Mount Maunganui

Tauranga

Mount Maunganui showing a coastal town, a sunset and a city
Mount Maunganui showing a beach, mountains and general coastal views
Mount Maunganui showing a sandy beach
Mount Maunganui which includes tranquil scenes and wildflowers
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,256 reviews)
"Very nice and convenient location. Becoming a bit "tired" looking but still very tidy. Room was missing extra blankets, stayed in winter and it had enough linnen on the bed for a summer stayover. Enjoyed the stay :)"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 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 P5,953 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
P5,953
P6,994 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
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! (203 reviews)
"Great location, excellent reception, modern building and spotless inside."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
Blue Haven Motel
Blue Haven Motel
3 out of 5
10 Tweed Street, Tauranga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,259 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P4,259
P4,898 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (416 reviews)
"Nice and quiet and clean. Bed was comfy and convenient location. Woild definitely stay again but a shame we nevet got to meet the proprietors/ caretakers.always nice to put a face to the business name."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Blue Haven Motel
6 on Adams
6 on Adams
3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
The price is P6,133 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
P6,133
P7,052 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
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! (91 reviews)
"Great location with only few minutes walk to hot pools, mount, beach and cafes!!"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

6 on Adams
Seagulls Guesthouse
Seagulls Guesthouse
2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
The price is P3,711 per night from Jun 27 to Jun 28
P3,711
P4,268 total
Jun 27 - Jun 28
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! (286 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

Seagulls Guesthouse
Aquarius Motor Inn
Aquarius Motor Inn
3 out of 5
447-449 Maunganui Rd, Tauranga
The price is P5,607 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
P5,607
P6,449 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Blake Park are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (221 reviews)
"clean an handy place for parking"

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Aquarius Motor Inn
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, Blake Park and Mount Maunganui Golf Club 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