Things to do in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to give you some top tips on things to do in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. Located on the east coast of the North Island, Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, known by locals as simply “the Mount”, are popular holiday destinations for a lot of Kiwis, however, they can sometimes be overlooked by international visitors in favour of hotspots such as Rotorua, Napier or the Coromandel. In this guide, we’re going to let you in on some secrets from the locals, which will hopefully get you to add Tauranga and the Mount to your New Zealand itinerary.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Tauranga so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Tauranga branch is one of our oldest branches and has been around the beautiful Bay of Plenty since 1987. Conveniently located in downtown Tauranga, we also offer an airport drop off and pickup service if you are flying in, or we can arrange hotel or residential pick-ups by request.
Bay of Plenty Activities
Whilst our branch may be located in Tauranga, we wanted to focus this guide on things to do in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, where Tauranga and Mt Maunganui are central hubs. Picking up a car in Tauranga means you have access to the stunning east coast of New Zealand and rather than sending you on the inland road towards Taupo and Rotorua, we instead want to let you know about all the amazing things there are to do in the Bay of Plenty.
Here are five top picks from our team in Tauranga for things to do in the Bay of Plenty:
Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
Rock Climbing at Rocktopia
Mount Maunganui is amazing for outdoor activities, so we wanted to recommend something for a rainy day. Rocktopia offers indoor climbing walls for all skill levels, including Clip ‘n Climb for beginners and advanced Rock On Walls for experienced climbers. It's a unique way to stay active indoors.
McLaren Falls Park
One of our team’s favourite walking destinations is just a 20-minute drive from Tauranga. McLaren Falls Park is a hidden gem with walking trails, native and exotic trees, and the beautiful McLaren Falls. A short waterfall trail adds to its charm. The walking trail is easy for all abilities but is absolutely stunning.
Papamoa
Blokarting at Blokart Recreation Park
If you are looking for something a bit different from your usual NZ adventure activities such as bungy jumping and jet boating, then this is for you. Experience wind-powered go-karting or electric drift karting at Papamoa’s Blokart Recreation Park. This thrilling activity is suitable for all ages and offers a unique adventure.
Kaiate Falls / Te Rerekawau Falls
The Bay of Plenty is home to some pretty amazing walking trails, and this is another of the team’s favourites. Located just a short 15-minute drive from Papamoa, this trail leads to this stunning multi-step waterfall hidden in the forest. The one-hour loop walk provides scenic views of both the upper and lower falls.
Whakatane
Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walking Trail
This 16-kilometre trail explores historic pā sites, native forests, coastal views, and seabird colonies. It can be completed in sections or as a full-day hike for an immersive experience in Whakatane’s natural beauty.
Bay of Plenty Places to Eat
As you might imagine, seafood restaurants are pretty popular in the Bay of Plenty, but you will find a whole host of amazing places to eat out in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Papamoa and beyond. We wanted to provide you with a few different options, whether you are based in one location or travelling around the region, so here are the team’s top tips for places to eat within short driving distance of Tauranga:
Alpino Mount Maunganui
· Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean
· Budget: Mid-range to upscale ($$-$$$)
· Features: Known for its excellent service and modern Italian cuisine, Alpino offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It's perfect for a casual yet sophisticated meal in Mount Maunganui. The outdoor seating is a great option during the summer months and both the food and service is exceptional.
Thai Thani - Papamoa
· Cuisine: Thai
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Offers delicious Thai dishes in a relaxed beachside setting, ideal for enjoying fresh flavours with a laid-back Papamoa vibe. It's highly rated for its authentic Thai cuisine. Our team also loves the vibrant atmosphere at Thai Thani as it is often super-busy. The food is exceptional and the service is also really good.
Cornerstone Bar & Eatery (Tauranga)
· Cuisine: New Zealand & International
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Famous for its $15 burger and beer special on Fridays, Cornerstone is a great spot for casual dining with a welcoming atmosphere and central location in Tauranga. They have a comprehensive menu, and as well as the burgers, they serve some tasty fish dishes, and the ribs are apparently to die for as well, so plenty of options, especially if you are looking for a budget-friendly feed.
Bluebiyou (Papamoa Beach)
· Cuisine: Modern New Zealand with a focus on seafood
· Budget: Mid-range to upscale ($$-$$$)
· Features: Located right on the beachfront, Bluebiyou offers a seasonal menu emphasising fresh seafood and local ingredients. It's perfect for a scenic meal with family or friends. The location is a definite winner at Bluebiyou, but the food is also really good and great for those looking for some tasty New Zealand seafood. The wine menu is also expansive so it’s a great opportunity to try out some New Zealand wines.
