure working as it should be.

Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws

Reel in the fun, not the fish

Take care of our ocean, do your bit this summer to awhi our moana and respect the rules around the Motiti Protection Area.

No taking of marine life is allowed, but you can anchor in the area as long, as you follow the guidelines.

Motiti Protection Area

Be a biosecurity freshwater hero this summer

If you are heading to the lakes this summer and using a public boat ramp, make sure you Check Clean Dry and then self-certify to help stop the spread of freshwater pests.

Check, Clean, Dry

Out on the water? Seaweed? Bag It Bin It

Stop the spread of exotic caulerpa seaweed this summer. Check your anchor, chain, fishing and dive gear. Seen something suspicious? Report it.

Stop the spread of exotic caulerpa!