15 Awesome things to do in Mount Maunganui
Sunrise over Mauao, captured from the water at Mount Maunganui. © Lou Burton (@louloubphoto)
Mount Maunganui is a pretty special place. The first time I came here, I climbed the Mount then spent hours lounging on the white sands of Main Beach, bodysurfing, and watching stingrays in the turquoise shallows. It felt like absolute paradise.
Now, we've made our home here in the Mount, with Mauao at the end of the road, living a life closer to the ocean. As a photographer living in Mount Maunganui, it never ceases to amaze me how much there is to do here; from surfing and coastal walks to great coffee and family adventures that are unique to this little stretch of coastline.
When I travel, I spend HOURS researching places. I want to know where the locals go, where to find that little coffee shop or cinnamon bun worth going out of your way for, and how to experience a place beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Which is why I've written this guide!
I've experienced the Mount as both a free-spirited adventurer and now as a mum with a young family. Everything I've included is something I've personally experienced and would froth to recommend to a friend. Including the cafés I go back to time and again, the beaches I walk, the rituals I love and the independent businesses that make this place feel so special.
Think of it as your guide to things to do in Mount Maunganui, through the eyes of an adventurous, coffee-and-matcha-loving, ocean-obsessed local girlie/mum.
And hopefully, you’ll find exactly what you need to help you experience the Mount as the locals do.
Why Mount Maunganui is so special
Mount Maunganui is one of those rare places that manages to feel relaxed and vibrant at the same time. There are heaps of cool independent businesses, but it still has that laid-back beach town feel.
And I just love how close everything is to the ocean. There aren't many places in the world where you can climb an extinct volcano and jump into turquoise water straight afterwards. Or wander out onto a little island surrounded by the sea, just minutes from the town centre. And I've travelled to a lot of places around the world!
You can surf in the morning, paddle the calm waters at Pilot Bay, or head inland to explore native forest and waterfalls. It's this mix of ocean, adventures in nature, great coffee, and community that makes the Mount such a special place to live and visit.
A quick note about Mauao: At the time of writing, Mauao's walking tracks are closed. Climbing the Mount is normally one of my favourite recommendations, but please check the latest access information before visiting. Fortunately, there are heaps of other beautiful things to do in Mount Maunganui!
Wondering where to start? Here's my shortlist of the experiences I'd recommend when visiting the Mount.
1. Climb to the summit of Mauao
Mauao is the extinct volcano at the end of the peninsula, and climbing to the summit is one of the most iconic things to do in Mount Maunganui. The views across the ocean, harbour and surrounding coastline are incredible, especially at sunrise. You can also walk the base track around the mountain, which offers a completely different perspective and a great option if a hike up the Mount feels a little too active!
Important: Mauao's walking tracks are currently closed. Check official access updates before visiting, and save this one for when they reopen!
2. Explore Moturiki Island (Leisure Island)
Looking out towards Moturiki Island and Motuotau Island through native ferns at Mount Maunganui. © Lou Burton (@louloubphoto)
A morning walk (or run!) along the beachfront boardwalk towards Moturiki Island, also known as Leisure Island, is absolute bliss. Be sure to walk to the end of Leisure Island to enjoy the views before heading back to the boardwalk.
It’s never lost on me how quickly you can go from the town centre to being surrounded by the ocean! I've spotted orca, dolphins and stingrays along this stretch on everyday beach walks. Keep your eyes on the water, and if you don't get lucky with wildlife, don't worry. It's still beautiful!
3. Have a beach day
We're spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, but here are three I'd recommend:
Main Beach: The iconic Mount experience, with white sand, turquoise water and Mauao at one end. It can get crowded in summer, but when there's little swell, the water reminds me of a crystal clear lagoon!
Omanu Beach: Great for an easy beach day, with parking close to the sand, cafés and public toilets nearby. Great for families!
Pilot Bay: Calm, sheltered harbour waters and a lovely spot for a relaxed paddle or swim.
Main Beach and Omanu are open-ocean beaches, so always check conditions and swim between the flags when lifeguards are operating.
4. Take a surf lesson at Mount Maunganui Main Beach
If you've never tried surfing, the Mount is a pretty special place to give it a go! I'd recommend checking out Hibiscus Surf School or South Pacific Surf for lessons. If you're already a surfer, bring your board or hire one locally, the Mount is a great place for chill longboard waves and beginner surfers.
Enjoying a longboard session in the ocean at Mount Maunganui. © Lou Burton (@louloubphoto)
5. Watch the sunrise over the ocean
One of my favourite things about living here is how easy it is to catch sunrise over the ocean. Head to Tay Street Beach, watch the sun come up and then grab a coffee at Tay St Store for a regulating start to the day. When Mauao reopens, sunrise from the summit is another experience I'd strongly recommend.
