48 hours in Mount Maunganui
With it’s buzzing mainstreet, stunning seaside paths and unforgettable dining,
it’s easy to spend the weekend soaking up the beachside vibes of Mount Maunganui.
From first light to last bite, we’ve put together a list of must-do's to fill a weekend
or weekday escape in this seaside paradise.
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Indoor golf in the Bay of Plenty
More golfers are teeing off in the Bay of Plenty than ever before — thanks to our region's mild climate, epic coastal courses, and a growing love for the game. But when the weather isn't on your side, there’s no need to skip a round. The Bay is home to some awesome indoor golf simulators where you can play world-class courses, practice your swing, or just have a good time with mates — rain or shine. Whether you're a serious golfer or just in it for fun, here’s where to tee off indoors.
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Work-beach balance
Those seeking a spot to drop anchor and keep the productivity flowing will find a digital nomad’s haven in the Bay of Plenty. Here you’ll find just the right mix of white-sand coast, lush forest hikes with rushing waterfalls, foodie hotspots, and a relaxed, innovative city full of cool and quirky locals happy to share their freelance lifestyle with you.
It’s no wonder New Zealand was recently ranked the #1 country in the world for work-life balance — and in the Bay of Plenty, you’ll see exactly why.
For more information, Work Life Tauranga is your go-to…
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Cuore di Gelato
If you've ever craved authentic Italian-style gelato, you'll love what's being crafted right here in the Bay of Plenty and the people now behind every scoop.
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Kaimoana
The Bay of Plenty is a region aptly named for its abundance of kai (food), especially the treasures harvested from our bountiful moana (ocean). Here, where the land meets the sea, you'll discover why our waters are renowned for their seafood riches.
Join us as we explore the best seafood experiences our region has to offer, from hands-on fishing adventures to waterfront fish and chips and dining options that showcase the ocean's bounty.
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Rake Healing
Words by Jo-Marie Baker
Kenrick Smith’s giant mandala artworks etched onto Bay of Plenty beaches have drawn the attention of national media, international stars, and taken Instagram by storm. But sand art remains his own personal form of therapy.
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The Sauna Project
Words by Jo-Marie Baker, Photos by Ilk PhotographyWhere fire, water and community come together.
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Flavours of Plenty Foodie Guide
PLENTY OF FLAVOURS.An insider's guide to the best flavours in the Bay of PlentyDive into this 32-page culinary adventure celebrating the Bay of Plenty's vibrant food scene. From sumptuous truffles to freshly caught seafood, and foodie cycle trails to all the hot foodie spots, this guide is your passport to savouring the best flavours of the Bay. Explore food festivals, meet passionate producers, and uncover hidden gems. Don't miss out — download the guide in the link below or pick up a copy from the Tauranga isite.
Download guide
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Recharge in the Bay
The Bay of Plenty is renowned for epic beaches, surf and sunshine but the variety of wellness activities on offer here has exploded post-pandemic. Soothing our minds and recharging our bodies is now a legitimate priority and there are some heavenly ways to do just that.
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Explore your backyard
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are a recent arrival, there’s always more to discover in our beautiful backyard.
Have you paddled across Lake McLaren on Waimarino’s evening glowworm kayak tour? Or taken in the view from 15,000 feet with Skydive Tauranga? Try stand up paddleboarding with Mauao Adventures or ride down the Wairoa river on an inflatable Riverbug. Hop aboard the Bay Explorer and experience an incredible day out spotting dolphins and marine wildlife. History buffs will love stepping back in time at The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga and learning…
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Best burgers in the Bay
We put it to locals to ask them where to find the best burgers in the Bay!
Check out some of the top picks below…
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Best ice cream in the Bay
Nothing says ‘summer’ like fast-melting ice cream. The Coastal Bay of Plenty is lucky to have LOTS of specialty ice cream parlours serving up original flavours plus your sweet-as favourites all year round. Get ready, cause you’re in for a real treat!
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Alfresco dining
Dining out or drinks with friends is always a treat – but doing so on a warm summer’s day or during a gorgeous sunset is just that wee bit better! Make the most of outdoor courtyards and alfresco dining at these great venues and your summer will be one to remember.
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Top 4 surf spots
The Bay of Plenty boasts one of the most user-friendly and accessible surf destinations in New Zealand! Endless soft white sandy beaches means there is literally a break or bank for every surf level. Whether you’re just starting out and looking for a lesson or you’re a seasoned pro, the Bay of Plenty has great waves on offer for you.
Our region’s best swell season is from December to May. We enjoy the benefits of what could be described as a tumultuous cyclone season for the tropics. The big spinning lows which develop near Vanuatu and Fiji over the hot summer…
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Men’s Getaway In The Bay
The Bay of Plenty has a lot more to offer men than a swim in the surf or a stroll on the beach (although both are highly recommended). So if you’re looking for a fantastic birthday present or Father’s Day gift, or you’re organising a stag do or boys’ weekend away, we’ve come up with a few ideas to make the most of your stay in our region.
