MOUNT MANGANUI 

Mount Maunganui (just a 20 minute drive from Cameron Thermal Motel) is famous for its miles of azure-blue beaches. The ‘main’ Mount Beach comes alive every summer as thousands of holidaymakers flock to the white sands to swim, surf and just relax in the sun. Professional Lifeguards patrol many of the beaches along the Mount Maunganui coastline during summer months.

Bring your surf board to enjoy the many great breaks, or head out with a professional instructor who can offer you the thrill of riding your first wave. Mount Maunganui also boasts New Zealand’s first artificial Surf Reef. When construction is fully completed, it will provide world-class surfing conditions and attract international surfing competitions.

If surfing isn’t your thing, you might like to try BloKarting – an innovative new land-based sailing sport. Whiz along the flat sands of our beaches with the salt spray in your hair and a huge smile on your face!

Up for some more excitement? Try parasailing, paragliding or kite-boarding along the beach.

Of course, you can always forgo the activity and just dig your toes in the soft sand and let relaxation take over.

Mount Maunganui itself stands proudly at the end of the Mount Maunganui peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean crashing on its eastern side and the calm waters of the Tauranga Harbour lapping its feet to the West. A scenic walk around the ‘Mount’ will take you about one hour – with secluded beaches, rock pools and more to explore along the way.

If you’re fit and energetic, the steep track to the summit of the Mount beckons, rewarding you with panoramic views out across the Pacific Ocean (you can even see White Islands steaming volcano on a clear day!) to numerous off-shore islands, across the Tauranga Harbour, over the city and out to the Kaimai Ranges.

Excellent cafes, restaurants and bars complement the stunning scenery at Mount Maunganui and there are a great number of shopping experiences on offer in the town centre also.