I've also shared more locations in my guide to the best sunrise and sunset spots in Mount Maunganui.
Golden sunrise over the ocean at Mount Maunganui, viewed from the beachfront dunes. © Lou Burton (@louloubphoto)
6. Get an ice cream at Sea People or YOMI
You HAVE to try Sea People Ice Cream. It's vegan, gluten-free and the flavours are epic. And I’d honestly recommend it whether you're vegan or not!
YOMI Bowl is also amazing, it’s a self-serve frozen yoghurt place with a toppings bar to die for. It's a whole vibe, but gets VERY busy in summer so arrive early and commit to the queue.
Both are perfect after (or during!) a day at the beach.
7. Find your new favourite coffee spot
If there's one thing I love almost as much as the ocean, it's a good coffee and matcha. Well, I actually just love going to local coffee shops and seeing people I know. But it means I’ve explored a lot of the local cafes and have a strong opinion on which ones myself and the other locals here love!
For coffee and proper local vibes, head to Special Mention. Three One One Six is my pick near Main Beach, while Soul Boul is lovely for a matcha or smoothie bowl after a morning walk.
And don't miss Wildflour, tucked away a little inland on Hull Road. They do amazing coffee and matcha, have a cute kids' play area and their cinnamon buns are iconic! And an added bonus for families, they even do kid size scones which my little girl loves and freezer bakes for lunchboxes if you want to take a little bit of this amazing place home for the week ahead.
For more recommendations, check out my guide to the best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui.
8. Eat your way around the Mount
The food scene has changed SO much in the eight years since I moved here. We're seriously spoilt for choice now which means I’m pretty sure one of these will be your vibe since there’s something for everyone!
For a boujee dinner, I'd recommend Solera or Olive and Fig. Roxy's is great for slushy margs, tacos and nacho boats, while Palace is my pick for burgers.
And one of my favourite ways to finish the day is grabbing take-out from Rita's Pizza to take down to Pilot Bay.
For proper local vibes, follow Leopard Boy Pizza and Special Mention on social media. Both are worth keeping an eye on for pop-up nights and special events during your visit.
9. Watch the sunset at Pilot Bay
Golden hour over the sailboats at Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui. © Lou Burton (@louloubphoto)
If I had to recommend one way to finish a summer's day in the Mount, this would be high on my list. Grab a takeaway or bring your dinner down from home, find yourself a spot by the water at Pilot Bay and watch the sun go down.
I also love watching the cruise ships sail out of the harbour on summer evenings, it's one of those simple pleasures that doesn't need to cost much to feel special.
10. Explore Ōmanawa Falls
Ōmanawa Falls, a hidden turquoise oasis surrounded by native forest in the Bay of Plenty. © Lou Burton (@louloubphoto)
If you love a bit of adventure, I'd recommend making the drive out to Ōmanawa Falls. The walking track takes you through native forest full of Ponga ferns and kawakawa bushes, to an amazing viewpoint overlooking the waterfall. Carry on along the - mostly stairs - trail to get a bit closer to the waterfall.
If I was designing a perfect day itinerary including Omanawa Falls, I'd start with sunrise the beach by Special Mention, then grab breakfast at Special Mention, and head out for the walk. If you like getting out there early and doing breakfast on the go, don’t compromise the sunrise but you can get a coffee and bite at the Omanawa Falls Cafe. Nearly every trail I’ve been to in NZ does not have a cafe, but Omanawa Falls actually does and it’s really good! Afterwards, you'll probably be ready for a dip, so head back to Omanu Beach or Pilot Bay. FYI swimming at the falls isn’t permitted.
For more adventures beyond the beach, see my guide to day hikes near Mount Maunganui.
11. Treat yourself to a Thai Touch massage
If you're after a little relaxation between all the beach time and exploring, I'd absolutely recommend booking a massage at Thai Touch. It's one of my favourite ways to slow down and treat myself in the Mount.
12. Experience a sauna with a view
I love The Sauna Project's sunset sessions at Pilot Bay. There's something so good about a sauna overlooking the harbour as the colours of sunset are cast across the sky! There’s also one at Clyde Street that's a really awesome option for a sunrise session by the sea.
If you're looking for a sauna and hot-cold therapy experience with more flexible session times, O-Studio is another great option.
Check current locations and book ahead for both of those!
13. Spot dolphins and marine wildlife
One of the things I find most special about living here is the wildlife. I've seen orca, dolphins and stingrays on ordinary beach walks. You never know what might be passing by, so keep your eyes on the ocean!
I've also been on dolphin-watching tours from Tauranga, which are a lovely way to get out on the water and experience more of the marine environment.
Of course, sightings are never guaranteed, but they’re generally pretty good at finding our marine friends! I recommend Bay Explorer or Dolphin Seafaris (I’ve been out with both).
