While many people envision Aotearoa New Zealand as all alpine peaks and glacial hikes like the Hooker Valley Track, most people don’t realize that it’s also home to some incredible beach towns.
One spectacular beach town is Mount Maunganui on New Zealand’s North Island. With soft sand, great surf, and so many amazing eateries, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and relax during your New Zealand getaway. I spent three days exploring Mount Maunganui and the surrounding area, staying in nearby Papamoa and enjoying the beaches, local food, and coastal views. Here’s what you should know before planning your own visit.
Travel Update (October 2026): Mauao (Mount Maunganui), including its summit and base walking tracks, remains closed following the January 2026 landslides. Mount Hot Pools and Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park are also closed. A 30-metre exclusion zone remains in place around Mauao’s base and shoreline. Visitors should follow local safety restrictions and check the Tauranga City Council’s latest updates before planning their visit.
Where Is Mount Maunganui?
Mount Maunganui is situated on the North Island of New Zealand, on the eastern coast, near Tauranga. Its namesake mountain, Mauao, is an ancient volcanic lava dome that is sacred to the Indigenous Māori people.
The local iwi (tribes) view Mauao as an ancestor, watching over them and protecting them. Technically, Mount Maunganui is a suburb, rather than a town or city in its own right, but it’s super popular with both domestic and international tourists seeking sun, sand, and sea.
In terms of connections, Mount Maunganui is approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from central Tauranga. This is New Zealand’s fifth-largest city and is popular for its incredible food and drink scene and coastal views.
I spent time in both Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, relaxing and exploring this foodie hub, with a couple of adventures before heading down to the South Island.
Best Things to Do in Mount Maunganui
During my visit, I explored Mount Maunganui Main Beach, spent time in quieter Papamoa, hiked Mauao, and enjoyed the local food scene. Here are my favorite experiences, along with a few important updates since my trip.
Relax at Mount Maunganui Main Beach
When I went to Mount Maunganui, the first thing you have to do is head to the beach. The main beach is the inventively named Mount Maunganui Main Beach.
It’s been consistently named as the best beach in New Zealand and appears on numerous best beaches lists, and for good reason. It’s a stunning stretch of sand along Marine Parade, where you can sunbathe, swim, and surf.
It’s currently open after the January landslides, but there is a 30m exclusion zone at the far end of the beach by Mauao because of rockslide risks.
This beach is located close to the shops and restaurants of Mount Maunganui, you can easily spend the whole day here and dip into town for lunch or an ice cream at Sea People.
Explore Papamoa Beach
Further down the coast, you have the calmer sands of Papamoa Beach, which is where I stayed during my few days in the region.
It’s quieter than Main Beach as it’s a little bit out of the way, but you still get the same soft sands and lapping water. I’d recommend getting a breakfast and coffee from Gather Cafe, Papamoa, and then taking a walk along the beach to start your day right.
Hiking Mauao: My Experience Before the Closure
After you’ve spent some time relaxing on the beach, it’s time to get some exercise. As soon as I saw Mt. Maunganui on my trip a few years ago, I knew that was going to be on my itinerary for that day.
Taking the main track up, it’s around 3.8 km round trip with spectacular views of the Whale Tail peninsula of Mount Maunganui.
Hiking up in 26 degrees Celsius perhaps wasn’t the best idea, given how short and steep the volcanic cone is; however, the views are an incredible reward.
All in all, it took me around an hour and a half, and that was with me constantly stopping to take photos.
I completed this hike before the January 2026 landslides. As of October 2026, Mauao’s summit and base walking tracks remain closed. Check the Tauranga City Council website for the latest access updates before planning a visit.
Where to Eat in Mount Maunganui
Upon my return to sea level, I’d worked up quite the appetite. Luckily, Mount Maunganui has no shortage of fantastic restaurants and bars.
Most of the popular spots are located on Maunganui Road, a short walk from Mt. Maunganui and Main Beach. I opted for a glut of tacos and a locally brewed beer at Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina, which definitely hit the spot.
Mount Maunganui vs Papamoa
If you’re looking for a beach getaway near Tauranga, then you have two main options. You either stay in Mount Maunganui near Main Beach, or you head down the coast to Papamoa.
