Mount Maunganui

Tauranga
Mount Maunganui showing general coastal views, a city and a sunset
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 $156 per night from Nov. 8 to Nov. 9
CA $156
CA $181 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9
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! (1,158 reviews)
"Good location and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 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 $145 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $145
CA $170 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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 $117 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $117
CA $135 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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! (346 reviews)
"Great welcome and personal friendly service from Lee, the owner. He was very helpful in sorting out some laundry for us. The room was comfortable and well equipped."

Reviewed on Nov. 2, 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 Nov. 7 to Nov. 8
CA $94
CA $110 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
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! (254 reviews)
"Very comfortable and clean"

Reviewed on Nov. 2, 2024

Seagulls Guesthouse
Atlas Suites And Apartments
Atlas Suites And Apartments
3.5 out of 5
49 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
The price is CA $121 per night from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8
CA $121
CA $140 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (459 reviews)
"Great stay. Good price and location. There were a few bits of damage to the place such as curtain, cupboard door, deck fence etc. We took photos of everything just in case but would be nice to not have to worry about that sort of thing"

Reviewed on Sep. 13, 2024

Atlas Suites And Apartments
Bay Palm Motel
Bay Palm Motel
3.5 out of 5
84 Girven Road, Tauranga
The price is CA $132 per night from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7
CA $132
CA $153 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Maunganui Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (448 reviews)
"Clean and quiet, and the owners text me to say where they left my key for a late check in. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 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

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 Fergusson Park and Huria Marae.

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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