The mystical live volcano, White Island, sits majestically on the horizon off the beach and township of Whakatane (pr: 'Fah-kah-tah-nay'), just south of Tauranga (pr 'Tow-rahng-ah'). White smoke and ash billowing into the sky, it is a striking contrast to the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean stretching into the distance as far as the eye can see.

Small wonder this is New Zealand's second fastest-growing region, behind Auckland.

The view from Tauranga's coastline is awesome. The ocean is a vast playground for dolphins, marlin and a myriad of fish, as well as swimmers, windsurfers, yachts and (naturally, for this is New Zealand) boats full of anglers - swimming with the dolphins in the tropical waters will blow you away

With its dazzling seaside setting and sparkling white sand beaches, Tauranga has a relaxed persona typified by long hot summers, sun-drenched days on the beach and balmy evenings at seaside cafés.

The region is also well-known for its succulent produce - sweet kiwifruit and ripe avocado - which are all nurtured to perfection in the fertile soils around the city.

A short drive away you will find whitewater rafting, four-wheel-drive safaris, jetboating, golf courses, animal parks and vintage car museums.

For a great team challenge, chartering a boat for a day's big game fishing on the high seas is memorable. Or relax and soak up the rays on Tauranga's most famous surf beach, Mt Maunganui (pr: 'Mowng-ah-noo-eh').

Tauranga caters for the mid-sized conference market in hotels or purpose-built venues teamed with nearby accommodation. There are fantastic country lodges for smaller groups and vineyards with conference facilities make for a wonderful change.

Nestled in the Bay of Plenty, it is an easy and scenic two hour drive south from Auckland along the Pacific Coast Highway, which follows the coastline. Tauranga is the sentinel to the Bay of Plenty region and, of course, is also accessible by commercial or charter flights.