Helen’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Walk up the Mount. About a 40 minute steep walk. The view at the top is worth the effort.
571 locals recommend
Mount Maunganui
Walk up the Mount. About a 40 minute steep walk. The view at the top is worth the effort.
Walk around the base track. It's a beautiful, easy 3.4km walk. Look out for seals.
571 locals recommend
Mount Maunganui
Walk around the base track. It's a beautiful, easy 3.4km walk. Look out for seals.
In a pretty, bush-filled ravine where the Kaiate Stream drops over ignimbrite bluffs, a series of cascades and waterfalls combine to create Kaiate (or Te Rerekawau) Falls.
81 locals recommend
Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls RoadIn a pretty, bush-filled ravine where the Kaiate Stream drops over ignimbrite bluffs, a series of cascades and waterfalls combine to create Kaiate (or Te Rerekawau) Falls.
The mountain biking trails are perfect for intermediate riders. The terrain varies from rolling trails to steep terrain amidst diverse native and exotic forests. It's a great place to explore and offers opportunity for play for all ages.
11 locals recommend
Summerhill Mountainbike Park
Reid RoadThe mountain biking trails are perfect for intermediate riders. The terrain varies from rolling trails to steep terrain amidst diverse native and exotic forests. It's a great place to explore and offers opportunity for play for all ages.
Beneath the majesty of Mauao (Mt Maunganui) relax and unwind in the only hot ocean water complex in the world!
178 locals recommend
Mount Hot Pools
9 Adams AveBeneath the majesty of Mauao (Mt Maunganui) relax and unwind in the only hot ocean water complex in the world!
This very large old tree is the last remaining pre-European pōhutukawa on the Mt Maunganui ‘sand bar’ and has local Ngäi Te Rangi iwi significance.
Giant Pohutukawa Tree
24 Pitau RoadThis very large old tree is the last remaining pre-European pōhutukawa on the Mt Maunganui ‘sand bar’ and has local Ngäi Te Rangi iwi significance.
One of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting.
30 locals recommend
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga
15 Mission StOne of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting.
Food scene
A local treasure for breakfast, lunch or just a great coffee. Only a 5 minute walk from Mount House down Girven Road.
7 locals recommend
Kawakawa Cafe
73 Girven RoadA local treasure for breakfast, lunch or just a great coffee. Only a 5 minute walk from Mount House down Girven Road.
Downtown the Mount is Solera. I love it because the menu is a bit different (think Melbourne) and the wine list is absolutely amazing. You will need to book.
8 locals recommend
Solera
165 Maunganui RoadDowntown the Mount is Solera. I love it because the menu is a bit different (think Melbourne) and the wine list is absolutely amazing. You will need to book.
Downtown the Mount is Alpino, a bustling Italian restaurant. The foods great and so is the atmosphere. You will need to book.
25 locals recommend
Alpino Mount Maunganui
16 Pacific AvenueDowntown the Mount is Alpino, a bustling Italian restaurant. The foods great and so is the atmosphere. You will need to book.
Located in an industrial part of Mount Maunganui, this is real local secret. Set on a greenspace where the kids can run around it has about 40 different brews on tap. While there is a menu there, I recommend the dumplings. Johneys Dumplings are the best in town.
94 locals recommend
The Rising Tide
107 Newton StLocated in an industrial part of Mount Maunganui, this is real local secret. Set on a greenspace where the kids can run around it has about 40 different brews on tap. While there is a menu there, I recommend the dumplings. Johneys Dumplings are the best in town.
Hong Kong street food, cocktails and an intense decor make Master Kongs a fun place to visit. For lunch try the Yum Cha 11.30am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday. There is an 11.30am and a 2pm sitting.
11 locals recommend
Master Kong The Mount
217 Maunganui RoadHong Kong street food, cocktails and an intense decor make Master Kongs a fun place to visit. For lunch try the Yum Cha 11.30am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday. There is an 11.30am and a 2pm sitting.
Its not called OBR Italian restaurant anymore. Its now Special Mention Cafe and its relatively new. Just 5 minutes walk along Oceanbeach Rd (turn left out the driveway) from Mount House. The coffee is good and it has a young locals following.
18 locals recommend
obr restaurant
399 Oceanbeach RdIts not called OBR Italian restaurant anymore. Its now Special Mention Cafe and its relatively new. Just 5 minutes walk along Oceanbeach Rd (turn left out the driveway) from Mount House. The coffee is good and it has a young locals following.
Across the road from the beach, Tay St Beach Cafe is a reliable place to eat and enjoy a good coffee and the sunshine. Unlike the cafes at Main Beach, getting a park is not a problem.
70 locals recommend
Tay Street Beach Cafe
154A Marine ParadeAcross the road from the beach, Tay St Beach Cafe is a reliable place to eat and enjoy a good coffee and the sunshine. Unlike the cafes at Main Beach, getting a park is not a problem.