About Mt Maunganui
About Mount Maunganui
The Heart of Tauranga
Mount Maunganui is the bustling heart of Tauranga, rapidly growing in popularity as one of the Bay of Plenty’s must-visit holiday destinations. Providing a peaceful escape, Mount Maunganui also offers boutique shopping, fine dining, thrilling adventures and exciting events. The Mount truly has something for everyone.
The sprawling sandy beaches, great surf and stunning summer sunshine make Mount Maunganui the ideal New Zealand holiday destination and the iconic Mount Maunganui, Mauao, (or ‘The Mount’, as it is known to locals) is frequented by locals, tourists, and travellers from New Zealand and around the world.
Book your stay in Mount Maunganui today.
Mount Maunganui Must-Dos
The Mount
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers sits at the foot of iconic Mount Maunganui. Visible for miles, this now extinct volcano historically served as a pa (a traditional Maori village/defensive settlement) and is now home to native birds, bush, and grazing sheep.
For views over sandy beaches, surrounding islands and the busy port, climb to The Mount summit. This hike takes approximately 1 ½ hours depending on the track chosen and your fitness level. For a gentler walk, the 3km base track wanders through native bush and grassland along the coastline and takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Hot Saltwater Pools
The Mount Hot Pools offer the perfect way to soak weary muscles after a hike to the top of Mount Maunganui! Discover the healing and rejuvenating properties of the warmed sea water as you soak in one of the many pools on offer.
The tepid lap pool, hot passive pool, aqua jet spa pools and private pools are all warmed to a comfortable temperature. Relax and ease muscle tension with the pools’ massage jets, or book a therapeutic massage session with the specialty on-site team. You can even take part in an aqua aerobics class if you are interested in some invigorating exercise.
For more details on the pools visit their website or see admission prices
Mount Maunganui Beaches
Mount Maunganui is a beach lover’s paradise with one of the most well-known and visited beaches in the Bay of Plenty, Mt Maunganui’s main beach, being named as the top beach in New Zealand by Trip Advisor for three years running!
The golden sandy beaches run from the base of Mount Maunganui (directly opposite Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers) down to Papamoa Reserve, offering kilometres of sun, sand and open water, with plenty of space to accommodate visiting beachgoers, even at the height of the summer season.
Mount Maunganui's excellent surf attracts both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Surfing schools and board hire sites are scattered along the beach for those who want to learn. In addition to surfing, you can also take part in other water activities along the beach such as kite surfing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding.
If you are looking to enjoy for enjoy the beach at a slower pace, you can snorkel, swim, fish, explore the tidal pools, or just kick back and bask in the Bay of Plenty sunshine. On or off the beach Mount Maunganui has plenty to offer and hosts a multitude of beachside festivals, markets, sporting events, and concerts throughout the year.
Moturiki Island
Moturiki Island, also known as ‘Leisure Island’, was once the site of a former aquarium but is now in the process of returning to its natural bush state. This island attracts native birdlife, hikers and keen fishermen looking for a winning vantage point over the water. The island can be accessed via a man-made walkway that is exposed during low tide.
