Visit Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty

WELCOME TO THE MOUNT

You can’t come all the way to New Zealand without visiting the best beach in the country (we’re not making it up - check out what TripAdvisor has to say). If that’s not enough to entice you - discover why Mount Maunganui - or The Mount, as locals refer to it, has been the summertime destination of choice among kiwi families for generations.

Our little beach paradise is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and soak up the sun (which is very hot in summer, make sure you bring sun protection!). There is literally kilometres of white sand beaches to enjoy - you won’t struggle to find empty space (in fact, sometimes you’ll struggle to find another person).

Sea temperatures can reach 21°C or more in summer - so it’s a popular place to swim, learn to surf or just relax! Conditions are generally safe but be aware of your surroundings and swim to your ability. During the busy month the beach is patrolled by dedicated volunteer lifeguards - if the flags are out, be sure to swim between them.

You won’t miss our great maunga (mountain) perched at the tip of the peninsula - that’s Mauao (Mount Maunganui), and a walk to the summit is an absolute must (the view from the top is one of the most instagrammed spots in NZ). Rising 232m from the sea, you can walk to the top in about 30 minutes. It gets hot in the summer months, so be sure to take water and sun protection. Not so keen on the uphill walk? The Mauao Base Track walk is one of the most popular short walks in the country and still provides plenty of photo ops.

Located just a few minutes from the beach is ‘Mount Mainstreet’ - a bustling hub of boutique shops, restaurants, bars and cafés, and is a great place to immerse yourself with the locals. The Mount is a haven for residents and holiday-makers grabbing coffee and brunch after a walk up or around Mauao.

A trip to Mount Maunganui wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Pilot Bay (the harbour side of the peninsula); this is a great spot for families with young children who want to splash about in the water without getting knocked off their feet by big waves. The calm water and sensational views appeal to SUP enthusiasts and it’s a perfect place to learn. Grab a waffle cone ice cream from Copenhagen Cones (honestly, the queue is worth it) or fish chips and enjoy the sunset - and if you time it right, Pilot Bay is the perfect place to watch the cruise ships leave the harbour.

Eco-conscious locals lovingly work to keep our beaches and communities clean so you can enjoy them at their best, do your bit while visiting the Bay of Plenty by making sure you leave it as you found it - please take your rubbish with you.

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what to do in mount maunganui

Pack your beach holiday with loads of fun activities - or simply do nothing at all (we won’t judge)! Mount Maunganui has plenty of things to do, from surf lessons and short walks (including the most popular short walk in New Zealand!), to wildlife encounters and blokarting.

Boat Cruises, Dolphins, Whale Watching, Other Wildlife

Bay Explorer - Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

Enter nature & wide open spaces on a Bay Explorer wildlife cruise.Explore our big blue backyard and watch dolphins swimming up close. Join us for a shared lifetime experience and help protect wild marine animals.

Spas/Health Resorts and Thermal Bathing Pools, Sports

Mount Hot Ocean Water Pools

Mount Maunganui Hot Ocean Water Pools, Open until 10pm, 7 days per week. Surrounded by golden beaches, cafes and walking tracks, rest and relax outdoors under the majestic 'Mount' in 32 - 39 degree ocean water or treat yourself to an onsite massage.

Miscellaneous Madness, Sailing

BayStation

Come and visit the new home of blokart and have a blast on the land sailing machine. BayStation also has a new activity, the all-new electric Drift Karts are the latest attraction and are perfect for going sideways.

Boat Cruises, Dolphins

Dolphin Seafaris NZ Limited

Come swim or watch with large pods of wild common & bottlenose dolphins. See orcas & whales at play in the clear blue waters of the Bay. Daily trips from Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Fully guided by marine biologists and expert dive masters.

Scenic Flights

Mount and Maketu scenic flight - Aerius Helicopters

Fly along the white beaches from the Mount main beach to Maketu. Keep an eye out for sharks and stingrays during the warmer months.

Oceans & Beaches, Experiences

Mount Maunganui Surf Academy

Scenic Flights

Mount Magic Scenic Flight

A peek at the Bay and thrill of a chopper ride, taking in views of the city, Mount Maunganui and glorious sandy beaches.

Urban and Scenic Attractions, Miscellaneous Madness

Brewbus - New Zealand Craft Beer Tours Limited

At Brewbus - we're all about taking the people to the beer! Whether you're a beer novice, a crafty connoisseur, or just have a thirst for a fun day out and some brewing knowledge, Brewbus is the bus to be on!

Urban and Scenic Attractions, Cultural Attractions, Miscellaneous Madness, Heritage Attractions, Motorcycling

V8 Trike Tours

Our V8 5-seat & 3-seat Trikes have been built for comfort. 3-point seat belts our rides are safe, exciting and exhilarating feeling the wind in your face making your experience of our beautiful Bay an unforgettable experience. NZTA,Qualmark approved

Air Transport, Custom Transfers

Adventure Helicopters

Leaving Tauranga by helicopter arriving at one the premier lodges of New Zealand, Tree Tops, stay for lunch, activities or the night.

