Astrolabe
Astrolabe is an iconic restaurant, cafe and bar open 7 days from 9am till late for brunch, lunch, bar snacks and dinner and is popular with both locals and tourists.
Astrolabe
While we think you need to spend MUCH more than 12 hours in Mount Maunganui, if you only have a few hours to check it out – it’s best to be organised! Here’s some of our top tips for 12 hours in Mount Maunganui.
MORNING
1. WALK UP OR AROUND MAUAO
If you only have time to do one thing while you're here, it's got to be a walk up or around Mauao. The walk to the summit takes about 40-minutes and is challenging in parts (we're talking stairs, and lots of them!) - but the view at the top is worth it! The base track walk is equally beautiful and a great alternative if you're not keen on working up a sweat!
2. GRAB SOME BRUNCH AT EDDIES AND ELSPETH
2A Terrace Avenue, Mount Maunganui
This bakery meets cafe is where the locals love to hang out. You'll be treated to an amazing cafe menu full of all the favourites, plus be delighted by the smell of freshly baked goods from the artisan bakery side of the operation. The coffee is good as are the almond croissants.
3. CAKES & SCONES AT SPONGEDROP
10 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui
Spongedrop Cakery is home to not only the best cupcakes in town, but also the best cheese scones. Located in downtown Mount Maunganui, Spongedrop is a great place to stop for break from shopping - grab a coffee and some cake or a scone and enjoy!
4. CHECK OUT THE SHOPS
Maunganui Road
Mount Maunganui is not only blessed with some of the country's best beaches, it's also a great place to go shopping. Maunganui Road (referred to locally as 'Main Street') is dotted with boutique clothing and gift stores, galleries, souvenir stores, and plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you hydrated.
MIDDAY
5. GRAB SOME VIETNAMESE AT RICE RICE BABY
136 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Head down to the coolest (and brightest!) little place in town. Rice Rice Baby serves up the best Vietnamese around - and boy, do they have fun doing it! If the bright green exterior doesn't give it away, the crowded tables certainly will. But don't despair if it looks busy - the food comes out super quick so you won't have to wait long for a table
6. CHILL OUT AT ASTROLABE
82 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Keen for something a bit more laidback for the afternoon? Head to Astrolabe and find a table in the sun out the back. There's plenty of space and loads to keep the kids entertained. Grab a beer and some food and settle in! This place is an institution in the Mount and has evolved over the years into what it is today, it's the perfect place to soak up the beachy, surf vibe the Mount is famous for.
7. SPLASH AROUND AT PILOT BAY
A trip to Mount Maunganui wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Pilot Bay (the harbour side of the peninsula); this is a great spot for families with young children who want to splash about in the water without getting knocked off their feet by big waves. The calm water and sensational views appeal to SUP enthusiasts and it’s a perfect place to learn. Grab a waffle cone ice cream from Copenhagen Cones (honestly, the queue is worth it) or fish and chips and enjoy the sunset.
AFTERNOON
8. ICE CREAM FROM MOUNT MADE
262 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Mount Made Ice Cream makes use of the Bay’s fruit-producing superpowers, using hyper-local Bay ingredients like berries from Somerfield’s, tea from Webster’s, chocolate from Solomon’s Gold, kiwifruit from Zespri and grapefruit from friends’ trees. It is by no means your run-of-the-mill ice cream store and is well worth checking out!
9. SEE THE BAY WITH V8 TRIKE TOURS
121 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
If you're short on time but want to check out the wider Tauranga area - and you love a bit of wind in your hair - then book a tour with V8 Trikes. You'll get to see some of the best spots in the Bay, all while riding on the back of a V8 Chevrolet trike!
10. SHOP UP A STORM AT BAYFAIR
Girven Road, Mount Maunganui
Bayfair is a one-stop-shop for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With over 140 stores and restaurants under one roof, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained for hours!
EVENING
11. DINNER & DRINKS AT FIFE LANE
512 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
For a truly exceptional dining experience, Fife Lane is a must. Situated in a rather non-descript building on the main road in Mount Maunganui, Fife Lane offers an unforgettable dining experience. Treat yourself to classy cocktails, an impressive selection of meat (and you get to choose your own steak knife!), vintage wines in an intimate and sophisticated setting.
12. JAPANESE MAORI FUSION AT IZAKAI
19 Girven Road, Mount Maunganui
Once people discover Izakai, they often return. Since opening in Mount Maunganui in May 2019, the restaurant has quickly established itself as a not-to-be-missed dining destination.The menu is given variety through the seasons so there will be new dishes to try and cocktails like the Buzzy Cuzzy (based on a Japanese sour but made with hyper-local ingredients like honey from Pāpāmoa) to sample.
13. EAT LIKE AN ITALIAN AT PIZZAROMA
10 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui
For authentic Roman-style pizza (Teglia Romana), head to Pizzaroma at the base of Mauao, opposite Mount Hot Pools. The light, crispy bases are made with a unique dough, making them lighter and easier digest than traditional pizza. Grab some to go and head to the beach to catch the sunset - perfect!
