Mount Maunganui Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Maunganui showing a city, a coastal town and a sunset
Mount Maunganui which includes general coastal views, mountains and a beach
Mount Maunganui featuring a beach
Mount Maunganui showing tranquil scenes and wild flowers
Mount Maunganui which includes 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Mount Maunganui Hotel Deals

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers

4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
The price is NZ$197 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$197
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,266 reviews)
"We had a great check in by Jass who has a lovely caring and welcoming personality. She really made our stay worthwhile with her friendly nature. Thank you so much"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Quest Mt Maunganui

Quest Mt Maunganui

4 out of 5
2 Rata St, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
The price is NZ$205 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$205
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (211 reviews)
"The hotel parking was great and adjacent to the hotel, but we felt that the $15.00 per charges are not transparent when booking the accommodation. Loved our stay here."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
The price is NZ$198 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$198
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Hot Pools are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
"Travelling for business and this is a great option. Nice clean quiet rooms with plenty of amenities"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

6 on Adams
The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

4 out of 5
4 Marine Parade, Tauranga
The price is NZ$344 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
NZ$344
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (206 reviews)
"Thank you for our stay. No complaints from us. It was easy and quiet. Lots of eateries around"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments
Seagulls Guesthouse

Seagulls Guesthouse

2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
The price is NZ$120 per night from 25 July to 26 July
NZ$120
25 July - 26 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (292 reviews)
"麻雀虽小,五脏俱全 pretty good👍"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Seagulls Guesthouse
Blue Haven Motel

Blue Haven Motel

3 out of 5
10 Tweed Street, Tauranga
The price is NZ$163 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$163
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (425 reviews)
"Last minute booking, well looked after"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Blue Haven 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 Blake Park and Mount Maunganui Golf Club.

Omanu
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Otumoetai

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

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 Fergusson Park and Huria Marae.

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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Judea

Though Judea may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Tenpin Tauranga and Huria Marae.

Judea


Mount Maunganui Travel Guide

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