Mount Maunganui Surf Spot, New Zealand
New Zealand
Guide updated
Quick answer
Where is Mount Maunganui?
Mount Maunganui is an A-frame beach break in New Zealand. Best season: Year-round, best in autumn and winter. Level: Beginner. GPS: -37.6330, 176.1830.
| Location | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | -37.6330, 176.1830 |
| Wave type | Beach break |
| Direction | A-frame peaks (lefts and rights) |
| Wave quality | Fun and forgiving |
| Best season | Year-round, best in autumn and winter |
| Tide | All tides; sandbar-dependent |
| Consistency | Consistent, manageable size |
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Crowds | Popular with surf schools — busiest on weekends |
About This Break
Mount Maunganui is a beach break at the foot of Mauao, the extinct volcano at the tip of the Mount Maunganui peninsula in Tauranga, in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty. Main Beach gives peaks breaking left and right over sandbars.
It picks up waves year-round from north-east and east swells. It works at all tides, depending on the sandbars. Small days are soft; bigger north-east swells make it punchy.
On small days it is a good spot for beginners, with surf schools and lifeguards on Main Beach in summer. Watch for rips between the sandbars. On bigger days it is better suited to confident surfers.
Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand's most popular beach towns, with apartments near Main Beach and houses along the peninsula. Buyers look here for a surf base within reach of Tauranga.
Local Knowledge
Rip currents form between the sandbars, especially on bigger swells. Busy with swimmers and surf schools in summer; keep out of the flagged swimming areas.
Mount Maunganui: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Maunganui a good surf spot for beginners?
Yes, on small days. Main Beach has soft peaks, surf schools and lifeguards in summer. Bigger north-east swells get punchy and rippy, so beginners should pick small days.
Where do you surf at Mount Maunganui?
Most surfers use Main Beach, at the foot of Mauao on the Mount Maunganui peninsula in Tauranga.
When is the best time to surf Mount Maunganui?
The best season to surf Mount Maunganui is Year-round, best in autumn and winter. Tide: all tides; sandbar-dependent. Consistency: consistent, manageable size.
