Mount Maunganui

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


Mount Maunganui Hotel Deals

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
The price is CA $142 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $142
CA $163 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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 Nov. 12, 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 CA $142 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $142
CA $167 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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 Oct. 30, 2024

Quest Mt Maunganui
Blue Haven Motel
Blue Haven Motel
3 out of 5
10 Tweed Street, Tauranga
The price is CA $124 per night from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6
CA $124
CA $144 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 5 - Dec 6
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 Nov. 19, 2024

Blue Haven Motel
Seagulls Guesthouse
Seagulls Guesthouse
2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
The price is CA $94 per night from Dec. 10 to Dec. 11
CA $94
CA $110 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 10 - Dec 11
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! (255 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 Nov. 14, 2024

Seagulls Guesthouse
The Reef Beachfront Apartments
The Reef Beachfront Apartments
4 out of 5
178 Marine Parade, Tauranga
The price is CA $252 per night from Nov. 25 to Nov. 26
CA $252
CA $291 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 25 - Nov 26
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! (150 reviews)
"Manager was excellent and very accommodating. The units dryer was OOO which was inconvenient but the manager was able to provide an option. The stovetop wasn’t intuitive. I had to look online for operating instructions. It was a simple child lock feature but would be helpful to have some easy instructions ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 21, 2024

The Reef Beachfront Apartments
6 on Adams
6 on Adams
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $144 per night from Nov. 26 to Nov. 27
CA $144
CA $167 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 26 - Nov 27
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! (49 reviews)
"awesome property in the middle of the harbour and the main ocean beach and across the road from the Mount hot . pools"

Reviewed on Nov. 21, 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

Find a local who knows how to get to the base of it to go swimming, as its a unmarked and semi dangerous trail if you have never been before . The water is cold but refreshing

Omanu

While Omanu isn't home to many top sights, Mount Maunganui Golf Club and Classic Flyers NZ are some notable places to visit nearby.

Omanu
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Otumoetai

While Otumoetai isn't home to many top sights, Tauranga Domain and The Elms Mission House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Otumoetai
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Matua

While there might not be top attractions in Matua, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Huria Marae and Tauranga Domain.

Matua
So much fun trying jet boards! Cross between wake boarding and snowboarding, no boat needed to zip across the bay 😊

Matapihi

The beaches and cozy 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

Though Brookfield might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Huria Marae and Fernland Spa.

Brookfield
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Bellevue

Though Bellevue might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fernland Spa and Tauranga Domain.

Bellevue


Mount Maunganui

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