Situated at the south western corner of the "Ring of Fire", New Zealand is a landscape shaped by a volcanic history.
From the majesty of the Southen alps,the backbone of the South Island,created by the folding of two tectonic plates (the Pacific and the Australian).
Through to the golden sands of New Zealands beaches,New Zealand harbours surprises at every turn,fuming volcanos and live volcanic islands add to the variety of the landscape.
Encompasing 268,680 square km,with a 15,134 km coastline ensures you are never far from the coast.
The beach and ocean play an important part in many New Zealanders lives.
Cities and coastal ports are a major part of the east coast landscape of both islands.
Situated half way down the east coast of the North Island,the Bay of Plenty provides a home to one of New Zealands buisest shiping wharves,the Port of Tauranga.
Tauranga New Zealands fifth largest city provides the infrastructure the keeps the port working and employment and housing for it's 150,000 inhabitants.
The majestic Mauo,Mt Maunganui dominates the landscape standing silent sentinal at the eastern entrance to the Tauranga harbour.
The township of Mt Maunganui sits at it base,a popular destination for tourists and New Zealanders alike,Mt Maunganui provides accomodation for 123 "locals" and 321 tourists at the height of the summer season.
With its beautiful sea views and long golden beach Mt Maunganui provides the perfect place to work and play.
On this site you will find pictures of the stunning Western Bay of Plenty showing the variety of the landscape both natural and man made.