Golf

Mount Maunganui Golf Club

Set in peaceful tree-lined surroundings, only minutes from one of the country's most popular surf beaches, Mount Golf is the perfect setting for golfers of all levels.

Skydiving, Scenic Flights

Skydive Tauranga

Experience an epic 45 seconds of freefall with a jump from 12,000 feet
Discover the beauty of Tauranga and some of the best views in New Zealand
Enjoy spectacular views of New Zealand's best beaches, Mount Ruapehu, White Island, and Lake Rotorua

Shopping Centres

Bayfair Shopping Centre

Tauranga’s flagship shopping mall in Mount Maunganui is home to 100 different retailers including fashion, department stores, electrical, gifts, health, beauty and more. A children’s indoor playground and free parking is also available.

Oceans & Beaches, Experiences

Discovery Surf School

Discovery Surf School provides surfing lessons of the highest quality for all ages and abilities in a fun and safe environment.

Oceans & Beaches, Experiences, Group Activities

Salt Spray Surf School

Learning to surf the waves is truly an exhilarating experience and there is no better place to learn then the white sands of Ohope Beach.

Scenic Flights

Aerius Helicopters

The Bay of Plenty offers some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. Deep blue lakes surrounded by volcanic and geothermal backdrops, to long sandy beaches. Aerius Helicopters have a range of scenic flights and experiences to explore this region.

For Families, Experiences, Group Activities, Hot Pools, Sports & Outdoors

Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre

Baywave is one of the Bay of Plentys top regional attractions, drawing in over 230,000 visitors every year!

Scenic Flights, Photography

SCENIC COAST AND BEACH LANDING

Fly past the iconic Mount Maunganui as we head to the Coromandel coast. View the many private bays along the way and take in the vast inner Tauranga harbour. Stretch your legs on a secluded beach while enjoying a complimentary drink.

Oceans & Beaches, Educational, For Families, Experiences, Group Activities

Hibiscus Surf School

Hibiscus Surf School began in the spring of 2004 and continues to provide quality surf instruction to all levels of surfers, from beginner to advanced.

Visitor Information Centre

Tauranga i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

We provide a comprehensive, impartial information and booking service for Tauranga and New Zealand for accommodation, activities, attractions and travel bookings.

Oceans & Beaches

Blue Ocean Charters

Come fishing with the experts Blue Ocean Charters for a day to remember. We specialise in day or overnight reef or hapuka fishing trips for individuals or groups on our large 15m & 17m vessels.

Adventure Lovers, For Families, Experiences

Rocktopia

Rocktopia is now open at 9 Triton Ave, Mount Maunganui
We offer 26 fun climbs with 31 new challenges on our Clip N Climb walls
There is also 18 climbing walls and 2 boulder caves at Rocktopia. These walls were built by climbers for climbers and have produced some of the best climbers in the world today
At Rocktopia we also have the world famous vertical slide and Leap OF Faith jump

Scenic Flights

Bay Explorer

30 Minute Scenic flight around the bay of plenty including a remote beach landing for a photograph.

Dolphins, Seals, Whale Watching

Orca Wild Adventures

The most successful dolphin swimming business in the Bay.
We offer a full day adventure which includes swimming with dolphins, a guided snorkel at a off shore island while your lunch gets cooked for you on the boat.

Boat Cruises, Other Wildlife, Dolphins, Kayaking, Seals

Bay Explorer - Island and Wildlife Cruise

Bay Explorer offers you our premium wildlife and adventure ‘Seafari’ experience in the Bay of Plenty. Watch dolphins swimming along side the boat and a diversity of marine wildlife. Enjoy a mid-day Island stopover at a sheltered cove.

In the Air, Experiences

Tauranga Aero Club

Flying Club offering aviation minded folks social and participation involvement in their chosen hobby.

Surfing, Sports, Urban and Scenic Attractions

Surf Lessons in Mount Maunganui

I aim to help you to stand up & surf your first waves in your first lesson! Lessons are individual & safe, held in English and German at NZ's “Top Beach” in the breath-taking scenery of Mount Maunganui with perfect surf conditions for learners.

Arts, Heritage & Culture, Free Activities

Art Map

Wineries

Wildside Tours

We are a local family owned and operated company specializing in the tours of the culinary delights and drinks the area has to offer.

Oceans & Beaches, Experiences

NZ Surf Academy

NZ Surf Academy is a respected surf company operating across Northland, Matakana Coasts, Orewa & Mount Maunganui. We promote surf lessons, surf tours, school & holiday camps, corporate team building, family surf days, beach education, surf culture and adventure.