You’ll find action, adrenaline, marine sports, high octane adventure, epic food, craft beer and cider, and a whole heap of fun in the Coastal Bay of Plenty.
Here are our top 10 man-friendly ideas for a getaway in the Bay:
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The best dinner spots in the Bay
Whether you’ve lived here for years or arrived in the last 24 hours, there’s bound to be a hot restaurant in the Bay that you haven’t tried yet! If you’re passionate about food and wine, there are plenty of mouth-watering options and some seriously cool locations. Here are our top picks of where to dine…
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Best cocktails In Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
Where to find the best cocktails.Shaken, stirred, muddled or strained – a great cocktail is usually the start of an epic night out! Knowing how to combine flavours that pack a punch and serve cocktails with flair is an artform in itself. There’s a growing number of bars and eateries around town that specialise in making unique cocktails alongside the traditional classics. So put down the wine and beer list, get excited, and raise a cocktail glass today! Cheers!
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Best bakeries in the Bay
Hot flaky pies, cream-filled donuts and delicious soft bread rolls – who doesn’t love grabbing something yummy to eat from a bakery? There are plenty of reasons to treat yourself in Te Moananui ā Toi ׀ the Coastal Bay of Plenty as we have some exceptional bakeries on our doorstep. Check out our top picks below.
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Sign-up to foodie news
HUNGRY FOR MORE?Subscribe to Bay Bites, the BOP foodie newsletter. Be the first to know about all of the delicious events, tasty new eateries, yummy giveaways and more from Flavours of Plenty Festival.
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Coffee roasters
Life is better when it’s caffeinated so it pays to hunt out the best cup of coffee you can find! We have some incredibly talented coffee roasters in the Bay of Plenty who love nothing better than to create a special brew for you to enjoy. The skill and expertise that goes into roasting coffee beans is unbelievably complex which is why we’re proud to share six of our favourite spots with you:
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Sophisticated dining in the Bay
If you love a beautiful plate of food and a fine dining atmosphere, get set to be impressed. Tauranga and Mount Maunganui boast multiple fine dining establishments that will rival any big city restaurant. So dress up and head out for a night to remember…
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Matariki Dish Challenge
Our local kai creators (foodies) are skilled in the culinary arts, utilising Te Puna Waihanga (the spring of creativity) to create innovative masterpieces for the mouth.
To celebrate this creativity and the arrival of the Matariki season, local eateries were challenged to create the region's best Matariki-inspired dish by shining a light on the abundance of local produce and the unique cultural stories of Aotearoa.
The challenge took place from 13 June to 17 July 2022, participating eateries were judged on both the overall service and the dish itself. There…
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Top 10 ‘must try’ dishes In Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
Don't leave the Bay without trying..
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Surf Schools in the Bay
There’s no better place to learn the basics of surfing or stand-up paddle boarding; our uncrowded beaches and gentle swells provide the perfect conditions for learner surfers. Book a lesson with one of the many surf schools dotted along the coast. You’ll be “hanging 10” in no time!
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Plant-based dining in the Bay
Vegan food, often referred to as plant-based, is one of the hottest food trends around the world, and here in the Bay, we have a growing number of businesses leading the way.
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Cheap Eats in Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
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Leveret Estate
If you want to try some of New Zealand’s top wines, a trip to Leveret & Mills Reef Winery in the Bay of Plenty is a must. The winery has been making wines for over 40 years and, according to Winemaker Paul Dawick, is known for their round, plush and full-bodied flavours.
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Explore: 12 hours in Tauranga city
Only have one day to explore Tauranga? Here’s how to make the most of it. From a relaxed breakfast to a bit of local history, family-friendly fun, and plenty of delicious food, this 12-hour itinerary has a little something for everyone — whether you’re here for the culture, the views, or just a good feed.
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Explore: 12 hours in Mount Maunganui
While we think you need to spend MUCH more than 12 hours in Mount Maunganui, if you only have a a day to check it out – it’s best to be organised! Here’s some of our top tips for 12 hours in Mount Maunganui.
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Discounts for Locals
Being a Bay local is a pretty sweet deal – but who doesn’t love scoring an extra bargain now and then?!
Many of our best attractions offer discounts for local residents, so we’ve compiled a list of what’s on offer. You’ll generally need proof of your address so grab your latest utilities bill and go have some fun without breaking the bank.
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10 things to do with tweens & teens in the Bay
FUN UNLEASHED.The tween and teen years are the perfect time to try new experiences, lay the foundations for life and have a whole lot of fun – the Bay has no shortage of options!
