Guidebook for Tauranga

Tony
Guidebook for Tauranga

Shopping

Mount Mainstreet, more commonly known as ‘Downtown the Mount’, offers an outstanding mix of retail shops, from exquisite boutique fashion stores through to trendy surf shops, family friendly emporiums and everything in between. There’s a delightful range of beauticians, nail and hair salons to meet all your pampering and beauty needs. 220 plus shops, salons and businesses to choose from, loads of free parking and open seven days... culture gives you over 50 establishments to choose from. They offer culinary delights from around globe including Thai, Mexican, South American, Indian and Asian cuisines to name just a few. They also have grocery and liquor stores, juice and sushi bars, a butchery, a baker and the kiwi favourite Fish N Chips!
40 locals recommend
The Mount Mainstreet
143 Maunganui Rd
40 locals recommend
Mount Mainstreet, more commonly known as ‘Downtown the Mount’, offers an outstanding mix of retail shops, from exquisite boutique fashion stores through to trendy surf shops, family friendly emporiums and everything in between. There’s a delightful range of beauticians, nail and hair salons to meet all your pampering and beauty needs. 220 plus shops, salons and businesses to choose from, loads of free parking and open seven days... culture gives you over 50 establishments to choose from. They offer culinary delights from around globe including Thai, Mexican, South American, Indian and Asian cuisines to name just a few. They also have grocery and liquor stores, juice and sushi bars, a butchery, a baker and the kiwi favourite Fish N Chips!
Major shopping centre in the area, filled with major clothing stores and a supermarket
240 locals recommend
Bayfair Shopping Centre
19 Girven Rd
240 locals recommend
Major shopping centre in the area, filled with major clothing stores and a supermarket

Sightseeing

A 5 min walk from the apartment; Overlooking the area towers the mountain itself – Mauao. Standing 232m above sea level, this iconic landmark is treasured by Maori and locals alike. Mauao means ‘caught be the dawn’ and the mountain is steeped in Maori history and mythology. Several historical pa sites (villages) have been built on this extinct volcanic cone, the evidence of which can still be seen today as you explore the popular walking tracks. It will take you around 45 minutes to circumnavigate Mauao’s 3.4km-long base track. This is New Zealand’s most popular walk, with expansive ocean views, majestic pohutukawa trees, peaceful beach inlets and numerous places where you can stop and admire the view. The wide, well-maintained pathway is suitable for strollers and you can finish your walk off with an ice-cream on the beach afterwards. Of course you’ll find the best views right at the top. There are several tracks to Mauao’s summit where you can enjoy breathtaking 360° views along the entire Bay of Plenty coastline, and out across the harbour to Tauranga and the Kaimai Range beyond
571 locals recommend
Mount Maunganui
571 locals recommend
A 5 min walk from the apartment; Overlooking the area towers the mountain itself – Mauao. Standing 232m above sea level, this iconic landmark is treasured by Maori and locals alike. Mauao means ‘caught be the dawn’ and the mountain is steeped in Maori history and mythology. Several historical pa sites (villages) have been built on this extinct volcanic cone, the evidence of which can still be seen today as you explore the popular walking tracks. It will take you around 45 minutes to circumnavigate Mauao’s 3.4km-long base track. This is New Zealand’s most popular walk, with expansive ocean views, majestic pohutukawa trees, peaceful beach inlets and numerous places where you can stop and admire the view. The wide, well-maintained pathway is suitable for strollers and you can finish your walk off with an ice-cream on the beach afterwards. Of course you’ll find the best views right at the top. There are several tracks to Mauao’s summit where you can enjoy breathtaking 360° views along the entire Bay of Plenty coastline, and out across the harbour to Tauranga and the Kaimai Range beyond
A short 5min walk away, Moturiki is a Small island/large rock situated right on the beautiful main ocean beach at Mount Maunganui.Easily accessible at lowish tide, although you might have to wade or swim at high tide. There used to be Marine park and then a swimming complex but now it is a very bushy clad rock with great views of the surf and surfers. There ia s blow hole off the end which can be quite spectacular when there is big surf
6 locals recommend
Moturiki Island
6 locals recommend
A short 5min walk away, Moturiki is a Small island/large rock situated right on the beautiful main ocean beach at Mount Maunganui.Easily accessible at lowish tide, although you might have to wade or swim at high tide. There used to be Marine park and then a swimming complex but now it is a very bushy clad rock with great views of the surf and surfers. There ia s blow hole off the end which can be quite spectacular when there is big surf

