Things to do in Papamoa
Papamoa is the Bay of Plenty’s laid-back beach suburb, just along the coast from Mount Maunganui. It has kilometres of sandy beach, a hill walk with huge views and plenty of space for families.
Here are the best things to do in Papamoa.
Papamoa (Pāpāmoa) sits between Mount Maunganui and Te Puke. Find more ideas in our guides to Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.
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Papamoa Beach
Papamoa Beach is a long stretch of golden sand with surf, space to spread out and quieter spots than the Mount. It’s great for swimming, surfing, fishing and long walks.
Local tip: Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches in summer.
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Papamoa Hills Regional Park
Papamoa Hills Regional Park, Te Rae o Pāpāmoa, has a walking track to a summit with views over the Bay of Plenty coast, Mauao and beyond. The hills hold ancient pā sites, so it’s a place of real cultural significance.
Local tip: Go early on hot days and take water.
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Papamoa Domain
Papamoa Domain is a beachfront reserve with a playground, barbecues, picnic areas and easy access to the beach. It’s a favourite for family days and birthday picnics.
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Local cafés and shops
Papamoa’s shopping areas have cafés, takeaways and local shops, so you can grab lunch between the beach and the hills.
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Sunrise on the beach
Because Papamoa faces the open ocean, sunrises over the water are spectacular. It’s worth an early alarm at least once.
Local tip: Check the sunrise time the night before.
Good to know
Is Papamoa a good beach for families?
Yes. Papamoa Beach has lots of space and Papamoa Domain has a playground and picnic areas right by the sand.
How long is the Papamoa Hills walk?
The walk to the summit takes most people around an hour return, with some steep sections.
How far is Papamoa from Mount Maunganui?
Papamoa is just along the coast from Mount Maunganui, a short drive east.
Where can I find jobs in Papamoa?
Browse jobs in Papamoa on our job board.
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