Mount Backpackers

Attractions

  • Mount Maunganui

    Address:
    Adams Avenue .

    Mauao - our magical mountain - is an extinct volcano at the end of the peninsula.  It is a sacred mountain that towers 232 metres above sea level.  There is a steeper 'hard' climb to the summit and an 'easy' track around the base.  This is a must-do activity when you stay downtown Mount Maunganui as the views are breathtaking. 

     

  • Main Beach

    Address:
    Marine Parade .

    Voted New Zealand’s best beach, ‘the Mount’ is the ultimate summer destination. With perfect white sand and thundering waves, you won’t find a better place to swim, surf, sunbathe and socialise. Holiday memories are made here. You’ll find thousands of beachgoers every day here in summer but there’s more than enough room for you to spread out on the sizzling sand and enjoy a dip in the warm ocean waves. 

    Sea temperatures can reach 21°C or more in summer so this is a popular place to swim. Conditions are generally safe but waves can occasionally be rough and rips can form. The Mount Maunganui surf lifeguards regularly patrol this beach so look for their flags to find the safest area to swim.

    This beach sits at the base of Mauao, Mt Maunganui’s iconic mountain, and runs for approximately 1km along to Moturiki (Leisure) Island.

  • Mount Hot Pools

    Address:
    Adams Ave .

    As far back as 500BC, Hippocrates recognised the benefits of warmed seawater for its ability to rebalance and detoxify our bodies. Salt water bathing was believed to improve mobility by easing muscle and joint inflammation, and general aches and pains.

    Today, those healing properties remain, and it’s all right here beneath the majesty of Mauao, Mount Maunganui. Come and soak in our heated salt water pools and experience the benefits for yourself. Top it off with a massage from our lovely massage therapists to really treat your body.

    Standard adult admission is $14 but with your Mount Backpackers room key you will pay $11.20. 

  • Pohutukawa Gallery

    Address:
    138 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand .

    "Pohutukawa (po-hu-tu-ka-wa) opened its doors in December 2004, situated downtown Mount Maunganui in the heart of “The Mount”. Within walking distance to the bustling surf beach “Main Beach” and the quieter harbour “Pilot Bay”, the popular downtown shopping area sits right in the middle of a peninsula with the iconic Mount Maunganui (Mauao) on the end of the spit. Boasting sidewalk cafes and restaurants, specialist boutique style shops and galleries it is a holiday haven for international and national tourists alike.

    At Pohutukawa we love New Zealand and all it has to offer, our gallery has a distinct pacific/New Zealand flavour and ambience with timber boardwalks and stone pebble floors which form the shaped of the koru. We have a fabulous selection of quality and affordable New Zealand art, for the garden and home, special gifts and souvenirs, amazing beaded jewellery, all carefully created and crafted by local and national artists, exhibitions by local up and coming artists which change monthly. Our store is equally enjoyed by New Zealanders and tourists alike."  http://www.pohutukawagallery.nz/about/

  • Moturiki Island

    Address:
    Marine Parade .

    Moturiki (called Leisure Island in English)  is connected to the beach by a human-made land bridge and features a spectacular blowhole at the far end of the island which bursts into life during a large swell or high tide. It’s also a great place to enjoy panoramic ocean views and look back along the coastline. A well-formed walking track will lead you from the beach right to the very top and takes about 15 minutes.

    Moturiki Island is also the best place to fish in this area because the beach itself is usually too busy for surf-casting. You can catch snapper, kahawai and gurnard off the rocks here.

  • Pilot Bay

    Address:
    The Mall .

    Pilot Bay is one of our region’s premier destinations – a beautiful sheltered beach which sits on the edge of Tauranga Harbour and beneath Mount Maunganui’s towering mountain ‘Mauao’.

    This bay runs along the southwestern side of Mount Maunganui’s peninsula and is sheltered from the open ocean. Small waves gently lap at the shore here as the tide flows in and out, providing calm swimming conditions all year round.

    Pilot Bay’s sandy beach gradually rises upwards to become a wide, flat grass reserve which extends back towards the main road, The Mall. A wooden boardwalk runs parallel to this road so you can stroll the full length of Pilot Bay to reach the base of Mauao and the start of the mountain’s popular 3.4km base track.

    A row of stately Norfolk Pine trees line Pilot Bay, helping provide a picture-perfect scene for cruise passengers as they sail through the harbour entrance and berth at the nearby port.

    Pilot Bay is the best place to view these magnificent cruise ships up close. Bring a picnic dinner down to this beach and watch them depart on a warm summer’s evening. The largest ships attract huge crowds of locals who cheer and wave goodbye to passengers as they sail away.

  • Kaiate Falls

    Address:
    Kaiate Falls Road, Waitao .

    Kaiate Falls (also known as Te Rerekawau Falls) is a 30 minute drive from Tauranga. The walking tracks are well formed, although quite steep in some places.

    The main track leads to the top, and then to the base of the upper series of falls before continuing downhill to the lower falls. Another track, just below the car park, follows the stream back to the road bridge. Track junctions are well sign-posted.

    Kaiate Falls is a a beautiful spot to cool down on those hot summer days, or even after extensive rainfall across the region the falls come alive and a spectacle to behold.

    An ideal setting for explorers young and old

  • ASB Baypark Stadium

    Address:
    81 Truman Ln, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand .