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Try something new on the water
Our Bay of Plenty beaches are famously gorgeous, and taking a regular dip is a summer ritual round here. But the ocean can be experienced so many other ways: from spotting marine wildlife to learning to surf those perfect waves, to exploring the mysteries of the underwater world while diving. Try something new on the water this summer – and gain a new perspective on it!
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Dog-friendly cafes in the Bay
In the Bay we love our dogs! We also love our cafés and restaurants.
In fact, we delight in combining the two: walking the pup and dropping in for a coffee in the same outing.
Here’s some of the best dog-friendly cafes here in the Bay of Plenty – long term locals may know many of these, but if you’re new to the region or to dog ownership, you’ll love checking out these places where you can relax with your coffee with your pup happily nearby.
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Fresh, Local Eats
The Bay of Plenty’s warm, sunny micro-climate creates perfect growing conditions for fresh local produce, and our open seas teem with kai moana – our Bay sure knows how to do delicious!
To help fuel you with everything fresh and scrumptious the Bay has to offer, we’ve got the list of where to get your fix of top-quality local produce – from farmers markets to online subscriptions.
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Top 10 Things to Do in the Bay
The Bay of Plenty has long been a favourite holiday destination for Kiwi families, and with stunning stretches of coastline and some of the best beaches in New Zealand, it’s easy to see why.
But there’s more to the Bay of Plenty than just our amazing beaches. Read on to find out about some of the other amazing activities in the Bay. It’s sure to make you smile!
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Give the gift of experiences
It always feels good to get out and experience the Bay of Plenty, whether it’s spotting wildlife on the ocean, learning to surf, enjoying a glow worm kayak tour, or soaring over Mauao (Mount Maunganui) in a helicopter. Best of all, these adventures are even better shared with friends and loved ones!
Here are some great Bay of Plenty experiences to gift your favourite people:
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Must-Do Walks
Mauao (Mount Maunganui) access and walking tracks are currently closed due to the weather event of 21 January 2026. For more information refer to Tauranga City Council here
The Bay of Plenty is packed with walking trails to explore that showcase the natural beauty of our area. Whether it’s coast, forest, waterfall or wetlands that you’re after, you’ll find a trail that delivers. Here are 10 great walks to check out over the coming months.
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Locals Newsletter Sign-Up
Stay in the local loop! Sign up to our e-newsletter for the hottest news on everything beautiful, delicious, innovative and fun that's happening across the Bay.
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Getting around the Bay of Plenty
The Coastal Bay of Plenty is a large region, with cities, forests, small towns and 55 kilometres of coastline to explore. There are lots of ways to get yourself from A to B – check out some of the options below.
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Eco-tours
Discover our pristine and natural native bush, sparkling ocean and eco-sanctuaries.
Learn from passionate local guides and volunteers about what makes our environment and wildlife so special, and the efforts that go into keeping them protected for future generations.
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Nature reserves & sanctuaries
As you travel around Te Moananui ā Toi (the Coastal Bay of Plenty), you'll discover eco-sanctuaries and stunning nature reserves, many of which are kept in pristine condition by passionate local volunteers.
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Food that's good for your soul
The Coastal Bay of Plenty knows how to do delicious. Taste the flavours at these wonderful eateries that do their bit to give back to the Bay.
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Restful Beachy Getaways
If a little getaway to soothe the soul is on your mind, check out these classic Kiwi beach spots in the Bay of Plenty.
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As Kiwi as it comes
Kiwifruit is arguably the Bay of Plenty’s most famous product. We grow the lion’s share of this $1.8 billion crop thanks to our fertile soils and ideal climate.
Kiwifruit vines and carefully tended canopies span tens of thousands of hectares across Te Puke, Paengaroa, Te Puna, Katikati and the Eastern Bay of Plenty as our skilled orchardists grow one of the world’s most nutritious foods.
But the zing and zest of kiwifruit isn’t limited to individual pieces of fruit. Creative locals have taken our region’s emblem and come up with plenty of new ways to enjoy this…
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Katikati: Harbourside Macadamias
Bay of Plenty is renowned for its fertile soils and horticultural prowess, but few orchards are as special as that belonging to Wyn and Chris Daniell in Katikati.
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Harbourside Adds The ‘Magic Touch’
We all love to celebrate special occasions and for generations of Tauranga families their go-to venue has been Harbourside Restaurant.
Tucked beneath the railway bridge at the southern end of The Strand, this historic building offers unrivalled waterfront views and some of the best cuisine you’ll find anywhere in the Bay.
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Polar Dessert Bar
Stef and Mike Clark took over Polar Dessert Bar in October 2023, bringing a renewed energy to this cherished ice cream shop in Mount Maunganui. Both are long-time locals who have always appreciated the vibrant atmosphere of Main Street, along with the stunning views of Mauao and the nearby beaches.
