If there’s one thing you have to do at the Mount, it’s surf, even if you’ve never stood on a board before.

The easiest, most budget option to give surfing a go by far, is to hire a surfboard. In fact you can jump in the water to give it a try from as little as $30.

Without blowing our own trumpet we're a pretty good spot to hire a surfboard in Mount Maunganui. We're located right overlooking the best learn to surf beach in the country, and we've got a huge range to choose from too. 

2. Walk the Mauao Base Track – Free

One of New Zealand’s best coastal walks is completely free. The track wraps around the base of Mauao with insane views the whole way – turquoise water, offshore islands, and surfers cruising Main Beach.

Takes about 45 minutes and pairs perfectly with a post-walk swim.

3. Summit Mission to the Top – Free

If your legs are feeling energetic, take the summit track for 360° views over the Mount and Tauranga Harbour.

Sunrise up here hits different – worth the early alarm.

4. Soak at the Mount Hot Pools – Around $20

After a day in the ocean, even better after a day of surfing, the saltwater hot pools are elite.

Warm, relaxing, and right at the base of Mauao.

Insider tip...

...if you've come to us for a surf lesson you get 20% off the entry price.

5. Fish & Chips on the Sand – $15–$25

Grab a paper-wrapped feed and park up on Main Beach.

No booking, no dress code, million-dollar view.

6. Cruise Pilot Bay on an E-Scooter – ~$30

The harbour side of the Mount is perfect for a chilled scoot – flat paths, calm water, and plenty of spots to stop for an ice cream.

7. Sunday Mount Market – Free Entry

Local stalls, fresh food, and good people watching.

A great way to experience the Mount community without spending a cent.

8. Beach Games on Main Beach – Free

Volleyball nets, soft sand, and endless space.

Bring a frisbee or a ball and you’ve got instant entertainment.

9. Sunset Picnic at Leisure Island – $10–$30

Moturiki (Leisure Island) is one of the best sunset spots in town. Grab snacks, wander out, and watch the sky turn on a show.

Dolphins often cruise past if you’re lucky.

Mount Maunganui On a Budget

You can come to Mount Maunganui and spend a fortune on fine-dining, and living it up.

Or you can come and enjoy the more simple things in life and enjoy it just as much. 

With a destination that's surrounded with natural beauty, there's no need to break the bank, and it can be enjoyed all the same. 

So get out there, get creative, and go enjoy everything this place has to offer. 

Surfing in Mount Maunganui is fast becoming one of the most popular things to do for visitors to the area, and for good reason...

IS MOUNT MAUNGANUI GOOD FOR SURFING?

If you’re coming to the area to learn surfing for the first time you’re in for a real treat.

The beaches in and around the area of some of the best (if not the best) places to learn to surf in the country.

Why?

Well, the area is blessed with a shallow continental shelf which means soft rolling waves, perfect for learning to surf.  

Whats more, unlike the West Coast that gets battered with wild onshore winds every second day, Mount Maunganui has the luxury of prevailing offshore winds.  

Ideal for surfing for the very first time.

LEARNING TO SURF IN THE MOUNT

Now there are a lot of surf school's in the area, so you've got a lot to choose from, but if you're looking for the best place to learn to surf, why not try us?

Firstly, we approach things is a little different to most surf schools.

Our coaches have had a huge amount of experience - with many teaching all around the world - and that really shines through in the way they’re able to impart that knowledge on our students.

Secondly, we've developed a unique system that’s tried and tested to get you standing on your feet and surfing ridiculously quickly - it's pretty potent.

We've broken everything down into easy to digest bite sized chunks which you're taught through step by step.

Simple, and incredibly effective.

WHERE CAN I SURF IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI?

The good news is you’ve got a tonne of options.

The best surf spots can be broken into three distinct areas:

Lets take a closer look at each:

MOUNT MAIN BEACH

Main beach is in the heart of downtown Mt Maunganui right at the base of the infamous Maou.

The waves break on a sand bottom with variable peaks along the beach.

At the North end of the beach you can occasionally find the odd tube as the waves wedge off the rocks and to the Southern end of the beach is a right-hand sand bottom point break known as the 'Blow-Hole'.

On its day the Blow-Hole can produce rides upwards of 150m long, a real treat for local surfers and visitors alike.

But be warned, when it's on it can get crowded so bare that in mind.

