Discover Maunganui Beach
Maunganui Beach, located in the Tauranga suburb of Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty, is a stunning crescent-shaped beach nestled between Mount Maunganui (a big volcanic headland) and Moturiki Island, also known as Leisure Island. This beach is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its proximity to a bustling city, with a wide range of accommodation options and services.
A Coastal Experience
The beach features whitish sand with a golden hue, interspersed with patches of colourful shell debris, similar to many other beautiful beaches along the east coast of the North Island.
However, what sets Maunganui Beach apart is its proximity to a major city suburb, complete with high-rise apartments, beach volleyball courts, and a variety of food trucks. This creates a distinctive holiday atmosphere not generally found at other city beaches in New Zealand.
Visiting Maunganui Beach
During warm weather, Maunganui Beach is a popular destination, drawing large crowds, especially during the summer holidays. However, you can enjoy a visit without the crowds at other times of the year. The beach is also considered a safe spot for ocean swimming, with safety enhanced by an active surf patrol.
Exploring Beyond the Beach
If you find Maunganui Beach too crowded, you can explore further along the coast. The beach stretches beyond Moturiki for about 30 km, reaching all the way to Maketū. Suburban Tauranga runs along the beach for about 20 km, with the name becoming Omanu Beach, then Papamoa Beach. Despite the presence of houses, the beach is generally quieter as you head southeast and provides ample space for a more secluded experience.
Getting to Maunganui Beach
To reach Maunganui Beach from central Tauranga, head northeast to Mount Maunganui on State Highway 2. At Totara Street, turn north and follow the road to Maunganui Road. From there, continue north, then turn northeast onto Banks Avenue. At the end of Banks Avenue, turn north onto Marine Parade, which provides access to the beach. The drive takes around 15 minutes and is 9 km. Avoid weekday rush hour if you can.
To explore parts of the beach to the southeast, follow Marine Parade southeast, which becomes Oceanbeach Road and eventually Papamoa Beach Road.
North of Tauranga, there is another beautiful long beach between Bowentown and Waihi Beach. To the south, you can explore Coastlands, Whakatāne and Ōhope.
