Long Weekend at The Mount
For many, Mt Maunganui, affectionately know as 'The Mount' is synonymous with the kiwi summer, surfing the waves and rowdy New Years parties. Long after the summer holidays, with little planning other than booking accommodation, we headed off with two 10 year olds in tow. Our last holiday(s) at The Mount was a very distant memory for both my sister and I so we were open-minded about what to see and do.
Spectacular view from the summit of The Mount (photo by Sarah aged 10 years)
Steps, surf and sunset
The vista from the summit of The Mount after the strenuous 347 steps climb, at times teetering close to the edge, is simply breathtaking – it’s worth the exertion. And while watching the paragliders float effortlessly down from the summit at sunset was quite spectacular, I’m sure they hung around for a little longer simply to enjoy the glorious view before landing on the sandy beach.
First of many paragliders landing on Mt Maunganui beach
From the white sand beaches of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa to the Hot Salt Water Pools and the Bay Wave Aquatic Centre, water will always be a huge attraction. The kids were excited to have a pool and spa at the apartment too.
The Foodie Inc’s top picks for eating out
- Cafe 88 - lazy brunch
- Spongedrop Cakery - coffee and cake
- Astrolabe Brew Bar - late lunch
- Mount Social Club - drinks and nibbles
- Zeytin at the Mount - family dinner
Quirky bar area at Mount Social Club
Shopping and Markets
The main strip is lined with fashion retailers, specialist homewares and gift shops and an amazing assortment of eating places to suit everyone’s tastes. Take time to meander down one side of Maunganui Street and back up the other, stopping for a coffee or cold drink along the way.
Sundays would not be complete without a visit to the farmers market; held rain or shine 9am - 1pm in the main street car park. Stalls crammed with locally grown fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, chutneys, relishes and honey, cheese, fish and meat; and not forgetting the freshly made to order pancakes, hot Cornish pasties and great coffee too.
Sunday morning at Mt Maunganui farmers market
And if you time it right (and we didn’t) the first Saturday of every month is The Little Big Markets. Look out for Food Truck Friday, a new winter event happening fortnightly from Friday 8 May. For more information on Bay of Plenty events click here Little Big Events.
Mount Manganui Beach
Go on, you know you want a long weekend away, especially now winter has appeared with vengeance! The Mount caters for everyone, any time of the year. We won’t be leaving it so long to visit Mount Maunganui again.
Michelle