Located in the gorgeous Bay of Plenty, across the harbour from Tauranga, Mt Maunganui is an upbeat coastal beach town with lively cafes and awesome surf-breaks.
The mountain itself, officially known as Mauao, towers above the beachside township below and stands at 232m above sea level. This well known New Zealand landmark is actually an extinct volcanic cone that was formed approximately two and a half million years ago.
Boasting spectacular views from the summit, the Mount is a popular tourist attraction and an iconic symbol of the Bay of Plenty area.
Population: 20,000 residents, with visitor numbers soaring during summer months
Vibe: Laid-back, sun-soaked surfer vibe with a glam, boutique twist
Also known as: Mauao (official Māori name) & 'The Mount'
Must Do: Hike up to the top of the Mount and witness the incredible 360 degree views.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Take a hike
A trip to Mt Maunganui really isn't complete without a hike! Whether you want to climb the steps all the way to the summit to take in the incredible views of the white sand coastline or if you'd rather take it easy with a 45 minute walk around the base track - we highly recommend stretching those legs and exploring the walking trails.
Soak up the sunshine and relax
Kick back and enjoy some down-time on the white sand beach of Mt Maunganui. Read a book, top up your tan or just admire the views as you munch on some classic kiwi fish and chips! If you're craving something a little more indulgent, why not head down the road to the Mount hot pools. Unwind in the heated salt water pools and rejuvenate after a long, hard day of being a backpacker.
Get out on the water
Take a surf lesson and catch some waves on the beautiful Mt Maunganui beach. If you're a seasoned pro, make sure to take advantage of the Mount Backpackers $20 surfboard and wetsuit hire - there really is no excuse not to get out and show off your skills! If a surfing and splashing in waves isn't your thing, you can always head around to Pilots Bay (a short 7 minute walk across the peninsula) to a sheltered bay where you can hire a stand-up-paddle board/kayak instead and explore the harbour.
EATING AND DRINKING
Mt Maunganui has heaps of food and drink options - ranging from Indian, Turkish, Japanese, Thai and Mexican restaurants to fast food joints and healthy boutique cafes as well. There really is something for everyone - the hardest part is just making a decision. Just take a stroll along the main road, soak up the lively atmosphere and take your pick of one of the many restaurants and bars.
Mount Social Club - Check out the quirky interior and enjoy some tapas with your Stray mates.
Wild One - A cute, wholefoods cafe with tons of vegan and vegetarian options.
Bay Sushi - Tasty sushi without the price tag, the perfect place to grab a to-go meal.
The Pizza Library - Relax in old cinema and coach seats as you indulge in a gourmet pizza. Or two.
Astrolabe - Breakfast, lunch and dinner combos for the backpacker budget.
Fancy seeing Mt Maunganui for yourself?
More info on the Mount!
Why should I visit Mt Maunganui?
Mt Maunganui offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation — with golden beaches, great surf, stunning walks, natural hot pools, and a lively town vibe. It’s ideal for beach lovers, hikers, foodies, and anyone wanting a laid-back yet memorable New Zealand coastal experience.
Where is Mt Maunganui located?
Mt Maunganui is located in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s north island, across the harbour from Tauranga.
What is Mt Maunganui also known as?
Mt Maunganui is officially called Mauao in Māori. It’s also commonly referred to simply as "The Mount".
How high is Mt Maunganui?
Mt Maunganui (Mauao) stands at 232 meters above sea level and offers spectacular 360-degree views from the summit. Boasting spectacular views from the summit, the Mount is a popular tourist attraction and an iconic symbol of the Bay of Plenty area.
Can you hike Mt Maunganui?
Yes, hiking is a must do at Mt Maunganui and really makes the trip complete. You can either climb the steps all the way to the summit to take in the amazing views of the white sand coastline from the top or take it easy with a 45 minute walk around the base track of the mountain.
How difficult is the Mt Maunganui summit walk?
The summit walk is known to be moderately challenging. While it is steep climbing up, the short distance makes it manageable for reasonably fit individuals. The walk is also well maintained and beginner friendly, and it is recommended for hikers to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.
What is the best time to hike up Mt Maunganui?
The best time to hike would be either sunrise or sunset, as temperatures will be cooler and the views will be spectacular during the golden hours.
What else is there to do in Mt Maunganui besides hiking?
There are loads of other activities to do at Mt Maunganui other than hiking. You can enjoy some relaxation time on the white sand beach and admire the views or even take a surf lesson at the beaches. If surfing’s not your cup of tea, be sure to check out the paddle board or kayaking activities at Pilots Bay. If you desire, you can head down to the Mount hot pools to unwind in the heated salt water pools after the hike.
Can beginners surf at Mt Maunganui?
Yes, they offer beginner-friendly lessons where you will learn about beach safety to paddle techniques and how to catch waves, covering all the basic fundamentals of surfing. And don’t worry about bringing your own surfing equipment, as they will offer rentals you can purchase!
Are there good food options in Mt Maunganui?
Definitely, there are food options for everyone’s tastes, dietary preferences, and cravings. Mt Maunganui boasts heaps of food and drink options ranging from Indian, Turkish, Mexican, Japanese, and Thai to fast food joints and cafes as well. Some notable options include Bay Sushi, The Pizza Library for gourmet pizza, Astrolabe for efficient combos, and Wild One for tons of vegan and vegetarian options.
What are the hot pools at Mt Maunganui like?
The Mount Hot Pools are natural saltwater pools located right at the base of Mauao. They’re perfect for a relaxing soak after a hike or surf session. There are a variety of options with different pool temperatures, so there is definitely something for everyone, even kids. They are open Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm and from 8am-10pm on Sundays and public holidays, so make sure you plan accordingly to experience the only hot ocean water complex in the world!
Is Mt Maunganui busy?
A: As a tourist hotspot it is generally busy, especially around the summer months when there is warm weather and stunning coastal scenery. The area itself has around 20,000 residents as well. However, while the peak visiting seasons will generally have more of a crowd, the experience is definitely worth it.
When was Mt Maunganui formed?
Mt Maunganui is actually an extinct volcano cone that was formed around 2.5 million years ago. It is essentially a large lava dome which was formed by the upwelling of rhyolite lava.
What is the weather like at Mt Maunganui?
Mt Maunganui enjoys a mild, coastal climate year-round. In the summer months (December to February), you can expect warm, sunny days with average daytime temperatures ranging from 22–28°C (72–82°F) and mild evenings around 15–18°C (59–64°F) In contrast, the winter months (June to August) are cooler but still pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging 12–16°C (54–61°F) and evenings dropping to around 6–9°C (43–48°F). While winter brings more rainfall and fewer crowds, it's a great time to enjoy peaceful walks and relax in the Mount’s heated saltwater hot pools.
How far is Mt Maunganui from Auckland?
It is around 3 hours from Auckland by car, which makes it a great weekend escape!
Can I get to Mt Maunganui without a car?
Yes, intercity buses like InterCity and Naked Bus operate services from Auckland and other major cities to Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. Local buses and shuttles make it easy to get around once you're there.
Are there places nearby I shouldn’t miss?
There are lots of attraction near Mt Manganui as well that are highly recommended if you have some extra time:
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Tauranga: It’s a great city with great dining options, waterfront views, and the art gallery offers a range of exhibitions
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Mclaren Falls Park: Don’t miss out on scenic picnics and night glow worm walks
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Waimarino Adventure Park: Perfect for families with children, this is a great stop to have some fun
