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Highlights

The most popular day walk in New Zealand, surf lessons, beaches, amazing food and the Mount Hot Pools.

Mount Maunganui Summit Walk RE

SUNRISE HIKE UP MAUAO

It just wouldn't be a trip to the Mount if you don't venture to the top of Mauao (Mount Maunganui)! Standing at 232 metres above sea level, the walk to the top is challenging but 100% worth the effort. The view over the peninsula is one of New Zealand's most Instagrammed shots and, no matter which way you look, you'll be greeted with stunning views over the wider Bay of Plenty region. If you're not keen on the walk to the top (which takes between 20 - 35 minutes depending on your fitness level), a walk around the base of Mauao is equally as beautiful and suitable for all levels of fitness. Don't forget to tag us @bayofplentynz and #bayofplentynz so we can share your photos!

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Grab a selfie at one of New Zealand's most Instagrammed spots.

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LEARN TO SURF

Did you know that the Bay of Plenty is home to some of the best beaches in New Zealand (some would even say the world)? Mount Maunganui is home to beautiful, uncrowded beaches with a usually gentle swell, making it ideal for those of you who are keen to grab a lesson and see what all the fuss is about. There are plenty of businesses dotted along the beach that offer surf lessons so you'll be catching waves in no time!

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Learn to surf at New Zealand's best beach (as voted by TripAdvisor).

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LUNCH AT IZAKAI

For a truly unique dining experience, head down to Izakai at Bayfair Shopping Centre. Izakai offers an amazing selection of Māori Japanese fusion meals. Paua and prawn dumplings, anyone?

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Māori Japanese fusion food.

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RELAX ON THE MOUNT MAIN BEACH

After lunch, head back to the beach and relax! Take a book, listen to a podcast, hire a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or just perfect your body surfing technique. You won't be short of things to do at the beach so it's the ideal place to while away the time.

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White sandy beach for miles.

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DINNER AT ASTROLABE

Cruise to downtown Mount Maunganui (only a few minutes' walk from the beach) and grab a drink and a bite to eat at Astrolabe. This laidback restaurant & bar carries on the beach theme with surfboards, picnic tables and plenty of space for the kids to play. The food is your traditional pub grub with burgers, huge pizzas (like metre-long pizzas!), salads and child-friendly options. The cocktails are pretty good, too.

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Pizza by the metre.

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SOAK IT UP AT MOUNT HOT POOLS

Wind down at the end of the day with a soak at the Mount Hot Pools. Based at the foot of Mauao, Mount Hot Pools is the only hot ocean water complex in the world – that's pretty cool! You can even book a relaxing massage while you're there for the perfect way to end the day.

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Soak in the healing properties of salt water pools.