I stayed in Papamoa and visited Mount Maunganui, and this was great for a more relaxed vibe. Papamoa Beach is quieter, and there are a few luxury holiday parks and accommodations around. You also have great cafes and brunch spots in this area.
That being said, if you want to be in the action and don’t want to spend 15-25 minutes on a bus or in an Uber getting to and from the main attractions, stay in Mount Maunganui.
Then you’ll be within walking distance from the Main Beach and the central strip of restaurants, bars, and shops. If you’re only in the area for a couple of days, stay in Mount Maunganui; if you want something calmer and more restorative, head to Papamoa.
How can you get to Mount Maunganui?
Getting to Mount Maunganui is pretty straightforward. From Auckland, it’s a two-hour and 40-minute drive. Alternatively, if you don’t want to hire a car, there is a direct Intercity bus from Auckland to Tauranga, which is what I took.
It takes three hours and 20 minutes, so it’s not the quickest route, but the buses are comfortable, and you can get a good sleep along the way. You stop along the way for quick toilet breaks and coffee, and by and large, it’s a pleasant experience.
I booked my bus online in advance, which I’d recommend, especially in peak season, as this is also a locals bus for getting between smaller towns along the way. From Tauranga, you can take the local Route 5 bus to Mount Maunganui. Alternatively, InterCity also operates direct services from Auckland to Mount Maunganui, so check your destination stop when booking.
If you’re coming specifically to New Zealand for Mount Maunganui, there is a domestic airport in Tauranga. There are Air New Zealand flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, so it’s a good option if you want to go from Tauranga straight to the South Island, without driving for hours and taking the Picton ferry.
Best time to visit Mount Maunganui
The best time to visit Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, is in the autumn or spring. These shoulder seasons are a lot quieter than summer, which is when many domestic travelers head to Mount Maunganui for a beach break.
As New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, spring is from September to November, and autumn is from March to May. I visited in the middle of November, and it was pleasantly warm to hike and swim in the sea, but not super busy yet. I had no issues getting bus reservations, and I didn’t have to book any restaurants in advance.
How Many Days Do You Need in Mount Maunganui?
I spent three days in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, but I was on a shorter trip with multiple stops. If you want a relaxing break, 4-5 days on the beach would be amazing; however, Mount Maunganui is also perfect for a long weekend break with friends.
It depends on where you’re coming from in New Zealand and if you have a car. If you hire a car and come from nearby Rotorua, a popular tourist spot, it’s only an hour’s drive.
From the city of Hamilton, it’s an hour and 35 minutes by car. Of course, by public transport, it’ll take a lot longer, so budget an extra day to make the travel time worth it.
Why is “Mount Maunganui” campground trending?
In the news, you might have heard about Mount Maunganui campground. This is sadly part of why Mount Maunganui is trending online. Sadly, there was a Mount Maunganui landslide at the start of the year, on January 22nd 2026, which claimed the lives of six people.
This was centered around the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park and the popular nearby hot pools.
In total, there were 42 landslides, with the largest hitting the holiday park. An external review into the council’s risk management of the area found that, ultimately, these landslides were preventable, and many lay blame at the feet of Tauranga City Council.
Yes, Mount Maunganui is definitely worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, relaxed coastal atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and scenic views. It is a great destination for travelers looking to enjoy swimming, surfing, local food, and a peaceful beach getaway in New Zealand.
Two to three days is ideal for exploring Mount Maunganui, enjoying Main Beach, and visiting local cafes and restaurants. I spent three days exploring Mount Maunganui and Tauranga, which felt like a good amount of time. However, four to five days would be perfect for a more relaxing beach holiday.
As of October 2026, Mauao remains closed following the January landslides. Before planning a hike, check the Tauranga City Council website for the latest updates on track access and safety restrictions.
Mount Maunganui is better for travelers who want to stay close to Main Beach, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Papamoa offers a quieter atmosphere and is ideal for a relaxing coastal escape. I stayed in Papamoa and visited Mount Maunganui, which gave me the best of both experiences.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are excellent times to visit Mount Maunganui. These seasons generally offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer. I visited in November and enjoyed warm temperatures, beach walks, and a relaxed atmosphere without the peak-season crowds.