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Meet Pip & Jo - The Surf Shack Eatery
The Surf Shack is temporarily located at The Deck at the Waihī surf lifesaving club
Monday to Friday 8:30am - 2pm
Pip and Jo were corporate highflyers in the UK, harbouring dreams of creating a sustainably-minded café in Pip’s home country of New Zealand. After travelling all over Aotearoa, they settled on the Bay of Plenty and created the Surf Shack Eatery at Waihī Beach – now famous for some of New Zealand’s best burgers, friendly faces and outdoor dining in the fresh beach air.
In just four short years the lively eatery has won the NZ Café of the Year Puhoi…
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Meet the locals
Get to know the people behind the businesses that makes the Bay of Plenty experience so special. You might have bought a coffee from them every Saturday for the last year - but do you really know their story? Sit back and have a read..
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Rainy Day Activities
Seize the day with these indoor ideas.It’s in our nature to make the most of every day – even if the weather isn’t playing ball! Here are our top tips on what to do in the Bay of Plenty when the sun refuses to shine and you need to find some all-weather entertainment.
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Freshwater swimming spots
The freshwater swimming spots in the Bay of Plenty are cool, clear and refreshing; perfect for escaping that summer heat and rinsing off the sand between your toes.
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Ways to see the Bay
There are SO many ways to see all that the Coastal Bay of Plenty has to offer - from the water, in the air, or from the top of a mountain - whatever way you choose to go, it'll be unforgettable! Here are some of our top tips for taking in the Bay..
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The Daily Cafe - Te Puke
Generous portions and a generous spirit is what makes The Daily Café in Te Puke so special that it won a national award for New Zealand Café of the Year in 2018.
Yes, the food is divine and the décor is as Kiwi as it comes. But helping the community is what this place is all about. The Search Party Charitable Trust runs the café on a not-for-profit basis, and all income is invested back into helping local Te Puke residents and organisations.
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Good Neighbour
‘Waste not, want not’ is a pretty common attitude in the Bay of Plenty and more than a dozen local supermarkets are now giving back to those in need. Think of all the unsold fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious sweet treats, savouries, salads and sandwiches that wind up in the rubbish every day. Well, not in the Bay!
Good Neighbour is a locally-run charitable trust that rescues food that would otherwise be thrown away. Their Food Rescue service now diverts about 10 tonnes of food from landfill every week by collecting unused items and redistributing them to 65…
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Short Walks in the Bay
If you love exploring places on foot (or you just love walking), you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of cool short walks all over the Bay of Plenty. Whether you only want to do a short one-hour walk or something slightly longer, there are plenty of options for everyone.
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Family Experiences in the Bay
There are loads of fun activities for you and your family to experience while you're in the Bay of Plenty. We've pulled together some of the best things to see and do as a family - so you don't have to!
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The Best Beaches in the Bay
With over 125-kilometres of coastline, it’s no surprise that the Bay of Plenty is home to some of the best, and most pristine, beaches in New Zealand (and, some would argue, the world!). But don’t just take our word for it – check out some of the accolades our sandy shores have received and what makes them so special. It's sure to make you smile!
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The Berrylicious Bay
Our warm, sunny climate and fertile soil make the Bay of Plenty an ideal place to grow delicious berry fruit.
In late spring and summer, our fields are bursting with plump strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and even a few sweet gems you’ve probably never heard of like ranui berries, kotataberries and loganberries.
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The Bay's best drops
Discover the Bay’s craft drinks scene, where local breweries, cider makers and distillers are pouring something special. From hoppy brews to crisp ciders and bold small-batch rum, this is your guide to some of the region’s best tasting rooms, cellar doors and local pours.
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ESCAPE: With the girls
Sometimes, you just need a weekend away with the girls. The Coastal Bay of Plenty has all the good things that make a girls’ getaway one to remember – and it’s a perfect place to visit year-round. We have shopping destinations to rival the big cities, culinary experiences to tease your tastebuds, fresh sea air and beautiful walks that are just as stunning during the cooler months.
We’ve put together some of the best things to do and places to eat and drink during a gals’ getaway to the Coastal Bay of Plenty. All you need to do is find a date and book it in! It's…
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Little Known Beaches
You probably already know that the Bay of Plenty by its very name has plenty of beaches and 55-kilometres of pristine coastline. You’ve probably also heard that everyone loves The Mount for a surf, swim and SUP.
In a testament to that, Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach has been named New Zealand’s best beach by TripAdvisor for the seventh consecutive time. The popular spot has also been named the fourth-best beach in the South Pacific by the Traveller’s Choice awards.
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Taste the Flavours of the Bay
The Coastal Bay of Plenty knows how to do delicious. Our sunny, warm micro-climate makes for perfect growing conditions for fresh local produce and the flourishing population of Tauranga has seen an explosion in incredible eateries you simply have to try.
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