If you’ve ever visited Mount Maunganui, you’ll know there’s something special about this little pocket of paradise. The way life feels a little easier here. Sunrise walks up Mauao, easy afternoons with fish and chips by the water, and evenings that feel like they could last forever. It’s the kind of holiday pace you slip into without even realising.
And when it’s Christmas? It just feels right. The days stretch out and the pace softens. The Mount reminds you that the best holiday moments are the simple ones.
Whether you’re planning a beach escape for Christmas or the school holidays, here are the best things to do in Mount Maunganui.
Soak Up the Sun at Main Beach & Pilot Bay
Mount Maunganui is blessed with two of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches, each quite different.
Main Beach is exactly the kind of place that lives up to the hype. Located on the surf side with amazing views of The Mount, it is a perfect spot for swimming, surfing, or lying under the shaded trees that line the shoreline.
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a surfboard or take a lesson with Hibiscus Surf School or Mount Surf Academy. On the north end, Monte Gelato has an amazing selection of Gelato and Sorbets along with freshly brewed coffee and smoothies.
On the south side of Main Beach, make sure you stop by Wave Café, the cute caravan-style coffee spot right by the sand. They do great coffee, delicious toasties, ice creams, and sweet treats. Our go-tos? The Burner (cheese, chilli beans, red onion & spinach) or the Beach Babe (cheese & red onion). YUM.
On the other side of Mount Maunganui is Pilot Bay, a calmer, more protected beach. Very suited for paddleboarding, kayaking, or letting the kids play safely by the waters edge. Pilot Bay is a perfect spot for family picnics and one of the most beautiful places to sit and watch the golden sunsets.
For something a little different, try Mount Water Bikes, a fun family activity where you can pedal across the bay together on water bikes. They can seat up to three people, and it’s a great way to take in the views from a whole new angle.
You can also hire stand up paddle boards from local experts Mauao Adventures who have been operating in the area since 2008 so can guide you to the best spots to venture.
Our personal favourite thing to do is buy some fresh fish and chips from Mount Fish & Chips or a poke bowl from The General, then find a shady spot at Pilot Bay and take time to soak it all in.
Image source: Tauranga Government
Walk Up (or Around) The Mount
It’s impossible to miss Mauao, the ancient volcanic cone that gives the Mount its name. You can walk the 3.4km Base Track (about 45 minutes) for stunning harbour and ocean views. It’s suitable for most fitness levels and even works for buggies.
If you’re up for a bit more of a challenge, hike to the summit. The tracks can be steep in parts, especially near the top, but the views are absolutely worth it. We recommend going at sunrise or sunset for that extra magic. Be sure to take water and wear comfortable footwear.
Brunch, Shop & Chill on ‘Mount Mainstreet’
Mount Maunganui has a laid-back café scene, perfect for pondering the many boutique shops. Wander along Maunganui Road, which is known locally as “Mount Mainstreet”, and you’ll find everything from smoothie bowls to espresso martinis.
Some of our local favourites:
- Eighty Eight Café famous for their coffee and sweet treats
- Soul Boul is a cafe based in Mount Maunganui open 7 days a week, serving smoothie bowls, smoothies, sourdough toast, coffee, raw treats & yummy alternative lattes.
- Astrolabe Brew Bar come and enjoy their amazing menu and award winning beers, wines and cocktails (the half metre pizza is very very good).
- Paper Plane boutique homewares, wardrobe and lifestyle goods and plenty of little gifts from unique artisans.
Things to Do in Mount Maunganui at Christmas
Christmas in the Mount is pure magic, long golden days that stretch forever, warm evenings fading into spectacular sunsets, and a buzz of holiday happiness in the air. December marks the start of real summer here, with temperatures around 24–28°C with gentle sea breezes.
It’s a time when the whole town comes alive with families setting up beach umbrellas at Pilot Bay, locals cruising on bikes along Marine Parade, and kids darting between ice creams and surf lessons. The cafés hum all day, and the whole place feels like one big, sunlit celebration.
When you visit, don’t miss:
- Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park for free face painting, Santa photos, weaving workshops, mini golf, and plenty of fun for the kids.
- Christmas Day at Pilot Bay join locals for a swim and a beach BBQ.
- Tauranga Twilight Market browse stalls with handmade gifts, food trucks, and live entertainment.
- Stay up to date with local events throughout the year in Mount Maunganui by visiting Love the Mount.
If you’re spending Christmas at the Mount, check out My Food Bag’s Christmas Boxes. They make Christmas catering easy, with everything delivered straight to your door so you can relax and enjoy the day. You can choose from classic, gourmet, BBQ or vegan menus with no stress, no big shop, just delicious food ready to cook and share.
Things to Do in Mount Maunganui During the School Holidays
The Mount was made for kids (and kids at heart). There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities during the school holidays.
Top picks for families:
- Learn to Surf Main Beach with Hibiscus Surf School a great kids’ sessions.
- Experience the Golf 360 Driving Range, a golfing game like no other with cutting-edge ball-tracking technology in each bay, it’s a great time for all ages.
- Dolphin-Watching Cruise with Bay Explorer, depart from the corner of Wharf Street & The Strand Tauranga for an unforgettable day out.
- Bayfair Shopping Centre for fashion, food and fun all under one roof in the Bay’s largest undercover shopping centre.
- Moturiki Island (Leisure Island) connected to Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach, go across to explore rock pools at low tide and spot starfish.
Sunset Drinks & Evening Vibes
Mount Maunganui comes alive in the evenings. Grab a table at The Rising Tide for craft beer and dumplings or head over to Latitude 37 right in the heart of downtown Mount to enjoy live music and great vibes. If you’re here in summer, the Mount Night Markets often pop up with live music and food trucks.
Stay by the Beach in Mount Maunganui
At Five Star Focused, our selection of Mount Maunganui apartments and Pilot Bay stays are all about effortless holiday living. Most of our properties are just steps from the beach, cafés, and the Mauao base track so you can park the car and settle straight into holiday mode.
Mount Maunganui isn’t just a destination, its where to come for that holiday feeling. Morning swims, barefoot afternoons, and golden sunsets over the bay. Whether you’re here for Christmas celebrations, school-holiday adventures, or just a spontaneous weekend away, you’ll leave refreshed and already planning your next visit.
Ensure to book early for Christmas and school-holiday periods the best beachfront apartments often fill up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mount Maunganui is famous for its stunning beaches, the Mauao summit walk, relaxed coastal lifestyle, boutique shopping, and vibrant café scene. It’s one of New Zealand’s top summer holiday destinations.
You can walk up or around Mauao for breathtaking views, swim or surf at Main Beach, relax at the Mount Hot Pools, shop and dine along Mount Mainstreet, or explore Pilot Bay by kayak or water bike.
Christmas at the Mount is all about sunshine and simplicity, beach BBQs, the Mount Christmas Parade, and local festive markets.
Families can enjoy surf lessons, mini golf, dolphin tours, and lazy beach days at Pilot Bay. Don’t miss the Mount Hot Pools (guests of Five Star Focused get 20% during their stay) or exploring the rock pools at Leisure Island.
Mount Maunganui is a gorgeous place to visit all year, but the most popular time is November to April when the days are long, the ocean is warm, and the town is buzzing with summer events, markets, and beach days.
If you prefer a quieter pace, the shoulder seasons, autumn and spring, are beautiful too. The weather is still mild, the water is often calm, and you’ll have more space to enjoy the walks, cafés, and beaches.
And even in winter, the Mount has its charm, crisp mornings, clear blue skies, fewer crowds, and a relaxing soak at the Mount Hot Pools is especially dreamy on cooler evenings.