Master Kong (Mount Maunganui)
· Cuisine: Asian Street Food
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: This is a really popular place for bigger groups and great if you have visitors from overseas staying with you. Master King offers vibrant Asian street food with a lively atmosphere. Their $49 Yum Cha Sundays and $12 bao buns on Tuesdays make it a great spot for sharing meals with friends and family.
Bay of Plenty Accommodation
Deciding where to stay could be one of your biggest challenges in the Bay of Plenty, with so many amazing places to choose from. The Mount gets exceptionally busy during the summer season, with many Kiwis heading to the Mount for the beautiful beach and relaxed atmosphere. Tauranga is a great option as it’s easily accessible and a great base for exploring the region.
Here are five options for places to stay in and around the Bay of Plenty:
The Tauranga on the Waterfront
· Location: 1 Second Avenue, Tauranga
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Stylish motel offering bay views, free Wi-Fi, and parking. Ideal for couples or business travellers, it provides refined rooms and suites in a central location close to Tauranga's city centre. Guests praise the polished ambiance and serene waterfront setting.
Baywatch Motor Inn
· Location: 349A Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Casual motor inn with airy rooms featuring kitchenettes and an outdoor plunge pool. Located near Mount Maunganui Beach, it's perfect for families or travellers seeking a relaxed stay with easy access to local attractions.
Pacific Palms Resort
· Location: 21 Gravatt Road, Papamoa
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: A resort-style property set on 2 hectares of landscaped grounds offering spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts, BBQ areas, and a petanque court. It's ideal for families or groups looking for a peaceful getaway close to Papamoa Beach.
Paradise Beach Accommodation
· Location: Papamoa Beach
· Budget: Upscale ($$$)
· Features: Luxury beach barns designed for romantic weekends or family getaways. Fully self-contained with modern kitchens, smart TVs, sound systems, and BBQs. Located within walking distance of Papamoa Beach, it offers stylish comfort in a serene setting.
Awa Motel
· Location: Whakatane
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Offers a variety of accommodations, including architecturally designed standalone cabins and renovated bungalows. Features include king beds, kitchenettes, private decks, and proximity to Ohope Beach and local attractions. Perfect for couples or families exploring Whakatane.
Bay of Plenty Beaches
In these guides, we sometimes recommend the best sights to see in the area, however, for the Bay of Plenty, we wanted to give you a run down of some of the best beaches in the area. Many people who travel the east coast through the Bay of Plenty come here to enjoy the glorious golden sands and to relax by spending a day at the beach. There are so many great options to choose from dotted all the way along this coastline, but here are a few of our favourites for lots of different reasons:
Mount Maunganui Main Beach
· Location: Mount Maunganui
· Features: Known as New Zealand's best beach by TripAdvisor, this stunning white sand beach offers excellent surfing conditions, a picturesque setting, and a lively atmosphere with nearby cafes and restaurants.
· Activities: Surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, beach walks.
Ōhope Beach
· Location: Near Whakatane
· Features: Famous for its 11 km of white sand and family-friendly swimming areas, Ōhope Beach offers breathtaking views of Moutohorā (Whale Island) and Whakaari (White Island). It's lined with mature Norfolk pines and features a sheltered lagoon area at Ōtarawairere Bay.
· Activities: Swimming, surfing, fishing, walking trails.
Papamoa Beach
· Location: Papamoa
· Features: A 16 km stretch of beach that is perfect for early morning sunrises and dog walking. It's a relaxed beach with nearby amenities and has been named the fourth-best beach in New Zealand by TripAdvisor.
· Activities: Swimming, surfing, walking, dog-friendly.
Pilot Bay Beach
· Location: Mount Maunganui (harbour side)
· Features: A calm and sheltered bay ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It's a favourite spot for families with its gentle waters and scenic sunsets.
· Activities: Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, picnics.
Waihi Beach
· Location: Western end of the Bay of Plenty
· Features: Offers a 9 km stretch of white sand with excellent surfing conditions and a lively summer atmosphere. It's popular for beach activities and has nearby cafes and surf schools.
· Activities: Surfing, swimming, beach festivals, horse riding.
Renting a Car in Tauranga
If you’re looking to rent a car in Tauranga, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in the Bay of Plenty looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the North Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Tauranga branch.