Shopping Centres

Mount Mainstreet

This relaxed, yet vibrant, boutique shopping strip is lined with phoenix palm trees and is home to some of the best designer fashion, souvenirs, beauty salons, cafes, restaurants and contemporary and fine art in the Bay.

Arts, Heritage & Culture

The Lion and Tusk Museum

The Lion & Tusk Museum contains a unique record of the military history of Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe) from 1890 to 1980.

Arts, Heritage & Culture, Eco-Tourism, Outdoor Lovers, Maori Culture, Tours, For Families, Experiences

Arataki Cultural Walking Trails

Listen to mountains, rivers, and landmarks speak. Seamlessly receive info about sites of cultural significance at the Mauao base track, using our custom app and proximity tech.

Boat Cruises, Other Wildlife

Kewpie Cruises - Scheduled One Hour Scenic Harbour Cruise

Bay of Plenty's best value activity: It's a special opportunity for families with children under 12 years as they travel free. Hop on/Hop off at Matakana. Departures from Pilot Wharf, Pilot Quay, Mount Maunganui

Venues, Educational, Arts, Heritage & Culture, For Families, Cafes & Delis, For Couples, Event Suppliers, In the Air

Classic Flyers Museum

During your travels through the Bay of Plenty and in particular Mount Maunganui, visit the Classic Flyers Historic Aviation Museum for an attraction to visit that combines a unique historic aviation museum with a first class cafe & bar.

Health & Wellness

Mount Skin and Body

The Mount's premiere beauty therapy salon. Our superb menu of beauty therapy treatments including specialist facials, peels, micro-dermabrasion, spray-tan, manicures, pedicures, massage, body treatments, waxing, tinting and more.

Vehicle Rentals & Hire, Cycling & Mountain Biking

Indibikes

There's nothing quite like a good old fashioned bike ride!

Venues, Golf, Group Activities

Omanu Golf Club

Play golf at Omanu Golf Club and enjoy a relaxing & friendly experience playing our gently rolling 18 hole irrigated course. Located adjacent to Mount Maunganui's Bayfair Shopping Mall.

Arts, Heritage & Culture

Artastic

Regular exhibitions of local artists pieces, cleverly framed limited edition prints and dcor artworks. 10 years hands on experience is the key to this gallerys reputation for framing brilliance.

Health & Wellness

Sanctum Beauty Therapy and Spa

Sanctum Beauty Therapy and Spa is located in the heart of Mount Maunganui. Our beauty spa is a place of pampering, a place to escape and enjoy treatments by professionally trained beauty therapists.

Study/Education, Urban and Scenic Attractions

Manaaki Adventures NZ

We are an adventure tourism company that caters specifically for students from all around the world. From an action-packed, adrenaline junky tour with the finest travel and accommodation to a more leisurely paced economical tour. We've got it all.

Outdoor Lovers, Cycling & Mountain Biking

Virtually on Track

Discover, explore and connect with the new and exciting Virtually on Track project.

Scenic Flights

Carbon Neutral Scenic Helicopter Flight Package

A stunning scenic flight to a beautiful cafe at Waihi for lunch followed by driving back to Tauranga in the latest Tesla Model X.

Scenic Flights

Surf Safari

A real sample of the beautiful Bay of Plenty taking in the expansive coastal views of the Eastern Bay

Health & Wellness

Right for Life Massage & Energy Centre

The Right for Life approach is to listen to you first. Through listening we can build a complete picture, helping us direct our skills to were it is most needed so you can achieve real results.

Serviced Apartments

Capri on Pilot Bay

Capri on Pilot Bay's accommodation is modern, comfortable and situated in the heart of Mount Maunganui.

Urban and Scenic Attractions

TRG-1 Tauranga Local Sights Half Day Tour

See the best of the Tauranga region, its harbour and beaches. Explore the Elms, one of New Zealand's oldest buildings, then up to the Minden lookout for panoramic views over the harbour and kiwifruit orchards before wine-tasting at Mills Reef Winery.

Mount Classic Tours Ltd

Classic Rolls Royce and Daimler limousines, modern Ford and Holden sedans plus a super stretch limo offers you the greatest choice of wedding car in the region, all driven by professional chauffeurs.

Group Travel Specialists, Adventure Travel

Manaaki Rugby Tours NZ

Manaaki NZ Rugby Tours offer comprehensive New Zealand rugby XV and rugby sevens tours for schools, clubs and professional organisations.

Cultural Attractions, Urban and Scenic Attractions, Farms, Heritage Attractions

4hr Shore Excursion - History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Ice Cream

Our local guide will connect you with the natural beauty, history, culture, industry and people of Tauranga. See amazing views, beautiful beaches, orchards and experience the taste of our world-renowned Manuka Honey, Kiwifruit and Avocado industries.

