Where to stay, eat and explore during Zespri AIMS Games in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga.
AIMS Games week in the Bay comes with early mornings, packed schedules, wet towels, coffee runs, and long days spent between venues. But between the games, there’s also space to settle in properly, eat well, and enjoy being here.
Whether you’re travelling with your team, supporting from the sidelines, or managing a full family schedule for the week, here are a few ways to make AIMS week a little easier, with local recommendations for where to stay, eat, and spend time between games.
Zespri AIMS Games Accommodation with Beyonder
As the official accommodation partner of Zespri AIMS Games for the third year running, Beyonder helps connect visiting teams, families and supporters with suitable stays across Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.
Simply let us know your dates, group size, preferred location and accommodation requirements, and our local team will help match you with a stay where availability allows. Whether you’re looking for a larger home for a team, somewhere practical for the family, or a place close to key venues, we’ll help find the right fit.
Coffee, Breakfast & Lunch Spots Near AIMS Games Venues
AIMS mornings tend to start early, so knowing where to grab a good coffee and an easy breakfast can make all the difference.
For those based near Blake Park, Mixture Eatery and Somethin’ Somethin’ are both local favourites for quality coffee, cabinet food and breakfast before the day begins.
Tay Street Beach Kitchen remains a go-to for coffee with an ocean view, while Tay Street Store is a great option for something quick before heading off to the next venue.
If you’re staying in Pāpāmoa, Gather is well worth a visit for breakfast, good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere between games.
Family-Friendly Dining & Easy Evenings
After a full day on the sidelines, easy dining options are often exactly what’s needed.
Latitude offers something for everyone, making it an easy choice for larger family groups. The Rising Tide is another great option with a casual atmosphere and plenty of space.
For something easy and family-friendly, Rosie’s is a popular option for Mexican food, while The Freeport offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that suits a range of tastes, particularly if you’re staying near Bayfair.
For supporters wanting a longer dinner, Astrolabe remains a Mount favourite and a great place to gather after a busy day.
AIMS week is one of the busiest weeks of the year in the Bay, so booking ahead is highly recommended where possible.
Where To Grab A Treat
Sometimes a post-game treat becomes part of the tradition.
Yomi has quickly become one of the Mount’s most popular dessert stops and is always worth the queue.
Copenhagen Cones remains a classic, while Mount Made serves up locally made ice cream and sorbet just moments from the beach.
Polar Dessert Bar is another local favourite and well worth adding to the list. As a little extra, Beyonder guests receive 20% off at Polar Dessert Bar by showing their booking confirmation or Beyonder keyring.
Local Tips for Zespri AIMS Games Week
If you’ve got a few hours between matches, there are plenty of easy ways to make the most of your time in the Bay.
For a walk, head to Pilot Bay, Main Beach, or follow the boardwalk along the coastline. They’re all easy options for stretching the legs and getting some fresh air between venues.
For younger siblings, Baywave, the Tauranga Waterfront Playground and the Mount Maunganui Skate Park are great ways to burn off some energy.
If you’d like to explore a little further, take a walk up Pāpāmoa Hills, spend an afternoon at The Historic Village, or visit The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga to discover one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites.
Things Worth Knowing Before You Arrive
Free AIMS Loop Buses
Operating throughout the tournament between Mount Hot Pools, Mount Mainstreet, Blake Park, Baywave, Mercury Baypark and Gordon Spratt Reserve.
Athletes & Coaches Travel Free
Use the Baybus urban network at no cost with the official Zespri AIMS Games app.
Opening Ceremony Transport Free park-and-ride buses operate directly to Mercury Baypark.
Bayfair for Supplies
Supermarkets, Kmart, dining options and plenty of parking all in one place.
Bring Layers
Even sunny Bay of Plenty days can feel cool after a few hours on the sidelines.
Arrive Early
Blake Park gets particularly busy during peak game times, so allow extra time for parking.
Beyond The Sidelines
AIMS week is busy by nature.
But with the right stay, local knowledge, and a little extra space to settle in between games, it can also become one of the best weeks of the year to experience the Bay.
Whether you’re travelling with a team, supporting from the sidelines, or making a week of it with family, Beyonder’s local team can help match you with the right stay for AIMS week.
Find your AIMS accommodation with Beyonder and let us help make the week a little easier.
