Where to stay in Mount Maunganui & Pāpāmoa for your next coastal escape
As the days get longer and summer edges closer, thoughts naturally turn to time by the coast.
For some, summer in the Bay means a few nights away. For others, it’s a week or two with family, mornings at the beach and plenty of time to settle in. Either way, where you stay becomes a big part of the holiday. From Mount Maunganui’s surf side and Pilot Bay, to the longer stretches of coastline in Pāpāmoa, each pocket offers something different, whether that’s being close to the water, walking to coffee and dinner, or staying where you get the best of both. Here’s a little background on what each place has to offer.
Mount Maunganui: The Surf Side
If summer starts with checking the surf or heading down for a swim before breakfast, this side of Mount Maunganui is hard to beat.
Mount Maunganui Main Beach puts you right by the surf and the coastal boardwalk, with Mount Mainstreet just moments away. For coffee or breakfast, Mount Break Café & Bar, Sidetrack Café and Three One One Six are all along the beachfront. Further along the coast, Tay Street, Hart Street and Clyde Street are popular local surf spots. After a morning in the water, grab a coffee from Tay Street Store, or stop at Tay Street Beach Kitchen for breakfast.
Continue towards Ōmanu Beach, you’re a little further from the bustle of central Mount, with more surf breaks to explore. Surf Road Café is a local favourite, where our top pick is the Huevos Rancheros from the brunch menu. For a coffee, stop at Ōmanu Surf Shack right underneath the Surf Life Saving club, and don’t leave without trying one of their real fruit ice creams.
Where to stay
Golden Oasis. Just one block from Mount Mainstreet and moments from the beach, this four-bedroom home sleeps eight, with a private spa, outdoor kitchen, putting green and multiple living spaces.
High Tide Haven. A short stroll from Tay Street and the patrolled surf beach, with three bedrooms, a spa, outdoor shower and private back deck. A great base for making the most of the Tay Street pocket.
Coastal Calm. Set directly on the dunes at Ōmanu, with direct beach access, an outdoor shower and three separate living areas, particularly useful for families or friends travelling together.
Mount Maunganui: Pilot Bay
Pilot Bay swaps rolling surf for calm harbour waters, while still keeping the main beach and Mount Mainstreet within easy walking distance.
There aren’t really cafés directly along the waterfront, so grab a takeaway from Soul Boul, Captain Bones or Mount Surf Shop before heading down. Later, return for sunset with a picnic and find a spot on the grass overlooking the harbour. Beyonder guests can also arrange a Tiny Seed grazing platter ahead of their stay to make the night a memorable experience.
Where to stay
Above the Bay. A seventh-floor stay with sweeping Pilot Bay views, a communal pool and three dedicated car parks.
Sunset Bay. Overlooking Pilot Bay and suited to couples, friends or families with children aged 12+, with the harbour, Main Beach and Mount Mainstreet all within easy walking distance.
Pāpāmoa
Pāpāmoa offers long stretches of coastline and plenty of room to settle in. Around central Pāpāmoa, start the morning at Pearl Kitchen, the Banoffee Waffle is one to try or order the chilli eggs at Gather Café. For takeaway coffee, check out Baby Afro’s specialty coffee menu before heading towards the beach.
Further east, stop by Kneed for some freshly baked pastries, pack a picnic and head up Pāpāmoa Hills for sweeping views across the coastline and out towards the Mount. If you’re heading out for dinner, Rain Bar, Pablos and Lantern are a few local options to have on your list.
Where to stay
The Headland. Set directly on the beachfront in East Pāpāmoa, with private beach access, surfboards, a heated outdoor shower and plenty of space for a longer stay.
The Shore Break. Just across the road from Pāpāmoa Beach, sleeping up to eight with a second living area and large balcony overlooking the coastline.
Finding the Right Beach House
The best beach house isn’t necessarily the biggest or even the one closest to the sand. It’s the one that works for the way you want to spend your holiday.
For a longer trip, a second living area, laundry, extra bathrooms and enough parking can make a real difference. If summer revolves around the water, an outdoor shower and somewhere for sandy beach gear quickly become useful. Or perhaps being able to walk to coffee, dinner and the beach without getting in the car matters most.
As a quick guide, choose the Mount surf side for morning swims, surf and easy access to the coast; Pilot Bay for harbour sunsets and walkability; or Pāpāmoa for long stretches of coastline and days where the beach becomes the main event.
Still deciding? Tell the Beyonder team who’s coming and what matters most. We know our homes and each neighbourhood and can help you find the right fit.