Urban and Scenic Attractions, Farms, Cultural Attractions, Heritage Attractions

4hr Tauranga Scenic History and Tasting Tour

Connecting you with the natural beauty, history, culture, industry and people of Tauranga. See amazing views, beautiful beaches, orchards, and experience the taste of our world-renowned Manuka Honey, Kiwifruit and Avocado industries.

Scenic Flights

Cobra Classic

Helicopter scenic flight to a relaxed lunch before taking to the roads in a Ford powered V8 AC Cobra.

Golf

Ian Hardie NZPGA Golf Lessons

Why not make your stay in Tauranga memorable by learning how to play golf?

View all Mount Maunganui Experiences

where to stay in mount maunganui

Whether you’re looking for a laidback beach bungalow or boutique luxury accommodation close to the heart of town, there is something to suit you during your stay in Mount Maunganui.

Holiday Parks

Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

Situated in the beautiful Bay of plenty on both harbour and ocean beaches, this iconic family park is a great place to enjoy your leisure time. Spend your days lazing on the beach or enjoy water activities that Pilot Bay has to offer.

Apartments

The Beaumont Apartments

The Beaumont Apartments are situated at the base of Mount Maunganui, between Mount Maunganui & Pilot Bay. The Mount's Hot Pools are a 2 minute walk and offer a 20% discount to guests. Walking distance to cafes, restaurants and Mount Shopping Centre.

Backpackers

Pacific Coast Lodge and Backpackers

We are an award winning hostel and the only hostel in Mount Maunganui that is 4 star Qualmarked, so you can gurantee quality superior standards. The Mount is Zealanders' favourite holiday destination, we are a few blocks from beauty sandy beaches.

Apartments

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers

Beachside accommodation in the heart of Mt Maunganui amongst surf and harbour beaches with cafes, shopping and relaxation.

Serviced Apartments

Cutters Cove Resort Apartments

The perfect place to relax and unwind in tranquil tropical gardens. Located opposite the Mount beach, an easy walk to restaurants and shops.

Serviced Apartments, Motels

Calais Mount Resort

Calais Mount Resort Quality luxury self serviced apartments. Qualmark 4 star plus. Perfectly situated at the foot of the Mount.

Backpackers

Mount Backpackers

Mount Backpackers is the only Hostel in downtown Mount Maunganui and the closest Hostel to the Mount Main Beaches.

Serviced Apartments

The Atrium Apartments

The Atrium Apartments are located right in the heart of all the action. The Atrium offers tourists to New Zealand and visitors to Mount Maunganui the opportunity of a great beach holiday destination for individuals, couples, groups and families. Affordable modern internally accessed accommodation for everyone.

Serviced Apartments

Belle Mer Apartments

Located on Mount Maunganuis beachfront, we offer 2 and 3 bedroom self catered and serviced luxury apartments plus penthouse. Apartments on levels 2 and 3 have ocean views.

Serviced Apartments

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom fully self contained apartments. Enjoy a comfortable stay at the main beach... you deserve it!

Motels

Mission Belle Motel

Nate and Emma would like to welcome you to the Mission Belle Motel in one of New Zealand's most stunning beach locations, Mt Maunganui.

Venues, Serviced Apartments

The Pacific Apartments

The Pacific Apartments are located a short stroll from both Pilot Bay and the Mount's Main Beach, and 60m from the base of the Mount and the world-renowned hot salt-water pools.

Serviced Apartments

Atlas Suites and Apartments

Atlas Suites and Apartments at Mount Maunganui are modern self-contained apartments, available for holiday or business rental. We can accommodate any length of stay and everything you need is supplied.

Serviced Apartments

The Reef Luxury Apartments

The Reef Beachfront Apartments offer everything you would want for a relaxing beach holiday, and are situated in the heart of Mount Maunganui one of the most delightful seaside towns in New Zealand's scenic North Island.

Holiday Homes

Bay Palm Motel at Mount Maunganui has 16 fully equipped units that are serviced daily by friendly staff. We are only 150m from the beach, close to Bayfair Mall,Baypark Arena ,and restaurants, with a heated pool.

Serviced Apartments

Capri on Pilot Bay

Capri on Pilot Bay's accommodation is modern, comfortable and situated in the heart of Mount Maunganui.

View all places to stay in Mount Maunganui

Places to Eat & Drink in Mount Maunganui

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking in Mount Maunganui. Choose from relaxed pubs to high end dining experiences - and everything in between!

 Mount Maunganui

Cafes & Delis

Deckchair Cafe

Deckchair Cafe is, as it sounds, colourful and casual yet smart enough to impress. It is a vibrant cafe on Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui. The ever popular menu speaks for itself.

Bars & Pubs, Cafes & Delis, Venues

Imbibe Bar & Restaurant

Whether you are dining, having a drink after work, enjoying our live music, watching the footy or out for the night, Imbibe has the setting and atmosphere for everybody.