    At ASB Baypark, we deliver the best of both worlds. Our premier and contemporary conference facility is located in New Zealand’s fastest growing city with the country’s favourite Mount holiday beach right on its doorstep. Plus the compact nature of the Tauranga region means our conference facilities are in close proximity to Tauranga airport (and only 45 minutes from Rotorua International Airport), CBD, and extensive accommodation and entertainment options.

    On-site, the multi-use portfolio of ASB Baypark rooms means we can accommodate indoor and outdoor activities of almost any type, scale and duration including sport, leisure, entertainment and business events.

    Corporate events including conferences, meetings, awards, trade shows, exhibitions and gala dinners are superbly catered for. A dedicated in-house management team, acclaimed full catering service and audio visual capabilities, enhance the quality and experience that is ASB Baypark.

    https://asbbaypark.co.nz/

  • Astrolabe

    Address:
    82 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand .

    Located a 3 second walk from our front door!!  "..Welcome to Astrolabe Brew Bar, the heart of Mount Maunganui’s local community. Our world famous bar is one of the great treasures of the pacific and boasts an abundant range of Mac’s finely brewed beer. We’ve also got more than our quota of a delicious fresh food with big burgers, monstrous pizzas, salads, steaks and seafood. Come on in anytime and relax in our shamelessly over decorated home away from home.."

  • Tauranga Airport (TGA)

    Address:
    73 Jean Batten Dr, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand .

    Tauranga Airport is the fifth busiest airport nationwide and the third busiest in regard to general aviation. It has one main sealed runway and three grass runways, as well as a link taxiway and apron servicing a moderate sized terminal area. 
     
    The airport is centrally located in the city area and has a sizeable land holding of 225 hectares. 

    Tauranga Airport’s physical address is: 
     
    73 Jean Batten Drive
    Mount Maunganui

    http://airport.tauranga.govt.nz/home.aspx

  • Tauranga Art Gallery

    Address:
    108 Willow St, Tauranga, 3141, New Zealand .

    Tauranga Art Gallery offers an ever-changing selection of the finest historical and contemporary art from regional, national and international artists working in a range of media.

    Phone +64 (0) 7 578 7933

    Cnr Wharf - Willow Streets, Downtown Tauranga

    Box 13255 Tauranga, 3110, New Zealand

    Open 7 days - 10.00am - 4.30pm

    https://www.artgallery.org.nz/

  • Bayfair Shopping Centre

    Address:
    Cnr Maunganui & Girven Roads,, Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116 .

    For all your shopping needs! http://www.bayfair.co.nz/home

  • NZ Kayaker

    Address:
    1 The Mall, Mount Maunganui .

    Choose from fishing on a Kayak, kayaking around the Mount or a kayaking trip you will always remember to the Glow worm Canyon on McLaren lake. Estelle, Dave and Dan take you where no man has gone before... a tour through spectacular native scenery in a glow worm canyon during the day or at night ... pure tranquility with the definite WOW factor.

    http://www.nzkayaker.co.nz/

  • Tandem Skydiving

    Address:
    Tauranga Airport .

    Tauranga Tandem Skydiving operates from the Tauranga Airport located just 5 minutes drive from Mount Maunganui. This small and personal dropzone is able to offer impressive views ranging from White Island through to Mount Ruapehu. The top rate facilities and friendly staff will ensure that your tandem skydive is remembered as one of the highlights of your holiday and an experience that will be treasured forever. Visit www.tandemskydive.co.nz.

  • The Elms

    Address:
    15 Mission Street, Tauranga .

    As a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting – this one hectare property is a must-see destination for visitors to the region.

    For generations The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga has been a place for community to gather and learn - this tradition continues today. We invite you to come and journey through the expansive grounds, and enjoy a guided tour of the historic house and library. As you do you will get a rare glimpse into the past of this now bustling city.

    http://www.theelms.org.nz/ 

     

  • Cycle Downtown to Papamoa

    Address:
    85 Maunganui Road .

    Love cycling?  Rent a bicycle from us at a ridiculous in-house guest price and head off down to Papamoa for a loop back downtown.  What do houses, schools, local shopping centres and our magical beachfront access look like in our area?  Follow this map and find out!

  • Cycle Mataphi-Tauranga-Downtown Mount Maunganui

    Address:
    85 Maunganui Road .

    Fit and healthy and want to cycle tour?  This route takes you along Maunganui Road, past Bayfair Shopping centre and down a little-known secret railway bridge that crosses the harbour right into downtown Tauranga.  Continue around this area to see the local marina and waterfront and then head back over the main harbour bridge back to the best place in the Bay - downtown Mount Maunganui! 

  • Art Walk

    Address:
    87 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui .

    Walk downtown Mount Maunganui and then venture further afield to see awesome local artists street art.  Credit to the map creators Pete Morris and Murray Clode. 

  • Maclarens Falls Park

    Address:
    Mclaren Falls RdLower KaimaiTauranga3171 .

    McLaren Falls Park is 190 hectares of parkland set alongside Lake McLaren and is 20 minutes by car, from our front door. The park is popular for camping, fishing, kayaking, disc golf course, wedding photos, picnics, bush walks and summertime concerts. It is also home to one of the best botanical collections of trees in New Zealand.  In summer the park is open from 7:30am - 7:30pm  

  • Kaituna Cascades Rafting

    Address:
    18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls, New Zealand .

    In need of some adrenaline, come book a rafting session with us. We guarantee you'll come back with a smile on your face.