Parks & Nature

Just a 2min walk from the apartment via the beach accesway, Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach has been crowned the ‘Best Beach in New Zealand’ by TripAdvisor, and ranks among the top 25 best beaches in the world. Relax on the wide expanse of white sand and swim in the warm ocean waves. This is a great place to kick back and people watch. Numerous beach, ocean and multisport events are held here and people of all ages enjoy the Main Beach year-round. Stroll across the road and choose a table at any number of beachside cafes and restaurants. This relaxed al-fresco dining precinct is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch in the sunshine
51 locals recommend
Mt Maunganui Main Beach
51 locals recommend
Just a 2min walk from the apartment via the beach accesway, Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach has been crowned the ‘Best Beach in New Zealand’ by TripAdvisor, and ranks among the top 25 best beaches in the world. Relax on the wide expanse of white sand and swim in the warm ocean waves. This is a great place to kick back and people watch. Numerous beach, ocean and multisport events are held here and people of all ages enjoy the Main Beach year-round. Stroll across the road and choose a table at any number of beachside cafes and restaurants. This relaxed al-fresco dining precinct is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch in the sunshine
A short 5min walk from the apartment and a low key alternative to the main beach, Pilot Bay is great little area for safe swimming for kids and families, nice to sit and watch boats leaving harbour, cruise ships also leave from this area during season. a lovely place for dinner and sunset
7 locals recommend
Pilot Quay
Pilot Quay
7 locals recommend
A short 5min walk from the apartment and a low key alternative to the main beach, Pilot Bay is great little area for safe swimming for kids and families, nice to sit and watch boats leaving harbour, cruise ships also leave from this area during season. a lovely place for dinner and sunset

Entertainment & Activities

NZ Surf School caters for all levels of surfing from beginner to advanced and have board & wetsuit rentals available for everyone.
New Zealand Surf School
Grove Avenue
NZ Surf School caters for all levels of surfing from beginner to advanced and have board & wetsuit rentals available for everyone.
If you want a truly relaxing break, make sure you visit the Mt Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools. Nestled right at the base of Mauao, soak in the warm healing water to help relieve any aches and pains. The children’s pool and slide area makes it a great family-friendly outing.
178 locals recommend
Mount Hot Pools
9 Adams Ave
178 locals recommend
If you want a truly relaxing break, make sure you visit the Mt Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools. Nestled right at the base of Mauao, soak in the warm healing water to help relieve any aches and pains. The children’s pool and slide area makes it a great family-friendly outing.
Sanctum Beauty Therapy and Spa is a short walk from the apartment and a great place for a relaxing massage while on holiday. From their website: "We are a place of pampering; a place to escape and enjoy beauty treatments by professionally trained staff, committed to your every need.Experience the ultimate indulgence in our spacious and luxurious day spa environment, with its peaceful, serene setting – and achieve maximum results with professional advice from our experienced therapists"
Sanctum Beauty Therapy
19 Victoria Rd
Sanctum Beauty Therapy and Spa is a short walk from the apartment and a great place for a relaxing massage while on holiday. From their website: "We are a place of pampering; a place to escape and enjoy beauty treatments by professionally trained staff, committed to your every need.Experience the ultimate indulgence in our spacious and luxurious day spa environment, with its peaceful, serene setting – and achieve maximum results with professional advice from our experienced therapists"
An 8min drive from the apartment is the Mount Maunganui golf course. Mount Golf is the perfect setting for golfers of all levels. The club includes an 18 hole premier golf course, an outstanding Pro Shop and coaching facilities, a modern venue for a range of functions, on-site catering, a fully licensed bar
13 locals recommend
Mount Maunganui Golf Club
15 Fairway Ave
13 locals recommend
An 8min drive from the apartment is the Mount Maunganui golf course. Mount Golf is the perfect setting for golfers of all levels. The club includes an 18 hole premier golf course, an outstanding Pro Shop and coaching facilities, a modern venue for a range of functions, on-site catering, a fully licensed bar
Mt Cats & Yaks is a local Business based at Pilot Bay Mt Maunganui that rents Kayaks, Catamarans and SUP's. Open when the weather is good throughout the summer.
Mt Cats and Yaks
34 The Mall
Mt Cats & Yaks is a local Business based at Pilot Bay Mt Maunganui that rents Kayaks, Catamarans and SUP's. Open when the weather is good throughout the summer.

