Mount Maunganui Travel Guide

Tauranga
Mount Maunganui showing general coastal views, a beach and mountains
Take in the views from this mighty volcanic cone, relax on a beach, go for a surf, dine out or indulge in some retail therapy in the Bay of Plenty.

Mount Maunganui is a town on a sand spit leading out to the volcanic cone that gives the area its name. One side of the cone faces the open ocean while the other side overlooks Tauranga Harbour and its bay.

Take a walk around the base of “The Mount,” as the locals call the cone, to take in the Bay of Plenty’s stunning coastal scenery. Gaze down to see waves crash over the rocks or up to see sheep grazing serenely on the slopes. Listen for the enchanting song of the tūi bird as it flits between trees.

Grab your sunglasses and head to the beach. Due to the shape of Mount Maunganui, you can enjoy an iconic surf beach on one side and a tranquil bayside beach on the other. The waves of Main Beach are hugely popular with surfers from all over the country.

Get a feel for Māori legend with a climb up Mount Maunganui, which is also known as Mauao. Mauao means “caught by the morning sun,” and, because the mountain rises up to 761 feet (232 meters), it is one of the first places in the world to welcome the new day. Follow one of the tracks to the summit, which is the site of a former Māori pā (fort). The summit rewards you with 360-degree views across the ocean and land.

Have an alfresco meal at one of the many cafés and restaurants with beach views. Browse the wide range of galleries, boutiques and shops for that special souvenir. This part of Tauranga has a lively nightlife and in the summer months you can browse the bustling Gourmet Night Markets.

Relax with a visit to the Hot Salt Water Pools located just at the base of Mauao. There are different naturally heated pools to choose from for a long soak.

Mount Maunganui is connected by bridge to the city of Tauranga, which is some 3 hours from Auckland by car. Whether you relax in one of its hot springs, laze on a sandy beach or be mesmerized by Mauao’s vistas, it is easy to unwind in Mount Maunganui.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Mount Maunganui

Seagulls Guesthouse
Seagulls Guesthouse
2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
The price is ฿2,509 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
฿2,509
per night
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Stay at this guesthouse in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions Mount ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (239 reviews)
"Self contained room was great, very private and quiet. Everything was immaculately clean and tidy, and keyless entry system was a breeze"

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Seagulls Guesthouse
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,307 per night from 27 Jun to 28 Jun
฿4,307
per night
27 Jun - 28 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,065 reviews)
"Parking spaces in basement too tight."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2024

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Quest Mt Maunganui
Quest Mt Maunganui
4 out of 5
2 Rata St, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
The price is ฿4,128 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
฿4,128
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and free food shopping service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Pilot ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
"Great location."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2024

Quest Mt Maunganui
Atlas Suites And Apartments
Atlas Suites And Apartments
3.5 out of 5
49 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
The price is ฿2,860 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿2,860
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (442 reviews)
"Dated property that needs freshening up for the couches and bathrooms. On the plus side,.great size and space for families and great location to the cafes, shops and beach"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2024

Atlas Suites And Apartments
Blue Haven Motel
Blue Haven Motel
3 out of 5
10 Tweed Street, Tauranga
The price is ฿3,520 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿3,520
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star motel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (315 reviews)
"The peace and quiet"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2024

Blue Haven Motel
Bay Palm Motel
Bay Palm Motel
3.5 out of 5
84 Girven Road, Tauranga
The price is ฿3,315 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿3,315
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (435 reviews)
"Great motel in the Mount"

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Bay Palm Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Mount Maunganui

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Omanu

While Omanu may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mount Maunganui Golf Club and Classic Flyers NZ.

Omanu
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Otumoetai

Though Otumoetai may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Tauranga Domain and The Elms Mission House.

Otumoetai
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Matua

While Matua may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Huria Marae and Tauranga Domain.

Matua
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Matapihi

The beaches and cosy cafes are top of the list for many visitors to Matapihi. A stop by Waipu Bay or Rangataua Bay might round out your trip.

Matapihi
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Brookfield

While Brookfield isn't home to many top sights, Huria Marae and Fernland Spa are some notable places to visit nearby.

Brookfield
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Bellevue

While Bellevue isn't home to many top sights, Fernland Spa and Tauranga Domain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bellevue

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