14. GO FOR A SOAK AT MOUNT HOT POOLS
9 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui
Hot salt water eases aches and pains and is believed to help improve mobility and detoxify our bodies. A variety of pools are nestled right at the base of Mauao and feature massage jets, shade sails and built-in seating. There’s a terrific toddlers’ pool and you can treat yourself to a soothing massage or private pool if you wish. This is one of the Bay’s top tourist attractions and shouldn’t be missed.
15. RELAX IN A BEACH SIDE SAUNA SESSION
Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui
Experience ultimate relaxation with The Sauna Project's beachside sauna sessions at Pilot Bay. Book your spot via their website calendar for an 85-degree heated escape followed by a refreshing ocean dip.
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Bayfair Shopping Centre
Tauranga’s favourite shopping experience, Bayfair Shopping Centre has fashion, food and fun all under one roof. With over 140 different retailers – including Woolworths, Kmart, United Cinemas, JB Hi-Fi, Country Road, more – you’ve got everything you need in one place. Even better, it features a children’s indoor playground and free parking, for a hassle-free day out.
Bayfair Shopping Centre
Mount Maunganui Golf Club
Set in peaceful tree-lined surroundings, only minutes from one of the country's most popular surf beaches, Mount Golf is the perfect setting for golfers of all levels.
Mount Maunganui Golf Club
Omanu Golf Club
Play golf at Omanu Golf Club and enjoy a relaxing & friendly experience playing our gently rolling 18 hole irrigated course. Located adjacent to Mount Maunganui's Bayfair Shopping Mall.
Omanu Golf Club
Pohutukawa Gallery
We have a fabulous selection of quality and affordable New Zealand art for the garden and home, special gifts and souvenirs, beaded jewellery, all carefully crafted by local and national artists.
Pohutukawa Gallery
Diamond & Co.
Diamond & Co is located in the heart of Mount Maunganui. Specializing in custom making diamond jewellery we also carry an extensive range of diamond rings, silver and gold jewellery and watches. Brands including Boh Runga, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Najo and many more. Precious things for special memories with personal professional service.
Diamond & Co.
Mount Maunganui Surf Academy
Mount Maunganui Surf Academy
NZ Surf Academy
NZ Surf Academy is a respected surf company operating across Northland, Matakana Coasts, Orewa & Mount Maunganui. We promote surf lessons, surf tours, school & holiday camps, corporate team building, family surf days, beach education, surf culture and adventure.
NZ Surf Academy
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Bay Explorer
Enter nature & wide open spaces on a Bay Explorer wildlife cruise. Explore our big blue backyard and watch dolphins swimming up close. Join us for a shared lifetime experience and help protect wild marine animals. A great family friendly half-day.
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Bay Explorer
Kewpie Cruises - Scheduled One Hour Scenic Harbour Cruise
Bay of Plenty's best value activity: It's a special opportunity for families with children under 12 years as they travel free. Hop on/Hop off at Matakana. Departures from Pilot Wharf, Pilot Quay, Mount Maunganui.
Kewpie Cruises - Scheduled One Hour Scenic Harbour Cruise
Mount Hot Pools
Surrounded by golden beaches, cafes and walking tracks, rest and relax outdoors under the majestic 'Mount' in 32 - 39 degree ocean water or treat yourself to an onsite massage. Accessibility friendly facility.
Mount Hot Pools
V8 Trike Tours
Discover Mount Maunganui & Tauranga on the back of an awesome V8 Chevy Trike. Buckle up, sit back and relax while our driver/guide shows you the stunning sights. A Qualmark Gold operator and successive Traveler's Choice Award Winners 2022 & 2023.
V8 Trike Tours
Skydive Tauranga
Experience an epic 1 minute freefall with a jump from 15,000 feet. Discover the beauty of Tauranga and some of the best views in New Zealand. Enjoy spectacular views of New Zealand's best beaches, Mount Ruapehu, White Island, and Lake Rotorua.
Skydive Tauranga
Dolphin Viewing and Swimming
Our Wildlife Tour to watch and swim with wild dolphins in the Bay of Plenty is a must on any bucket list. Our 6-hour boat tour departs daily (November to May) from Tauranga on our spacious catamaran, ideal for viewing and swimming.
Dolphin Viewing and Swimming
Bay Explorer
30 minute scenic flight around the bay of plenty including a remote beach landing for a photograph.
Bay Explorer
Carbon Neutral Scenic Helicopter Flight Package
A stunning scenic flight to a beautiful cafe at Waihi for lunch followed by driving back to Tauranga in the latest Tesla Model X.
Carbon Neutral Scenic Helicopter Flight Package
Mount Magic Scenic Flight
A peek at the Bay and thrill of a chopper ride, taking in views of the city, Mount Maunganui and glorious sandy beaches.
Mount Magic Scenic Flight
Waihi Beach Heli lunch/brunch
A brief Scenic flight up the white sandy beach to Waihi's award winning Surf Shack Eatery for a delectable lunch before returning.
Waihi Beach Heli lunch/brunch
Hibiscus Surf School
Learn to surf with Hibiscus Surf School's friendly and professional team! We offer a variety of lesson options, including group and private lessons. From first-timers to advanced, kids to adults, everyone is welcome.
Hibiscus Surf School
Dolphin Blue
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a dolphin? It is said to be a life changing experience. At Dolphin Blue, we not only observe but also give you the chance to swim with a pod of dolphins.
Dolphin Blue
