Tauranga & Mount Maunganui: Day 7 — Wide Beaches, Healthy Food, and Endlessly Summery Days
After the days on the Coromandel Peninsula, we headed on toward the Bay of Plenty. The destination was Tauranga and the nearby coastal town of Mount Maunganui.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt relaxed. Wide beaches, cafés, and people simply spending time by the water.
Mount Maunganui Beach
The beach at Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s best known. The long stretch of sand faces open Pacific and feels noticeably more expansive than many other beaches on the North Island.
We spent the afternoon there doing simple things:
- playing in the water
- walking along the beach
- building sandcastles
- collecting shells
The distinctive hill Mauao at the end of the beach defines the whole area. Many visitors walk the loop around the base or hike up to the summit.
Walk Around the Mount
The loop around Mount Maunganui is about 3.4 km and well maintained. The path follows the coastline and offers great views of the Pacific throughout.
With kids it works well to split it into sections — with short breaks on the beach or the rocks.
Tauranga – Relaxed Coastal City
Tauranga itself feels quieter than many New Zealand cities. The centre sits right on the water, with cafés and restaurants spread along the waterfront.
Mount Maunganui was the clear favourite for us, though.
Practical Info – Day 7
Driving
- Coromandel Peninsula → Tauranga: about 2–2.5 hours
Accommodation
- Tauranga Tourist Park — Quiet campsite with shared kitchen and green spaces. Well placed for day trips to Mount Maunganui.
Restaurants & Cafes
Tips
- If you’re camping outside Mt. Maunganui, parking along Marine Parade St. works well — restaurants, cafés and shops are all within easy reach.