Mt Maunganui
NZ's best beach?!
It’s a big call, but Mt Maunganui, or the Mount as it’s known, claims to be the country’s top beach and Trip Advisor ratings agree. It certainly is a beauty, popular with Kiwi families for generations.
When Tauranga Harbour Bridge was completed in 1988, it made the Mount much more accessible to Tauranga, NZ’s 5th largest city, now only a few km away.
Mauao is a 232m lava dome that actually is the Mount, at the northern end of the peninsula of land which rises above the town. It was formerly a Māori pā, and is a popular place to either walk around, or climb up for great coastal views.
But the reason for being here is the beach, the cool vibe and the nearby cafes. Think surf schools, wildlife viewing and holiday fun.