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
THE BEST OF MOUNT MAUNGANUI
While we think you need to spend MUCH more than 12 hours in Mount Maunganui, if you only have a a day to check it out – it’s best to be organised! Here’s some of our top tips for 12 hours in Mount Maunganui.
BREAKFAST AT THE GENERAL
After a delicious breakfast — The General is just the spot. A local favourite since 2017, this award-winning eatery is known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes using the best local produce.
CHECK OUT THE SHOPS
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.
GRAB SOME VIETNAMESE AT RICE RICE BABY
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.
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.
ICE CREAM FROM MOUNT MADE
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!
SEE THE BAY WITH V8 TRIKE TOURS
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!
RELAX IN A BEACH SIDE SAUNA SESSION
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.
DINNER & DRINKS AT FIFE LANE
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VIEW ALL MOUNT MAUNGANUI EXPERIENCES
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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 - 1.5 Hour Historic Tauranga 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 Strand Jetty, Tauranga.
Kewpie Cruises - 1.5 Hour Historic Tauranga Harbour Cruise
Mount Hot Ocean Water Pools
The Mount Hot Pools are currently closed due to the weather event of 21 January 2026.
Surrounded by golden beaches, cafes and walking tracks, rest and relax outdoors under the majestic 'Mount' in 32 - 39 degree ocean water.
Mount Hot Ocean Water Pools
V8 Trike Tours
Cruise around Mount Maunganui & Tauranga on one of our seriously cool V8 Chevy Trikes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views with our award-winning driver/guides. We’re a Qualmark Gold operator and proud Traveller’s Choice winners year after year.
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, Whakaari White Island & Lake Rotorua.
Skydive Tauranga
Dolphin Viewing and Swimming - Dolphin Seafaris
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 - Dolphin Seafaris
Bay Explorer Scenic Flight
The Pilot’s favourite and our most popular scenic flight.
Bay Explorer Scenic Flight
Mount Magic Scenic Flight
Breathtaking views of Mount Maunganui, Omanu Beach and the Tauranga Harbour. Great photo opportunities from our entry level flight.
Mount Magic Scenic Flight
Waihi Beach Lunch Helicopter Package
Tauranga to Waihi Beach, cruising along the beautiful coastline of the Matakana Island landing just meters away from the Surf Shack Eatery.
Waihi Beach Lunch Helicopter Package
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
