Some of the best days out in the Bay of Plenty cost nothing at all. Here are our favourite free things to do in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and Papamoa, picked by locals.
1. Walk up Mauao
The summit track on Mauao is the Mount’s most famous walk, with views over Main Beach, Tauranga Harbour and the Bay of Plenty coast. Most people reach the top in 30 to 45 minutes. Prefer to stay low? The base track loops around the foot of the mountain past sheltered coves and big sea views. Read more in our Mount Maunganui guide.
2. Swim at Main Beach or Pilot Bay
Main Beach is the place for surf, and it’s patrolled by lifeguards in summer, so swim between the flags. On the harbour side, Pilot Bay has calmer water that suits young children, paddleboards and sunset swims. Keep an eye out for the big ships heading in and out of the harbour past Mauao.
3. Explore Moturiki Island
At the end of Main Beach, a short walkway leads out to Moturiki (Leisure) Island, with blowholes, rock pools and views back to Mauao. It’s an easy walk for kids.
4. Walk Papamoa Beach
Papamoa Beach stretches for kilometres, so there’s always a quiet spot, even in summer. It’s great for long walks, swimming and watching the sun rise over the ocean.
5. Climb the Papamoa Hills
Papamoa Hills Regional Park has a walking track to a summit with views along the coast to Mauao. The hills hold ancient pā sites, so please stay on the tracks. See our Papamoa guide.
6. Picnic at McLaren Falls Park
A short drive from Tauranga, McLaren Falls Park has lakeside walks, waterfalls and big trees that glow with colour in autumn. Bring a picnic and allow a few hours to explore.
7. Wander the Tauranga waterfront
Stroll along The Strand in Tauranga’s city centre, let the kids loose in the waterfront playground and take in the views across the harbour to Mauao.
8. Find the waterfalls at Kaiate Falls
Near Welcome Bay, a short bush walk follows the stream past a series of waterfalls and pools. Check local water quality advice before you swim.
Plan your next day out
Find more ideas in our guides to Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Papamoa and the wider Bay of Plenty, and see what’s on at the Mount.
