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! (1,273 reviews)
Mt Hotel
"Great Hotel,very close to the Veach,hot pools & restaurants. Lovely big room with kitchen"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 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 P5,735 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,735
P6,739 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (213 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
The price is P5,590 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,590
P6,429 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (100 reviews)
"Great location, just across the road to the mount, hot pools beach and walking distance to the shops and restaurants."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

6 on Adams
Blue Haven Motel

Blue Haven Motel

3 out of 5
10 Tweed Street, Tauranga
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! (432 reviews)
"It was very nice place to stay, We like having some space outside."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Blue Haven Motel
Seagulls Guesthouse

Seagulls Guesthouse

2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
The price is P3,665 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P3,665
P4,215 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (297 reviews)
"A great place to stay, bit of a hiccup on checkin as it was electronic and the code I was sent was wrong and then the system had dropped out, but a quick fix by Mark ( I think), parking instructions were a bit unclear but another quick fix, room was warm and comfortable only problem was we could ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Seagulls Guesthouse
The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

4 out of 5
4 Marine Parade, Tauranga
The price is P10,255 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P10,255
P11,793 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (209 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
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 Huria Marae 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 Huria Marae and Fernland Spa.

Bellevue

Mount Maunganui