ENJOYING THE BAY'S BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS
Te Moananui ā Toi | the Coastal Bay of Plenty, is a slice of paradise on New Zealand’s East Coast. Made up of some of the country’s best beaches and short walks, it’s a wonderful place to go to get back to nature.
THE BAY'S ACCESSIBLE BEACHES
The Coastal Bay of Plenty has over 120 kilometres of stunning coastline and some of New Zealand’s most-loved beaches. The great news is that there are increasingly more options for beach accessibility in this region, including beach mats and beach wheelchairs.
Beach wheelchairs are available to book in these locations:
Pāpāmoa Beach: book through the Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club. The club has two wheelchairs or “beach buggies” for hire and there is no cost to use them.
Mount Maunganui Main Beach: contact the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park to hire either their medium or large beach access wheelchair. (please note these beach wheelchairs are currently unavailable visit this page for the latest updates.
Waihī Beach: to book, call the Waihī Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort on 0800 924 448. Book a date and time (2-hour usage). The wheelchairs are free to use. For any queries about how to use the wheelchairs, email: davem@halberg.co.nz
Other organisations also have accessible equipment available for hire, including a beach buggy and beach chair. Bookings are required.
To hire the beach buggy please contact CCS Disability Action Bay of Plenty
To hire the beach chair please contact Hibiscus Surf School
Image: (L-R) Maddison Snow & Michelle Kleynhans, from Goldfields School.
BEACH ACCESS MATS
The coastal Bay of Plenty is setting the trend for making the beach and water more accessible for everyone by introducing New Zealand's first council-owned beach access mats. You can find these mats located at four of the Bay's iconic beach destinations below.
LOCATIONS
Mount Maunganui: 136 Marine Parade/Cutters Cove, Mount Main Beach, Pilot Bay
Waihī Beach: North end near Surf Club, Beach Road
MOUNT MAUNGANUI'S ACCESSIBLE CHANGING FACILITY
This is the regions first fully accessible changing facility which includes a height adjustable toilet and sink, adult changing table, shower and hoist – you will need to bring your own sling and the hoist has a weight limit of 200kg.
To learn more how to access this follow this link.
ACCESSIBLE PICNIC TABLES
As you travel through the region, you may want to take the chance to stop for a picnic. The Bay has several accessible picnic tables which are designed so the wheelchair user can sit in the middle of the table. You can find these at popular locations around Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Tauranga City Council is planning to install more, so keep an eye out on this page to see when new locations are added.
LOCATIONS
Pāpāmoa Domain, in front of BlueBiYou restaurant
Mount Maunganui Beach, opposite Cutterscove Resort Apartments (outside 136 Marine Parade). Beach access mat is also available at this location
Tye Park, Welcome Bay
Arataki Park (by the BBQ)
Cameron Road Reserve
ANZAC Park
Horoipia Reserve
Zespri green space, Maunganui Road