The Blow-Hole generally is the go-to spot in SW winds where the open beaches are all blown out being the only spot that's protected and offshore in these conditions.

MUSSLE ROCK

Mussle Rock is our preferred location for holding lessons at the surf school for good reason.

The unique angle of the beach and the funnelling of the swell between Motoriki and Rabbit Island offer up some of the best learn to surf conditions in the country.

Long, soft peeling waves that can break up to 200M long.

Perfect for learning to surf.

OPEN BEACHES

The open beaches stretch for miles all the way down to Maketu, but the main breaks that pick up the majority of the swell will be found at the Northern end of the stretch of beach.

Although you'll find surfers scattered up the entire coastline, the go-to spots are Tay Street and Hart St.

Hart St being the breeding ground and first choice for most of the local contingent generally has the best banks and picks up the most swell.

Tay St is probably the busiest of the lot.  It's location, and popularity with the longboarding community in the area oftentimes makes the area crowded.

But, if you get it on at the right times outside of the weekends and holidays you should be sweet.

Both breaks fluctuate greatly with the movement of the sand producing beach break waves of variable quality.

Generally speaking (but not always) you'll find the best waves around high tide.

CHECKING THE SURF: LIVE SURF CAM

Did you know it's possible to check the surf from the comfort of your own bed?

Yep, that's right, with the 24/7 live streaming surf cam in Mount Maunganui it's possible to get visuals of realtime surf conditions no matter where you are in the world.

There are two places you can access these live surf cam's - one is free and low resolution of the open beaches at Arataki, and the other is a paid, high definition livestream of Mount Main beach and Omanu.

Links to both below  

Free low resolution cam: click here.

Paid high resolution cam: click here.

HOW TO CHECK THE SURF FORECAST FOR MOUNT MAUNGANUI

On top of the live web cam's mentioned above, it's also possible to check the long range surf forecast to predict the surf over the coming days.

To do this, we can use some online services that do an incredible job of predicting the surf into the future.

My favourite is Surfline,  They're pretty accurate and easy to read.

...and, they're free.

Here's a link to access the surf forecast for Mt Maunganui Main Beach: Click here.

Oh, and there's one more handy service that locals use to check the current surf conditions, with live - to the minute - updates on the swell and wind conditions, and that's via the Harbour Conditions website. 

But before you go check it out, just a quick word of warning, the website is terrible, like really terrible, but the information on the page is gold!

CHOOSING ACCOMMODATION IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI

If you're planning a surf trip to the Mount, you're going to want to base yourself somewhere close to the beach—ideally within walking distance to the waves.

Luckily, Mount Maunganui has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget—from beachfront apartments and boutique motels, to backpackers and campgrounds.

If you’re looking for something central, aim to stay near Mount Main Beach or Tay Street. That’ll put you close to the best surf spots, cafés, shops, and the iconic Mauao walking track. If you’ve got a car and prefer a quieter vibe, Omanu or Papamoa might be more your style—still close to the surf, but a little more laid back.

To compare accommodation prices and find the best deals all in one place, check out KAYAK’s Mount Maunganui stays. It’s a super handy tool that pulls options from across the web, so you can quickly find a spot that suits your style and budget.

WRAPPING IT UP

With the area being so geographically blessed it’s easy to see why surfing is becoming so popular, and if the numbers of surf schools in Mount Maunganui are anything to go by then that trend is set to continue.

Will the area take over the top prize of best place to learn to surf in NZ from Raglan?

Only time will tell.

Either way, if you’re coming to the area and you’re looking to learn to surf for the first time you’re in for a real treat!

SPORT HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES FOR KIDS

SURFING

PROVIDER: Mount Surf School

WHERE: Mount Maunganui Main Beach

AGES: 6 -15

Surfing has got to be one of (if not the) healthiest sports on the planet. 

Immersed in nature, surrounded by the salt air, sun and waves, it’s a great option for kids looking for something extra fun and exciting over the holidays.

At the end of term 3 (Sep/ Oct), the Christmas holidays and term 1 (April) the team at the Mount Surf School runs a Holiday Surf Camp for young kids.

The surf camp is for complete beginners looking to learn how to surf for the first time, through to experienced kids that surf on a regular basis.

The surf camp teaches kids how to surf - and get better for sure, teaching water safety and awareness, but most importantly it’s all about the fun.

Beach games, challenges, competitions, snorkelling, body surfing and more.

