Local guide

Things to do in Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui, or “the Mount”, is one of New Zealand’s favourite beach towns. Sitting at the tip of a peninsula in Tauranga, it has a volcanic cone to climb, surf and harbour beaches, hot pools and a busy café strip, all within walking distance.

Here are the best things to do in Mount Maunganui, picked by locals.

Looking for somewhere to eat, stay or book a tour? See the local businesses on the Mount Maunganui Notice Board, or find out what’s on at the Mount.

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Mauao summit track

Mauao is the extinct volcanic cone that gives the Mount its name, and walking to the summit is the town’s favourite way to start the day. Tracks wind up through pōhutukawa and native bush to 360° views over Main Beach, Tauranga Harbour, Matakana Island and the Bay of Plenty.
Allow around an hour return at a steady pace. Mauao is a place of great significance to local iwi, so please stay on the tracks and take your rubbish home.
Local tip: Go at sunrise or an hour before sunset for cooler air and the best light. Take water, as there’s little shade near the top.
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Mauao base track

If the summit sounds like too much, the base track is a mostly flat loop around the foot of Mauao. You’ll pass rocky outcrops, sheltered coves and big sea views, and often spot seals and seabirds along the way.
Local tip: Walk it clockwise from Pilot Bay to finish with views of Main Beach.
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Main Beach

Main Beach is the Mount’s famous surf beach, a long sweep of white sand running from Mauao along Marine Parade. It’s great for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and long beach walks, with cafés and ice cream just across the road.
Local tip: Swim between the flags when lifeguards are on patrol in summer.
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Moturiki (Leisure) Island

From the end of Main Beach, a short walkway takes you out to Moturiki Island. Follow the loop track for blowholes, rock pools and views back to Mauao and along the coast. It’s a great short walk for kids.
Local tip: Visit at high tide on a swell day to see the blowholes in action.
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Mount Hot Pools

At the foot of Mauao, the Mount Hot Pools are saltwater hot pools that are perfect after the summit walk or on a cooler day. There are pools for relaxing and plenty of space for families.
Local tip: Check opening hours and prices on their website before you go.
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Pilot Bay

On the harbour side of the Mount, Pilot Bay has calm water that suits swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Shady pōhutukawa trees line the beach, making it a favourite spot for picnics and sunsets.
Local tip: Stay for sunset, as the sun drops behind the harbour.
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Maunganui Road and Marine Parade

Maunganui Road is the Mount’s main street, packed with cafés, bakeries, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Marine Parade runs along the beach with more places to eat and drink with a view.
Local tip: Grab a coffee and walk Marine Parade for the classic Mount morning.
Map Find local cafés
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Omanu Beach

Further along the coast from Main Beach, Omanu Beach is a little quieter, with the same golden sand and surf. It’s a good choice when Main Beach is busy in summer.
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