If you’re looking for fun outdoor activities for your next beach getaway, Mount Maunganui might be the perfect spot for you.
Located on the Bay of Plenty, three-hours from Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Maunganui is described as a holiday paradise. From beaches and surfing to hiking, shopping and an array of great bars and restaurants to visit, Mount Maunganui is the perfect coastal town with a lot to offer. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 things you must do on your visit to The Mount.
When to go to Mount Maunganui, New Zealand? The best time to visit the beautiful Mount Maunganui, and, of course, it’s sensational Main Beach is during the summer months (December through to February) where average temperatures range between 17 – 25 degrees. Make the most of the warmth at Main Beach, which has been voted ‘Best Beach in New Zealand’ by TripAdvisor, and ranks among the top 25 best beaches in the world.
Climb the Mount
Mt. Maunganui. Photographed by Steph Stroud. Image supplied via Hunter and Bligh.
No trip to Mount Maunganui would be complete without a climb up the mount. Depending on what route you take, a walk up the 232-metre high mountain is a 30 – 90 minute round trip with every path providing a different but equally breathtaking view (we’d recommend you take a different route back down). Although some points are challenging, the climb is well worth the incredible 360-degree view you are rewarded with as you reach the peak.
The Barrio Brothers
Barrio Brothers. Image supplied via Barrio Brothers.
We’re suckers for a good Mexican feast and The Barrio Brothers does not disappoint. The restaurant is fun and festive, with delicious cocktails (who knew a piña colada margarita was so good?!) and great food. Be sure to try Barrio’s quesadillas and their speciality: Orange Braised Pork ($16) with aioli, orange & chipotle salsa in house-made corn tortillas.
The Barrio Brothers – 105 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
The Main Bar & Eatery
This newly opened restaurant serves delicious food with great service. The Main Bar & Eatery features a range of sharing options and variety on the menu, so it’s definitely the type of place where you should order a bit of everything. The flatbread and dips are a great starter followed by the crowd favourite, Smoked Lamb Rump ($34) served with Israeli couscous.
The Main Bar & Eatery – 82 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
88 Café
88 Cafe. Photographed by Steph Stroud. Image supplied via Hunter and Bligh.
A local gem, 88 Café is popular for a good reason. This cute café serves delicious breakfast, lunch and great coffee – so you never have to leave! With plenty of seating indoors and out including a cosy courtyard, it should definitely be your first stop in the morning.
88 Café – 88 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
Copenhagen Cones
Photographed by Kelsey Curtis. Image supplied via Unsplash.
The lines outside this popular ice-cream parlour will often go around the block. The ice-creamery is so popular the owners have had to unplug the store’s phone. Situated directly opposite the mountain, a Copenhagen Cones ice cream is a great reward post climb.
Copenhagen Cones – 14 Adams Ave, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
Mount Hot Pools
At the base of Mount Maunganui is The Mount Hot Pools. These pools are unique to the Southern hemisphere. Soaking in the warm salt water has a number of health benefits including alleviating aches and pains, improved mobility, and easing of muscle and joint inflammation. There’s also the option to treat yourself to a massage if you’re feeling particularly indulgent.
The Rising Tide
The Rising Tide. Image supplied via The Rising Tide.
This bar and restaurant offers everything you need when it comes to food and drink. The Rising Tide has a great range of craft beers as well as delicious dumplings and burgers. The staff are always super friendly and the bar gets popular by hosting live music and special events.
The Rising Tide – 107 Newton St, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
No. 8 Restaurant and Bar
Everything this Asian fusion restaurant serves is mouth-wateringly delicious. For your visit to No.8 Restaurant and Bar we recommend the Grilled Squid ($17) and the twice-cooked Pork Belly ($20) with a scrumptious chilli caramel sauce and side of herb slaw. Of course, apart from the food, the friendly staff and trendy décor also help make this restaurant one of our favourites.
No. 8 Restaurant and Bar – 121 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
Vitality Organics
Photographed by Element5 Digital. Image supplied via Unsplash.
This cute little van on the side of the road has delicious smoothies, coffees and healthy snacks. It’s a great place to stop for a midday pick-me-up and have a chat with the friendly staff.
Vitality Organics – 322 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
Of course, Mount Maunganui Main Beach
In 2019 Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach was crowned the ‘Best Beach in New Zealand’, and we couldn’t agree more today. The white sand beach stretches out from the base of Mount Maunganui showcasing amazing views of the mountain and the Bay of Plenty. It’s the perfect spot for surfing, paddling in the water and relaxing on the sand.
