Mount Maunganui sits at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour in the Bay of Plenty, combining a relaxed beach-town atmosphere with ocean views and a lively waterfront. Main Beach is popular for surfing, swimming and seaside walks, while sheltered Pilot Bay offers a different perspective of the harbour and passing boats.
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Mount Maunganui is a popular coastal destination in the Bay of Plenty, known for its sandy beaches, surf culture and sheltered harbour. Explore nearby Tauranga or travel inland to Rotorua for more North Island attractions and experiences.
Things to do in Mount Maunganui
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Bay of Plenty Attractions & Activities by Area
Popular in Mount Maunganui
Tauranga Harbour Cruise
90 Minute Cruise on the Waters of Tauranga Harbour
from NZ $50.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $150.00
2 Hours 
TAURANGA LOCAL TASTING TOUR
Travel on gondola for tasting & presentation at awarded Rotorua winery
from NZ $300.00
6 hours 
Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Cruise
Get up close to Wild Dolphins, on board our comfortable cruising vessel
from NZ $175.00
5 Hours Activities and Attractions in Mount Maunganui
from NZ $200.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $420.00
from NZ $135.00
2 Hours 
Avocado Adventure Tour
Guided tour of a working avocado orchard by the grower
from NZ $59.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $175.00
V8 Trike Tour - The Ultimate V8 Experience!
Of course... the V8 Trike!!
from NZ $190.00
25 mins
from NZ $515.00
1 hours 30 mins
from NZ $120.00
2 Hours 
Coromandal Coastal Scenic Flight
Discover The Famous Cathedral Cove From The Air
from NZ $1550.00
from NZ $195.00
6 hours 15 mins
Tauranga Scenic Harbor Cruise
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local points of interest.
from NZ $55.00
3 Hours 
from NZ $150.00
2 Hours Find your perfect Mount Maunganui experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Maunganui
Is Mount Maunganui family‑friendly?
Yes, Mount Maunganui is very family-friendly, featuring safe sandy beaches, gentle walking tracks, playgrounds, and a range of family-oriented activities along the beach and harbor.
How long should I spend in Mount Maunganui?
Most visitors spend 1–2 days in Mount Maunganui, which allows time to enjoy the beaches, climb Mauao (the Mount), explore the waterfront, and experience local cafes and shops.
What is Mount Maunganui best known for?
Mount Maunganui is best known for its iconic Mauao (Mount Maunganui) summit walk, stunning surf beaches, relaxed seaside lifestyle, and vibrant café and surf culture.
Is Mount Maunganui good for outdoor activities?
Yes, Mount Maunganui is excellent for outdoor activities, offering surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, coastal walks, hiking up Mauao, cycling, and beachside recreation.
Where is Mount Maunganui located?
Mount Maunganui is located in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island, at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, just northeast of Tauranga city.
Can I fly a drone over Mount Maunganui (Mauao)?
Flying drones over Mauao is prohibited without specific permission from the Mauao Trust and the Tauranga City Council. The mountain is culturally significant land, and casual recreational flying is not permitted over the reserve or over people using the tracks.
Can I take my dog up Mount Maunganui?
No, dogs are prohibited on Mauao (including the Summit and Base tracks) year-round. This ban is strictly enforced to protect the cultural significance of the site and the local wildlife, including nesting penguins.
What are the top attractions in Mount Maunganui?
Mount Maunganui is known for its mix of adrenaline, culture, and coastal experiences. Top attractions include The Ultimate V8 Experience, where thrill-seekers can enjoy high-powered driving excitement, and the Waka Ama Adventure (Outrigger Canoe), offering a unique cultural paddling experience on the harbour. For breathtaking views, Skydive Tauranga delivers an unforgettable aerial perspective of the beaches and coastline, while a Tauranga Harbour Cruise provides a relaxing way to explore the scenic waterways. Food lovers can also enjoy the KWIZINE TOUR, which showcases the region’s local flavours and culinary highlights.
