The coastal Bay of Plenty is like a chunk taken out of New Zealand’s eastern coastline. Around this curving sweep extends a white sand beach, beginning with the cone-shaped mountain, Mauao. Steeped in Maori history and legend Mauao stands sentinel over the resort township of Mount Maunganui. With its warm climate, sweeping ocean beach on one side and tranquil harbour on the other, Mt Maunganui has long been a mecca for holiday-makers in search of sunshine, swimming, surf, fun and relaxation.
Mount Maunganui – Swimming with Dolphins, Surfing and Swimming in the Pacific Ocean
There is an excellent walking track around the mountain with more challenging trails leading up to the summit for stunning views of the Pacific ocean and Tauranga City across the harbour.
Over the past decade or so Mount Maunganui has gained more than a touch of Miami Vice. Instead of the unpretentious baches that were once haphazardly scattered along Marine Parade, upmarket hotels, apartments and luxury homes now dominate. Cafes and restaurants line the parade and shopping centres are handy to both harbour and ocean beaches.
There is a plethora of summertime activities on tap from swimming with wild dolphins, fishing, diving, parasailing and beach volleyball to lifesaving, sandcastle-building and national surfing events. Safe swimming and surfing in the benevolent waters of the Pacific is assured by the year-round presence of surf lifesavers. An artificial surfing reef allows for fine surfing throughout the year.
Camping Grounds and Backpackers, Mt Maunganui Bay of Plenty, NZ
Situated at the base of Mauao, Beachside Holiday Park has hosted generations of holiday makers. Beachside has access to both the harbour and ocean beach and is adjacent to hot salt water pools. Shopping centres, cafes and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Facilities at Beachside Holiday Park include sites for campervans, caravans and tents, barbeque, boat ramp and dump station. Minimum site charge peak season, $50. 1 Adams Ave 64+7 575-4471.
Mount Backpackers and Internet Café is a small, clean and friendly backpackers in the heart of Mount Maunganui’s main street. Bookings are taken for various local activities and the Mount Backpackers is also a centre for seasonal and local employment. Mount Backpackers, 87 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui 64+7 575-0860; bookings@mountbackpackers.co.nz.
Five hundred metres from the ocean beach, Pacific Coast Lodge and Backpackers is a newly built backpackers. Sports groups are well catered for with the lodge's proximity to the Bay Park Stadium and Blake Park Sports Grounds. Free bicycles are provided. Pick up and drop off service to the Mount Information Centre. Pacific Coast Lodge and Backpackers: 432 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty. 64+7574-9601. Free phone (NZ only) 0800-666622.
Hot Salt Water Pools at Mount Maunganui New Zealand
A leisurely soak in the hot salt water pools at the base of the mountain provides a relaxing end to a busy day of swimming or a hot climb to the summit of Mauao. Top off the soak with a therapeutic massage for a totally relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Qualified therapists offer massage services including relaxation, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and aromatherapy. Adams Ave, Mt Maunganui, 64+7 575 0868.
Dolphin Seafaris – Swimming with Dolphins, Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, NZ
For a truly magical experience, swimming with wild dolphins is not to be missed. There is an abundance of dolphins, whales, orcas and other marine life in the clear waters of the Bay. To free swim with dolphins, participants need to be competent swimmers / snorkellers. Less competent swimmers need not fear that they will miss out on the action. Dolphin Seafaris have developed special ‘swim bars’ that tow viewers gently alongside the vessel where they are able to observe dolphins swimming around them.
Communing with these charming creatures in their natural environment is an extraordinarily unforgettable encounter that will be cherished for a lifetime.Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd is committed to sustainable tourism and actively promotes environmentally friendly tourism practices. Skippers and crew have marine mammal or biology backgrounds and have worked with wild marine mammals for many years. Mt Maunganui Booking Centre: Mount Backpackers, 87 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, BOP, NZ 64 7 577 0105.
With its relaxed, resort-style atmosphere and central location, Mt Maunganui is a premier destination for a summertime getaway break. For those who prefer solitary beachcombing the beach is often almost deserted in off-peak seasons. Mount Maunganui i-Site Visitor Centre, Salisbury Ave, Mt Maunganui.
Lyn Rasmussen - Lyn is a New Zealander who lives in the centre of New Zealand's Volcanic Wonderland. She has been recognised for her writing across ...
