Plains Rangers are an Eastern Bay of Plenty club, historically based in Edgecumbe. Now Rangers play at Awakeri, also on the Rangitaiki Plains. The closest town is Whakatane (pop 15,000). The Bay of Plenty soccer area covers from Katikati (west of Tauranga) to Opotiki (east of Whakatane) and south to Taupo. Hence an away fixture could be two hours drive away.

Below is the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The district is well known for its warm climate, game fishing, river rafting, Maori culture, & an active volcano (White Island). Edgecumbe is about 20 km west of Whakatane. Contrary to the map, there is a state highway connecting Edgecumbe to Whakatane and Matata.

Edgecumbe, pop 3000, is a dairy company town. Its factory collects milk from all over the Bay of Plenty. Edgecumbe reached the headlines in 1987, when a large earthquake struck. Many buildings had to be rebuilt. Luckily no deaths occured.
The Awakeri district is between Edgecumbe and Whakatane. Awakeri is known for its hot springs. Local industries are orcharding (kiwifruit), timber and dairying.