Experience waves of wonder and perfection at Mount Maunganui
If you are looking for what many feel is the finest beach in New Zealand, then you need to stop off at Mount Maunganui. This sandy coastline surrounds the town and benefits from a man-made protective reef. Overseeing this fabulous vista is the dormant volcano of Mount Maunganui. Looming over the region, it is about 230 metres high and the walk created around the base is a New Zealand favourite. The region, itself, is known as the Bay of Plenty and reflects Captain James Cook’s reaction when he observed it from his ship, The Endeavour.
Shifting sands and shipping kiwi fruits near Mount Maunganui
Tauranga is the region’s main city and is the fifth largest in New Zealand. Commercial activity and the appeal of Mount Maunganui as a tourist destination have combined to result in the emergence of a number of beachside and city guest houses, apartments and hotels to suit all budgets. The area is a mix of the quiet solitude to be enjoyed as you explore the remote beach areas and the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The harbour is the largest cruise ship harbour in New Zealand and is always on the crest of a popularity wave. The city’s transport congestion problem is eased by the introduction of two bridges. Both are one direction, so there’s no oncoming traffic. Interestingly, Te Puke is a town 17 miles away and your supermarket purchased kiwi fruit probably started its journey here. The tourism generated by the sensational beaches and Mt Maunganui with Mauao sitting at its tip, is a vitally important factor in the region’s prosperity.
Surfing, sunning and hot water wallowing
The Mount, as Mt Maunganui is known locally, is a 10-minute drive from Tauranga. It sits on a vast sandbar peninsular at the end of the city’s harbour and surfing and sunbathing don’t come much better than those enjoyed here. The artificial reef is a few hundred yards offshore and nestles below the surface of the sea; so it isn’t visible. In tandem with the wave machine, those surfing waves are controlled to be an always perfect attraction for surfers and sun-seekers. It is well worth taking a break from the beach though and hiking to the peak of Mount Maunganui. Here, you’ll view the harbour and Pacific Ocean to their very best advantage. Back at the base of The Mount, you can relax in soothing hot water pools. Salt water from Pilot Bay comes from hundreds of yards beneath the surface. It is then heated and regulated so even the youngest child can benefit. Then, why not pamper yourself even more with an onsite massage.
Dive in to Mt Maunganui’s dining experiences
There’s a profusion of dining choices in the area around Mount Maunganui. The harbourside is a particularly popular restaurant district and you’ll be rather difficult to please if you don’t find something to tempt you here. When in Rome, as they say … try the kiwi-influenced options including smoothies, sorbets and salads laced with tropical fruits. Beachside cafes, bars, fast-food places and restaurants tend to be very laid-back, so there’s no dress code here and wherever you finish up, dining choices can be washed down by selections of craft beers and local wines. Particularly if you are in a self-catering apartment, or, maybe a Mount Maunganui hotel-dweller seeking new foodie experiences; take note of the Gourmet Night Market. There’s nothing better than fresh food and produce straight from the farm. You’ll need to keep those energy levels up too, if you plan embarking on one of the many big game fishing expeditions, dolphin watching trips and diving adventures that figure in Mt Maunganui’s impressive list of activities.
Static hairy moments reign in Mount Maunganui’s rain
It sometimes seems that, in the areas around Mt Maunganui; it has been raining recently, rain is due shortly, or it’s raining now. The driest month is February but watch out, March is the wettest. The climate overall is warm and temperate and there are plenty of features to enjoy. Incidentally, shopaholics may be surprised at the number of sophisticated fashion stores and other retail outlets in the city. Then and for kids of all ages, there’s the waterfront playground just off the CBD. In this same area, The Hairy Maclary Sculptures will enthrall the whole family. These larger than life bronze statues feature good old HM and eight of his friends. This is much-loved locally and only became possible as the result of business and private funding. The statues contribute hugely to the diverse range of attractions which are always changing … and never stand still for very long.