Warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle
The Bay of Plenty is a perfect place to live for those who enjoy surfing, hiking, and boating, while families benefit from safe, welcoming communities.
The port city of Tauranga offers a vibrant coastal city lifestyle with beautiful beaches, a growing economy, and plenty of cafes and outdoor activities. It’s popular for families and young professionals seeking a mix of urban convenience and nature.
In contrast, Whakatāne is a smaller town with a strong community feel, rich Māori culture, and access to stunning natural attractions. It is ideal for those who appreciate a quieter, more relaxed pace of life close to nature. Both places boast warm climates and friendly locals.
Waterfront cities, relaxed beachside towns and rural spots that offer a true Kiwi experience
The Bay of Plenty's sunny microclimate means you can embrace adventure all year round. Whatever activity you choose to do – on land, at sea or high in the sky.
Waterfront cities, relaxed beachside towns and rural spots that offer a true Kiwi experience
The Bay of Plenty's sunny microclimate means you can embrace adventure all year round. Whatever activity you choose to do – on land, at sea or high in the sky.
Working in Bay of Plenty
Health New Zealand – Bay of Plenty is home to a dedicated workforce of over 4,500 health workers, serving a population of approximately 255,000 residents across a region known for its coastal beauty, strong communities, and relaxed lifestyle.
We provide care through two main hospitals — Tauranga Hospital and Whakatāne Hospital — as well as a wide network of community, rural, and specialist health services. From busy urban centres to remote coastal settlements, our teams deliver care that meets the needs of diverse and growing populations.
At the heart of our region is a strong culture of teamwork, equity, and collaboration. Whether you’re working in one of our hospitals or within the community, your skills and contribution are genuinely valued. Our teams prioritise supportive working environments, ongoing learning, and meaningful connections with the people we serve.
Joining the Bay of Plenty health network means becoming part of a close-knit and forward-thinking team — committed to making a real impact while enjoying all that this unique region has to offer.
Bay of Plenty healthcare services
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Diabetes
- Ear, nose and throat
- Emergency department (ED)
- Endocrinology
- General surgery
- Gynaecology
- Health in Ageing
- Healthy Hearts Cardiac Rehab Programme
- Infectious diseases
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Planned care services
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Radiology
- Renal services
- Respiratory
- Rheumatology
- Sexual health
- Vascular surgery
- Adolescent health
- Adolescent mental health
- Breastfeeding
- Breast screening
- Cervical screening
- Child development
- Child health services and support
- Newborn hearing screening
- Oral health and dental care
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Youth alcohol and other drugs service Bay of Plenty
- Mental health and addiction
- Dementia
- Smokefree
- Social work
- Chaplaincy
- Interpreters
- Allied Health
- Community therapy
- Dietitians
- District nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Pelvic health
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Speech and language therapy
- Support Net | Disability services and support
- Immunisation
- National Bowel Screening Programme
- Toi Te Ora | Public Health
Towns and cities in Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is located on the sunny eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island.
The region includes cities and towns such as Tauranga, Whakatāne, Te Puke, Kawerau and Murupara.
Tauranga
Tauranga is a lively coastal city of about 153,000 residents. It offers warm, sunny weather, beautiful beaches like Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, and great outdoor recreation. With a welcoming community, cultural events, quality cafes, and good schools, Tauranga delivers a relaxed yet dynamic lifestyle
Whakatāne
Whakatāne a vibrant coastal lifestyle, warm beaches, strong iwi culture, friendly communities, and easy access to native forests and outdoor adventure. It is home to around 16,400 — 50% of which identify as Māori.
While Whakatāne feels like a peaceful retreat, it is only a short drive to Rotorua, Tauranga, and Hamilton, providing easy access to additional amenities, entertainment, and transport links.
Te Puke
Te Puke is a vibrant town with a population of just over 9,000. Often called the 'Kiwifruit Capital of the World,' it thrives on horticulture and community pride. Residents enjoy access to beautiful bush walks, local markets, cafés, golf, and easy commuting to Tauranga and Rotorua.
Kawerau
Kawerau is a small town with around 8,000 residents. It has a strong Māori community, affordable housing, and beautiful natural surroundings. Residents enjoy fishing, hiking, and local parks, making Kawerau a peaceful and welcoming place to live with a close-knit community feel.
Murupara
Murupara is a small town with about 1,880 people, mostly Māori. It has a strong cultural community with several marae. Surrounded by forests and parks, residents enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.