Best barbecue and picnic spots Bay of Plenty in New Zealand

"There’s some wonderful gas-fired barbecues under the trees near the mini golf. And there’s so much to do in this park for kids and a fantastic place by the estuary to relax. For visitors there’s overnight freedom camping further along past the rowing club for the first-in six self-contained camper vans."

"Just along from the mad-frenzy of main beach are free gas-fired barbeques, and you’ll find them on three spots right from through to Tay Street on the roadside foreshore It’s a wonderful spot to pull in for a meal on the griller. It’s first-come first-served but you can take your gas barbecue to any park, reserve or foreshore - just no open fires."

"Patrolled by lifeguards, this beautiful sandy beach has all the amenities at hand. You can picnic or set up a barbecue under the big pines on Papamoa Beach Reserve. Depending on the swell coming in it’s a great space for surfing, body boarding and swimming."

"A heavenly retreat just out of Tauranga city alongside the lake. It’s perfect for a picnic or barbecue. There are several gas-fired barbecues in the park."

"With views across the harbour to Mount Maunganui Mauao and sheltered from the predominant westerly winds it’s a truly amazing spot. There are a couple of public barbecue one near the toilet block, another close to the front gate. The beach can be tidal so isn’t the best for swimming."