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
The price is P6,290 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
P6,290
P7,234 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 4 - Jun 5
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! (1,246 reviews)
"Lovely few days here. Easy walk to beach shops and the mount."

Reviewed on May 29, 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 P5,867 per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
P5,867
P6,894 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 8 - Jun 9
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! (194 reviews)
"The room was nice and clean but a couple of the towels were dirty"

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
Blue Haven Motel
Blue Haven Motel
3 out of 5
10 Tweed Street, Tauranga
The price is P4,771 per night from Jun 4 to Jun 5
P4,771
P5,486 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 4 - Jun 5
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! (409 reviews)
"Was as you’d expect."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Blue Haven Motel
6 on Adams
6 on Adams
3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
The price is P5,823 per night from Jun 5 to Jun 6
P5,823
P6,697 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 5 - Jun 6
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! (89 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,617 per night from Jun 10 to Jun 11
P3,617
P4,160 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 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! (284 reviews)
"The room was clean and comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped. We enjoyed the board games in the lounge. Plenty of off street parking."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Seagulls Guesthouse
The Atrium Apartments
The Atrium Apartments
3.5 out of 5
23 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
The price is P6,997 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
P6,997
P8,047 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Maunganui Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (424 reviews)
"Nice clean and tidy"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

The Atrium Apartments
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