Mount Maunganui

Tauranga

Mount Maunganui which includes a city, a sunset and a coastal town
Mount Maunganui showing mountains, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Mount Maunganui which includes a beach
Mount Maunganui which includes tranquil scenes and wild flowers
Mount Maunganui featuring 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! (1,271 reviews)
Mt Hotel
"Great Hotel,very close to the Veach,hot pools & restaurants. Lovely big room with kitchen"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 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 €102 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
€102
8 Aug - 9 Aug
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! (212 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 17 Jul 2025

Quest Mt Maunganui
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
The price is €90 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
€90
8 Aug - 9 Aug
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 24 Jul 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! (430 reviews)
"Friendly staff, clean room, not far away from airports"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Blue Haven Motel
Seagulls Guesthouse

Seagulls Guesthouse

2.5 out of 5
12 Hinau Street, Tauranga
The price is €64 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€64
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (296 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Seagulls Guesthouse
The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

4 out of 5
4 Marine Parade, Tauranga
The price is €178 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
€178
8 Aug - 9 Aug
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 30 Jul 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 may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Blake Park and Mount Maunganui Golf Club.

Omanu
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Otumoetai

Though Otumoetai may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Tauranga Domain and The Elms Mission House.

Otumoetai
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Matua

While Matua may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fergusson Park and Huria Marae.

Matua
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Matapihi

The beaches and cosy 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

While Brookfield isn't home to many top sights, Huria Marae and Fernland Spa are some notable places to visit nearby.

Brookfield
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Bellevue

While Bellevue isn't home to many top sights, Fernland Spa and Tauranga Domain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bellevue

Mount Maunganui

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