Mount Maunganui

Tauranga
Mount Maunganui which includes a beach, a sunset and a city
Mount Maunganui which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and mountains
Mount Maunganui showing a beach
Mount Maunganui featuring wildflowers and tranquil scenes
Mount Maunganui showing a coastal town and general coastal views
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

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,165 reviews)
"This property is older but clean and tidy and very spacious. The only downside this stay was when I went to the reception to ask for washing powder for the laundry I wasn't told there was a $2 charge which I would happily paid, but the day after checkout I found we were charged on our credit card. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Nov 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 RM459 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
RM459
RM539 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and free grocery shopping service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Great location and has just opened. Will be back next month for sure"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Quest Mt Maunganui
Blue Haven Motel
Blue Haven Motel
3 out of 5
10 Tweed Street, Tauranga
The price is RM403 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
RM403
RM466 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Stay at this 3-star motel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (353 reviews)
"Cx"

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Blue Haven Motel
Seagulls Guesthouse
Seagulls Guesthouse
2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
The price is RM289 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
RM289
RM338 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this guesthouse in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Blake Park are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"The plumbing was very noisy when the shower was going.Being in the room opposite the toilet and shower i was woken up early."

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2024

Seagulls Guesthouse
The Reef Beachfront Apartments
The Reef Beachfront Apartments
4 out of 5
178 Marine Parade, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (149 reviews)
"Great place. The apartment was amazing, everything you needed and lots of space. Great having under ground carpark also and secure. We will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

The Reef Beachfront Apartments
6 on Adams
6 on Adams
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
The price is RM484 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
RM484
RM561 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Hot Pools are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"Space and location of property near to the beach."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

6 on Adams
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

Mount Maunganui