A local guide to the best things to do in Mount Maunganui & Pāpāmoa this spring.
Spring has a way of bringing the Bay back outside. The days stretch a little longer, the weather starts to warm, and suddenly there’s more time for a walk before breakfast, lunch in the sun or an afternoon spent by the beach.
It’s also a quieter time to experience Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa before the pace of summer really begins. From lesser-known walks and weekend markets to outdoor dining, local produce and homes made for sunny afternoons, here’s how we’d spend spring in the Bay.
Take the Long Way
The Mount & Pāpāmoa boardwalks will always be favourites, but spring is a good excuse to explore a little further.
Just beyond the coast, McLaren Falls Park offers a change of pace. The park stretches alongside Lake McLaren, with walking tracks winding through established parkland, waterfalls and lake views. Pack something for lunch and make an afternoon of it; there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic along the way.
Venture a little further inland and Ōmanawa Falls takes you through native forest, along raised boardwalks and down plenty of steps before reaching viewing platforms overlooking the falls. It’s a relatively short walk, making it an easy addition to a morning exploring beyond the coastline.
Closer to Tauranga, the Waikareao Estuary Walkway follows the water through boardwalks and mostly flat shared paths. You don’t need to complete the entire loop either. Choose a section, take your time and enjoy a different side of the city.
And then, of course, there are the walks that need very little planning. Pāpāmoa Beach at first light, the Mount coastline catching the sun, or Pilot Bay as the sun sets across the harbour.
Lunch Looks Better Outside
One of the first signs of spring in the Bay is seeing tables fill up outside again.
In the heart of Mount Maunganui, Alpino brings a little of the Italian Alps to the coast. Grab a table outside and settle in for handmade Italian favourites, local produce and a glass of something good. It’s the kind of place where lunch can easily turn into an afternoon.
Across the road from its namesake, Tay Street Beach Kitchen is made for mornings by the coast. With a menu built around fresh ingredients, it’s an easy stop after a beach walk, or somewhere to settle in for breakfast before the rest of the day begins.
Over in Pāpāmoa, Lantern offers something completely different. This Southeast Asian restaurant and bar comes into its own as the afternoon turns to evening, with a tropical garden, covered outdoor dining and the glow of its namesake lanterns after dark.
Three very different places, and three good reasons to leave the cooking to someone else.
Spend a Morning at the Markets
Spring brings plenty of reasons to make the most of a weekend morning.
The Little Big Markets are a local favourite at Coronation Park, bringing together local makers, designers, food vendors and live music in the heart of the Mount. The 26 September market will have something extra, joining forces with Vegan Vibes to bring a dedicated Vegan Lane alongside the usual line-up of local makers and designers. With workshops, live music and lawn games planned, it’s an easy way to spend a Saturday morning in the Mount.
For something more produce-led, Tauranga Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning at Tauranga Primary School. Local growers and producers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, bread and locally made treats to take back to your stay.
Go hungry, take a bag and stock up on local produce.
Find a Patch of Grass
Not every spring day needs an itinerary.
If you’re already at The Little Big Markets, Pilot Bay is an easy next stop. Pick up lunch from one of the food vendors and wander across with a picnic blanket. The harbour side is generally more sheltered than Main Beach, with plenty of grass to spread out, calm water for a cool spring swim and Mauao as the backdrop. It’s an easy place to lose an hour or two without really planning to.
For a change of scenery, Te Puna Quarry Park is worth the short drive out of town. What was once an abandoned quarry is now filled with gardens, walking tracks, sculptures and pockets of lawn, with elevated views across the Bay towards Mauao and Matakana Island. Bring lunch and explore the tracks before finding somewhere to settle in.
If you’d rather stay close to the coast, Ōmanu Beach is one of our picks when you want the beach without heading into the centre of the Mount. Or, further along the coastline, Pāpāmoa Domain gives you plenty of grass behind the dunes, with the beach just over the other side.
Pack a picnic, find a sunny spot and leave the rest of the afternoon open.
Something for Everyone
Spring brings plenty to add to the calendar, from live theatre and international music to events that make the most of the Bay’s outdoor spaces.
From 17 September, Tauranga Musical Theatre brings Wicked to Baycourt Addison Theatre, with evening performances and a Sunday matinee across the season. Pair it with dinner in Tauranga beforehand and make an evening of it.
On 10 October, Ultimate Athlete takes over Mount Maunganui Beach for a fitness challenge built around movement, competition and community. With kids, Next Gen, team and individual distances ranging from 3km to 10km, you can sign up for the challenge or head down to watch the action unfold on the beach.
Then on 22 October, Macy Gray comes to Baycourt as part of the Tauranga Arts Festival. The Grammy Award-winning artist brings her unmistakable soul and R&B sound to Tauranga following her hugely popular 2024 tour of Australia and New Zealand. It’s a standout addition to the Bay’s spring calendar and a great reason to plan an evening in the city.
Stay Somewhere Made for Spring
Where you stay can make just as much difference as what you do while you’re here, particularly once the warmer weather arrives.
In Pāpāmoa, Pearl by the Sea puts the beach just across the road. There’s a pool and spa surrounded by lawn, an outdoor shower for rinsing off after the beach, bikes for exploring the coastal boardwalk and ocean views from upstairs. It’s the kind of home where everyone can find their own way to spend the afternoon.
Saltwater Cottage is made for spring weekends with family or friends. The open-plan living spaces flow onto an elevated deck with a swimming pool, spa and BBQ, while three bedrooms in the main house and a separate sleepout provide plenty of room for up to eight guests. Pāpāmoa Beach is a short walk away, making it easy to move between mornings by the water and afternoons back at the pool.
In Mount Maunganui, The Viewpoint makes the most of the longer, lighter days. Elevated above the neighbouring community gardens, the home has multiple outdoor spaces, including a generous deck with views towards Mauao that’s ideal for sunny lunches or an evening BBQ. The beach is just a five-minute walk away, with downtown Mount Maunganui’s cafés, restaurants and shops also within easy walking distance, so you can leave the car behind and explore on foot.
Different homes for different kinds of spring weekends, with the coast never far away.
A Little Something Extra
Spring is also a good excuse to bring a little of the season into your stay. Through Beyonder, guests can arrange locally crafted flowers from Hey Love Florist, with beautiful seasonal bouquets and bespoke arrangements for celebrations, surprises or simply because.
For something extra special, private chef Matt Bidois can bring restaurant-quality dining directly to your Beyonder stay. Bespoke menus are tailored to your occasion, guests and dietary preferences, making an intimate dinner or special night in feel that little bit more memorable.
Just a couple of thoughtful extras that can be arranged ahead of your arrival, so they’re ready and waiting when you get there.
Make a Weekend of It
Spring in the Bay doesn’t need to be complicated.
Walk somewhere you haven’t been before. Pick up breakfast from the markets. Find a table in the sun. Spend the afternoon at the beach. Then head somewhere local for dinner as the evening stretches out. It’s often the simple things that make this time of year so good.
Explore our collection of Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa stays and find somewhere to make the most of spring in the Bay.