WEBSITE: Mount Surf School

RUGBY

PROVIDER: BOP Rugby

WHERE: Tauranga

AGES: 5 -13

If your kid is nuts about rugby, then the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union could be the place for you.

They run a holiday program for kids full of fun activities, all focused around the sport of Rugby.

Team games, drills, fitness, and more.

WEBSITE: https://www.boprugby.co.nz/COMMUNITY-RUGBY/Junior-Rugby/Holiday-Programme

SOCCER

PROVIDER: Otumoetai Football

WHERE: Otumoetai

AGES: 5 -12

Soccer is definitely a growing sport in the Tauranga area, and as such it’s great to see some options popping up for kids in the holidays.

A chance for youngsters to hone in their skills, kick about, and have fun with other soccer loving kids in the process.

WEBSITE: https://otumoetaifootball.co.nz/holiday-program

NATURE HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES FOR KIDS

NATURE

PROVIDER: Nature Library

WHERE: Mount Maunganui

AGES: 7 -12

It’s great to see a holiday option for kids focused entirely around nature right here in the Bay of Plenty.

Muddy hands, and free range kids, this holiday programme is all about immersing kids in nature and learning the magic of what’s around them.

From planting seeds, making dens, tree climbing and more.

A great opportunity for kids to be kids, ditch their devices, go get muddy and run amok.

WEBSITE: https://www.naturelibrary.co.nz/school-holiday-programmes

GENERIC HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES FOR KIDS

PROVIDER: Skids

WHERE: Tauranga

AGES: 5 -14

Skids is an after-school care service that also offers holiday programme options for kids too.

A full service operation, they offer a solution for working parents in Mount Maunganui and the wider area.

From arts and crafts, to music and DIY, a great all-round option.

WEBSITE: https://www.skids.co.nz/parent-info/holiday-programmes/

PROVIDER: Coast Kids

WHERE: Tauranga

AGES: 5 -14

This is a mobile holiday programme taking a group of young kids on daily outings doing fun activities.

Being mobile, they can make the most of what the Bay of Plenty has to offer.

WEBSITE: https://coastkids.net.nz/programmes/

PROVIDER: Schools Out

WHERE: Tauranga

AGES: 4 -14

Specialising in after-school care, these guys also offer options for the holidays too.

From face painting lessons, to puppeteering, box building, tea parties and more.

WEBSITE: https://schoolsout.co.nz/mount/

WRAPPING IT UP

We're spoilt for options here in the Bay of Plenty, with kids holiday programmes catering for every interest imaginable.

Yew!
Rowan 

Mount Main beach is the epicentre of surfing in the Mount. 

The beach break itself is the only spot on the coast that is protected in South Easterly winds, making it a very popular option.

The far North and middle of the beach offer up some fun beach break waves, breaking right and left, best at a low to mid tide. 

But the biggest draw is the Southern end of the beach, the ‘Blow Hole’ - A sand bottom right hand point break breaking off Motoriki Island. 

On it’s day the Blow Hole can produce 200m+ waves, breaking all the way through to the beach. 

But be warned, it does get very crowded. 

SHARK ALLEY

Shark Alley (terrible name I know) is where we run our surf lessons each day. 

The beach itself is well known as the best beach to learn to surf in the area. 

Protected at both ends by Motoriki Island, and Mussel Rock too, it provides the perfect, safe canvas for people learning to surf for the first time. 

The waves break best here at mid to high tide. 

MUSSEL ROCK

Mussel Rock is a little bit of a hidden gem, and on its day can produce long left hand breaking waves over 150m long. 

The wave itself is really soft breaking, making it ideal for longboarding and beginners riding bigger boards too. 

At only a 100m walk away from our Surf School location, it’s the perfect spot to hire a surfboard and go hit the surf. 

FREAKY PEAKS

This is one of those spots that rarely works - is definitely a novelty - but when all the conditions align can be one of the funnest waves on the coast. 

The swell wraps around Rabbit Island out to sea, creating super wedgy waves as the two swells collide. 

Expect chaotic, short, sharp waves with plenty of power, and the occasional tube if you’re lucky. 

OPEN BEACHES

The open beaches encapsulate basically the whole coast down to Papamoa. 

Each surf spot generally takes the name of the street access next to it, and each of the spots tend to be very similar, and all depend on the sandbank formations on the day. 