Tourist Information About Mount Maunganui
Mt Maunganui, located in the Bay of Plenty, is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations. Renowned for its surf and safe swimming beaches, you can climb to the top of the Mt Maunganui summit for amazing views. Mount Maunganui is situated in the city of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region, with a white sandy surf beach on the ocean side and a safe sheltered inner harbour beach. Mount Maunganui, or Mauao, is also the name of the extinct volcano that rises above the town. Mt Maunganui has many tourist attractions and activities along the beach, and the township is buzzing with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes along the shore.
Best Attractions and free things to do in Mount Maunganui
1. V8 Trike Tour
If you're looking for a fun-filled adrenaline rush, the V8 Trike Tour is just the place! It's the top 10% Attraction Worldwide and voted #1 Outdoor Activity in Tauranga. The unique and thrilling experience starts on a V8 Chevrolet trike as you explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty. A perfect and memorable way to spend an evening.
2. Kaituna River Rafting
Often, the bay of plenty can be too sunny to spend the day in the sun. So, why not send it into the river! Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers! You even take on the world-famous 7-meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall!
3. Rotorua
Wherever you are staying in the Bay of Plenty, it's always worth taking a day trip to Rotorua. With so many wonderful things to do it would be a missed opportunity not to take the drive. From Volcano hikes to mud spas, there's something for everyone!
4. Hike Mt Maunganui
Don't miss out on the views from the peak of Mt Maunganui, often known as Mauao or "The Mount." There are several walking trails that lead up and around The Mount, but the 30-minute journey to the peak rewards you with panoramic views of the beaches, Tauranga city, and the Pacific Ocean. A morning run up and down "the Mount" is one of the most popular activities to do in Mount Maunganui for locals and visitors trying to keep in shape.
5. McLaren Falls Park
When you ask the locals about things to do in Tauranga, they will recommend McLaren Falls Park. McLaren Falls Park is a 20-minute drive from Tauranga. Walking through the many sections of native and exotic trees, through the extremely reflective Lake McLaren, and marveling at the McLaren Falls at the park's entrance may take up a whole day. The 10-minute waterfall trail to the unidentified waterfall is highly recommended!
6. Blowholes on Leisure Island
Leisure Island is one of the most accessible islands in the world. Simply cross a footbridge that connects the island to Mt Maunganui's main beach and take a 10-minute walk down a pathway that leads to a blowhole. One of the best things to do at Mount Maunganui is to take a leisurely stroll.
7. Tauranga Art Gallery
The Tauranga Art Gallery consists of breathtaking pieces of exquisite art, appreciated by everyone. Whether it's a cloudy, sunny, or cold day, the Tauranga Art Gallery should be at the top of your bucket list. There is something for everyone to enjoy with the wide variety of art forms the building takes in. Why not take an hour or two out of your day to have a look?
8. Browse the Markets
In Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, there's always something going on, and marketplaces are generally featured. For food, crafts, design, and art, visit the Little Big Markets in Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui, every first Saturday of the month throughout the summer, 9 am-2 pm. On Saturdays, the Tauranga Farmers Market is also packed with vendors and consumers from roughly 8 a.m until 12 p.m. The Tauranga Primary School on Fifth Avenue/Cameron Road hosts the event. Finally, if you're up early on Sundays, the Tauranga Market is held on the first and third Sundays of each month at the Historic Village on Seventeenth Avenue West.
9. Surfing
Mt Maunganui Beach is a great place to go wave-riding when the swell is big. There are several surf businesses in the Mt Maunganui area that frequently offer surf hire discounts. Alternatively, several hostels in town, such as Pacific Coast Lodge, provide complimentary boarding to their visitors, so take advantage! Surfing is undoubtedly one of Tauranga's most popular pastimes.
10. Te Puna Quarry
Riddled with marvelous statues, Te Puna Quarry Park has magic to be discovered at every turn.
The gardens are brimming with unique features, including irises, cactus and succulents, a palm grove, bonsai nook, butterfly garden, and so much more, including orchids by the thousands. With our Australian and South African areas, you can experience a taste of distant places.
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