Mt Maunganui Vacations, Mt Maunganui Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

New Zealanders have long spent their Christmases playing backyard cricket at their bach by the beach and Mount Maunganui is one of the most popular towns to have a bach in the North Island.

Just a short drive over the harbour bridge from the city of Tauranga, Mt Maunganui has plenty of holiday attractions to keep the family entertained.

The most obvious landmark is the towering Mauao (Mt Maunganui is the English name) and at 232m it is the perfect spot for casting an eye over the Western Bay of Plenty in every direction.

The mountain has several tracks weaving over it and around it's base. Mauao is also the site of several races throughout the year whether the choice of racing is to run, cycle or take the 4x4 it's all catered for.
Often there are those who take to the air from it's summit, hanging under a parachute or hang glider they drift slowly to the beach where they excite the children by plopping down between the families lazing on the sand.

The Mount lays on a narrow strip of land (less than 1km wide). On the Eastern side the Pacific Oceans makes for great surfing, with the Western side facing into the harbour, it's perfect for young families to paddle off this calmer beach.

Under Mauao lays a hot pool complex. The hot salty water is perfect for swimming all year around and there is a good selection of pools to choose from.

The township itself is small, but there are good cafes and restaurants where you can take a break from the sun.