Located on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, 15 minutes from Tauranga, the suburb of Mount Maunganui is named after the enormous volcano at the peninsula’s edge. Though the volcano has long been dormant, Mount Maunganui’s city center is anything but. It’s home to one of the largest shopping centers outside of Auckland, and dozens of restaurants and cafes line Maunganui’s main street, which transforms into a vibrant farmers’ market on Sundays.

The town is also a great jumping-off point for exploring some of New Zealand’s natural attractions, including the geothermal pools of Rotorua and the Coromandel Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the best hiking on the North Island. Closer to home, Mount Maunganui boasts interesting museums, such as the Lion and Tusk Museum, where you can learn about the military history of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), or the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum, featuring a range of historic aircraft.

International visitors can fly into Auckland Airport (AKL) and take a connecting flight to Tauranga Airport (TRG), which is a 20-minute walk or around a five-minute drive to town. If you plan on visiting other parts of the Bay of Plenty or eastern New Zealand, it is a good idea to rent a car, as public transportation can be sporadic. If you are coming from Auckland, it is around a three-hour drive to Mount Maunganui. Once you’re in town, it is easy to walk between many of the top attractions. Mount Maunganui is compact, but you will likely need a car to get to the surrounding areas like Tauranga or the rest of the Bay of Plenty.

Mount Maunganui has mild weather with warm, sunny summers (December through February) that are perfect for hitting the beach or getting out on the water. Summer is one of the busiest times of the year, especially on weekends when people from Auckland and Hamilton sweep into town. If you want to avoid the crowds, the spring (September through November) and fall (March through May) are great times to book a vacation rental in Mount Maunganui, as the weather is moderate and activities are still running at their full schedules. Things quiet down a lot in the winter (June through August) when the temperature drops, but there is still plenty of sunshine, making it a good time to lounge on the beach or hike Mount Maunganui as long as you pack a warm layer.

Mount Maunganui/Mauao

As a symbol of the city, this soaring dormant volcano, considered sacred in Māori culture, can be seen from miles away. You’ll find hiking trails around the base and up to the 760-foot summit, where you can get sweeping views of the town, the golden sands of Main Beach, and the sparkling blue ocean. The hike will take around 40 minutes, depending on how many times you stop to rest, and it is quite steep, but the hard work will be worth it when you reach the top.

Mount Maunganui Main Beach

The cerulean waters of Main Beach are well suited for swimming and water sports, and they are patrolled by lifeguards daily. The mellow but consistent waves make this a prime spot for beginners to learn to surf, with several schools offering lessons. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town’s main drag, the beach is lined with welcoming cafes serving up fresh oysters, prawns, and ceviche finished with locally sourced ingredients.

Mount Maunganui Hot Pools

As one of the only hot ocean water complexes in the world, the Mount Maunganui Hot Pools offer the unique experience of feeling like you are taking a bath in the ocean. The complex at the foot of the mountain features pools at varying temperatures, including a children’s pool, and can accommodate small groups as well as solo soakers.