Food Scene

Mexican Restaurant on the main street featuring traditional margaritas and guacamole. Ceviche is good as well :)
14 locals recommend
The Barrio Brothers Mount Maunganui
105 Maunganui Rd
14 locals recommend
Mexican Restaurant on the main street featuring traditional margaritas and guacamole. Ceviche is good as well :)
An iconic Ice Cream shop just a couple of minutes walk away, watch-out its popular in summer though so sometimes big queues! Try raspberry frozen yogurt with whipped cream
12 locals recommend
Copenhagen Cones
14 Adams Ave
12 locals recommend
An iconic Ice Cream shop just a couple of minutes walk away, watch-out its popular in summer though so sometimes big queues! Try raspberry frozen yogurt with whipped cream
Good little place for a fantastic brunch and coffee. Super friendly staff. Just 2min walk. If you don't like the look of this one there are 7 or 8 beachside cafes all in a row so walk past each and browse the menu!
25 locals recommend
Deckchair Cafe
2 Marine Parade
25 locals recommend
Good little place for a fantastic brunch and coffee. Super friendly staff. Just 2min walk. If you don't like the look of this one there are 7 or 8 beachside cafes all in a row so walk past each and browse the menu!
Excellent food. Efficient and friendly service. Nice restaurant inside and out. Very close to the apartment. Get the Hawaiian pizza if you are stuck for ideas. Delicious
19 locals recommend
Dixie Browns
4F Marine Parade
19 locals recommend
Excellent food. Efficient and friendly service. Nice restaurant inside and out. Very close to the apartment. Get the Hawaiian pizza if you are stuck for ideas. Delicious
Japanese restaurant Mr Myagi. Located in a 1920s house in an alley behind Maunganui Road the space is so special, it was the catalyst for the restaurant. Mr Myagi follows organic and free-range principles.
Mr Miyagi
147B Maunganui Rd
Japanese restaurant Mr Myagi. Located in a 1920s house in an alley behind Maunganui Road the space is so special, it was the catalyst for the restaurant. Mr Myagi follows organic and free-range principles.
My favorite brunch spot in the mount! great little cafe, but quite cosy and popular so get in early :)
40 locals recommend
eightyeight Cafe
90 Maunganui Rd
40 locals recommend
My favorite brunch spot in the mount! great little cafe, but quite cosy and popular so get in early :)
Great Italian restaurant, just 5min walk from the apartment. The Pizza is a favorite of mine - quite popular so pays to ring ahead and book a table
23 locals recommend
Osteria Mount Maunganui
91 Maunganui Rd
23 locals recommend
Great Italian restaurant, just 5min walk from the apartment. The Pizza is a favorite of mine - quite popular so pays to ring ahead and book a table
An unassuming restaurant below the pacific apartment tower but with great food at reasonable prices - bonus being that its just a 2min walk out the front door of the apartment complex
Le Marie Cafe & Restaurant
8 Maunganui Rd
An unassuming restaurant below the pacific apartment tower but with great food at reasonable prices - bonus being that its just a 2min walk out the front door of the apartment complex

Drinks & Nightlife

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
117 locals recommend
Astrolabe Brewbar
82 Maunganui Rd
117 locals recommend
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

Getting Around

Tauranga's main airport is just a 10min drive away
21 locals recommend
Tauranga Airport
73 Jean Batten Dr
21 locals recommend
Tauranga's main airport is just a 10min drive away
One of the many car rental options available at the airport
Thrifty Car Rental Tauranga Airport
73 Jean Batten Dr
One of the many car rental options available at the airport