Paddling near Bethlehem, Bay of Plenty

Bethlehem sits in the Tauranga area of the Bay of Plenty, a region with genuinely varied paddling across sheltered harbours, volcanic lakes, and rivers. The closest water for many paddlers is the Wairoa River, while Lake McLaren — accessible via Waimarino Adventure Park in Bethlehem itself — is the local go-to for guided kayak tours. Further afield, Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti, and the Kaituna River round out a strong regional paddling scene.