For more ocean adventures, check out my things to do in New Zealand for water lovers guide.
14. Discover local shops and markets
I love exploring the independent shops around the Mount. Paper Plane and The Little Big Markets at Coronation Park are worth checking out for local makers and small businesses.
If you're after a bigger shopping fix, head to Bayfair Shopping Centre. It's got heaps of shops, places to eat, a cinema, and even an arcade that older kids will love, making it a good option for a rainy day too!
Check market dates before visiting, as events vary.
15. Try a yoga or Pilates class
If you're after a slower start to the day, I'd absolutely recommend making the trip down to Pāpāmoa for Mahana Yoga Studio. It's like stepping into Bali, and you can literally see the ocean while flowing through your yoga practice. It’s my special little not-so-secret place to zen out.
Hā Wellness Studio is another favourite. It's a lovely little boutique reformer Pilates studio, the owner is amazing and the vibes are so on point. It doesn't get more local than this!
Where to stay in Mount Maunganui
If you're looking for somewhere to stay, I'd start with Beyonder Slow Living Stays.
They have a beautiful collection of holiday homes around Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa, with a focus on thoughtful spaces and slowing down to experience the local lifestyle. A lovely option if you want to settle in and experience the Mount a little more like a local.
Or, rent a cabin at the Tasman Holiday Park at Papamoa Beach. It has a pool and sea views!
A few things worth knowing before you visit
Molten, sunrise over Mauao, captured from the water at Mount Maunganui. © Lou Burton (@louloubphoto)
When to visit: Autumn is probably my favourite season. The ocean is still warm enough to swim, the weather is generally more settled and the summer crowds have started to disappear. But honestly, the Mount is lovely year-round. We don't have epic weather all the time, of course!
Getting around: I'd definitely recommend having a car, especially if you want to explore beyond Main Beach and discover the surrounding beaches, bush walks and local spots.
The Mount Mauler: If you're visiting in summer, beware of the biting insects around the beaches. Bring a good insect repellent (and an age-appropriate one for the kids), or you might wake up very itchy!
Visiting with kids? There's SO much more I'd recommend for families. I'm putting together a separate guide with our favourite family adventures at the moment!
FAQs about visiting Mount Maunganui
What are the best things to do in Mount Maunganui?
Some of my favourite things to do in Mount Maunganui include climbing Mauao (when the tracks reopen), exploring Moturiki/Leisure Island, swimming at Main Beach, surfing, watching the sunset at Pilot Bay and discovering the local coffee and food scene. If you love nature, I'd also recommend a trip out to Ōmanawa Falls or other day hikes from Mount Maunganui.
What can you do in Mount Maunganui for free?
Heaps! Spend a day at the beach, walk out to Moturiki/Leisure Island, watch the sunrise at Tay Street Beach or catch the sunset at Pilot Bay. In summer, I also love watching the cruise ships sail out of the harbour. Some of the best experiences here don't cost a cent.
Is Mount Maunganui worth visiting?
Absolutely! What makes the Mount so special is how much variety there is in such a small area. You've got beautiful white sandy beaches, an extinct volcano, great independent cafés and restaurants, and incredible nature experiences all within easy reach. It's got that laid-back beach town lifestyle that's pretty hard to beat.
How many days do you need in Mount Maunganui?
I'd recommend at least two or three days to experience the beaches, cafés, coastal walks and local food scene without rushing. If you've got longer, there's plenty to explore around the wider Bay of Plenty, including waterfalls, native forest walks and nearby Coromandel and Rotorua.
When is the best time to visit Mount Maunganui?
Personally, I love autumn. The ocean is still warm enough for swimming, the weather is generally more settled and the summer crowds have started to disappear. But honestly, Mount Maunganui is lovely year-round, and each season has something special to offer - hence why I live here!
Do you need a car in Mount Maunganui?
You can explore much of the Main Beach area on foot, including the cafés, shops, Leisure Island and boardwalk. But I'd definitely recommend having a car if you want to experience more of the local lifestyle and venture out to places like Omanu Beach, Pāpāmoa and Ōmanawa Falls.
A little piece of the Mount, wherever you call home
There's something special about the energy here. I think everyone feels it in their own way, because the Mount seems to steal a little piece of the hearts of the people who contact me about my photographs.
For me, it's the wide, expansive skies and dramatic colours at sunrise and sunset. The big full moon rising over the ocean. The long stretches of white sand, and Mauao anchoring the landscape. I've photographed Mauao countless times, but exploring its different faces through the seasons keeps me coming back for more.
If the Mount has captured a little piece of your heart too, you might enjoy exploring my available prints of Mount Maunganui.
Whether you're here for a weekend or lucky enough to stay longer, I hope this guide helps you discover a little of the Mount that I know and love.
Until next,
L ✌️