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! (1,267 reviews)
Great Location
"Great location right by the main beach at Mt Maunganui. Friendly staff. Quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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 P5,786 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P5,786
P6,799 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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 Jul 17, 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
The price is P4,844 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P4,844
P6,171 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (97 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

6 on Adams
The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

4 out of 5
4 Marine Parade, Tauranga
The price is P10,346 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P10,346
P11,898 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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! (208 reviews)
"Loved our two night stay at The Pavillion. Ocean front view was amazing and property looked like photos. Secure car parking onsite, restaurant next door open breakfast, lunch and dinner made for a very safe and comfortable stay. Felt like home."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments
Seagulls Guesthouse

Seagulls Guesthouse

2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,698 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P3,698
P4,253 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
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! (295 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Seagulls Guesthouse
Pacific Motor Inn

Pacific Motor Inn

3.5 out of 5
261 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,452 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P5,452
P6,270 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Pilot Bay Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (188 reviews)
"Management went above and beyond expectation. Had a couple of small problems with the room and they upgraded me for the rest of my stay. They checked in to make sure everything was okay. Shops and cafes are in walking distance. Couldn’t ask for a better location."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Pacific 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

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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
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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