The most popular spots on the open beaches are as follows: 

SECRET SPOT

Now there is a surf spot in Mount Maunganui that’s unlike any other, that produces world class waves, with thumping barrels breaking close to shore. 

It’s a wave you’ll need a boat to access, but if you find it and you score it, you could have the surf of your life. 

It’s a bit of a secret spot, so I’ll let you do your research to find it, but it’s well worth doing the digging if getting tubed is your thing. 

WRAPPING IT UP

Surfing in Mount Maunganui is growing in popularity more and more, and for good reason. 

The waves are fun as hell, the water is crystal clear, and the white sandy beaches are beautiful too. 

With so many spots to choose from, you’re bound to find somewhere for your level when you’re here. 

CJ, the main man behind Solar Surf is one of the OG surf figures in the area, in fact, he was the very first guy to run a Mount Maunganui surf school many years ago. 

Years back offering surf lessons for tourists visiting the Mount.

Anyway, if you’re getting your surfboard repaired you can rest assured that it’s in safe hands, with decades worth of experience behind each fix. 

T.PATTERSON SURFBOARDS

Simon Jones, the man behind Ghost Industries shaping the world famous T.Patterson Surfboards right here in NZ. 

With a glowing resume having worked alongside some of the worlds best shapers (including Al Merrick), Simon is a wizard when it comes to anything surfboard related. 

Situated in Papamoa East, yet servicing Mount Maunganui and surrounds, expect nothing but the best in ding repair service. 

ALT SURFBOARDS

Alt Surf Works have been making some unique surf craft that’ve roared in popularity over the past few years. 

But it’s not all twin fins, mid-lengths and longboards here. 

They also offer a full service ding repair solution too. 

Their workshop is a little out of town, but if you’re out that way pop your board there and give them a try. 

WRAPPING IT UP

Wherever you choose to get your surfboard repaired, you’ll be in good hands with any of the above. 

Get your board fixed, and get back out in the water as soon as possible.

And whilst you’re waiting for your board to be fixed, we’re here right on the beach with a huge range of surfboards to rent in the meantime. 

See you out there.

Yew!

5 BEST SURF SHOPS IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Mount Maunganui is blessed with a huge selection of surf shops, here are five of the best:

1. BACKDOOR SURF SHOP

Backdoor Surf Shop is just a stone's throw away from where we run our surf lessons in Mount Maunganui.

The shop has a really good range of surfboards to choose from, featuring some of the worlds best brands. 

They also have a massive range of wetsuits and apparel. 

We love these guys because the staff are epic and super helpful, and they’re super knowledgeable and happy to help.

2. WATERMANS SURF SHOP

Watermans Surf Shop is one of the newer surf shops in Mount Maunganui, situated in the old fire rescue station address. 

The shop itself has a bit of a warehouse type feel with high ceilings and plenty of hardware products, which is great as the prices are really affordable. 

Watermans has a great range of beginner equipment which is great, with plenty of learner surfboards and entry level wetsuits. 

The only downside with these guys is they’re only open three days a week: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 

So be sure to double check opening times beforehand. 

3. MOUNT SURF SHOP

Mount Surf Shop is the oldest, most established surf shop in the Mount. 

Located right in the town centre, it’s super close and convenient to the surfing beaches at Mount Main.

What’s more, they’ve recently added an epic coffee shop to the mix as well, serving killer coffee alongside a decent range of product too. 

The Mount Surf Shop brand actually has two surf shops in the town, with one highstreet location more focused on apparel (and coffee), and an out of town location more focused on hardware. 

4. RIP CURL SURF SHOP

Another surf shop located on Mount Maunganui high street, this one is focused mainly on clothing and apparel. 

There is a small selection of wetsuits and surf hardware, but not much. 

Great for clothing, not so good for surf hardware equipment. 

5. NORTH BEACH SURF SHOP

North Beach is an international surf shop chain, something that you’ll find in cities scattered around Australia and New Zealand. 

They’re a great city solution because they’re heavily focused on the clothing and apparel side of things, but they’re not great when it comes to surf hardware like surfboards and wetsuits. 

The staff are lovely though, and if you’re looking to get kitted up in some new surf gear, they’re not a bad shop to check out. 

WRAPPING IT UP

Mount Maunganui is blessed with a huge selection of surf shops, catering to all levels and all needs. 

Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. 

And if you’re looking to learn to surf, or hire a surfboard or wetsuit you know where we are.