What can we do here? Where is the Mount? Where are the best swimming beaches? Where can we eat with a view? And what’s on this weekend?
These are some of the most common questions the staff at Mount isite off 137 Maunganui Rd get asked during the busy summer tourist season.
Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBOP) head of destination management Mary Tolley said sometimes people think there’s not much to do and that Tauranga is just a “chill at the beach” place.
Tourism Bay of Plenty head of destination management Mary Tolley. Photo / supplied
“Our isite staff are local experts,” she said.
AS a result, she asked for tourists and Kiwis alike to lean on the service for advice to maximise their visitor experience in the Bay of Plenty.
“Before the start of each main visitor season, our isite staff and volunteer cruise ambassadors get the chance to famil some of the attractions and activities in our region, to equip them with firsthand knowledge which they can use to promote or sell them.”
Growing numbers
With international visitor numbers growing, especially Australians and North Americans, the Mount isite team want to people to know about the many activities, walks and foodie options available in the region.
“We’re seeing more campervan travellers and families. There are also lots of domestic visitors, from other parts of New Zealand, returning here, sometimes a long time after their last visit,” Tolley said.
Their peak-hour times for visitor inquiries are between 9.30am-11.30am and 12pm-1pm and they get asked a lot of different questions.
“It’s always amusing when someone asks if there’s a bus to get to the top of the Mount, or if they can drive their car up there.
“If they’re considering the Mauao summit, they’ll usually ask: How long does it take? Is it suitable for kids or the elderly? Can we take dogs? Can we drive to the top or is there a bus?”
Tolley said the top three activities people ask about are climbing Mauao, going to the Mount Hot Pools and swimming at the beaches.
“We also take inquiries and bookings for marine wildlife cruises, scenic flights, skydiving, motor trike tours, surfing lessons, paddleboarding, and so much more.”
Pilot Bay
If they’re looking to do something nearby, the Mount isite team recommend Pilot Bay for its calmer swimming conditions and beautiful sunsets, and a walk around the Mount base track because it’s doable for most visitors and they will often get the chance to see seals.
Mount isite visitor information centre staff Ronda Lawrence, Brenda Sono, Saskia De Vlaming and Nicole Ellis. Photo / supplied
“There’s so much more to Mauao than just a walk. We encourage visitors to learn about the local history and stories, and make a real connection with our people and place.
“If they’re keen to drive and head inland, we often recommend Ōmanawa Falls, which has recently been upgraded and features a beautiful bush walk, stunning views, and a popular new cafe.
“The Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park is another fantastic spot where visitors can stretch their legs, capture an amazing view, and learn about local Māori history.”
Tourists often want to know if they can park near the beach or the Mount, and if they can park anywhere for free, she said.
They also ask if there is any public transport to get to Tauranga City centre and where the closest bus stop is.
“We tell them we have a local bus that connects Mount Maunganui and the rest of Tauranga city, and we’ll check what they want to see to ascertain if this service will suit them.
“We work closely with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and we can issue one-day bus passes for the day and timetables to suit wherever visitors want to go.”
Tolley said bus routes 5 and 21 are particularly popular with visitors.
E-bikes
If they want to stay in Mount Maunganui, Tolley recommends e-bikes which are available for hire a short walk from the isite centre.
“Everyone gets excited about summer. It’s usually very vibrant here, with music and lots of visitors, so it’s a great atmosphere to be part of.”
She said L.A.B and Stan Walker were the headline acts performing at the Wharepai Domain on December 27, and there would be UB40 at Bay Oval during Waitangi Day weekend in February 2026.
“The Blackcaps vs West Indies cricket test will be happening at Bay Oval just before Christmas, and the Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport on January 17 will be a huge event for competitors, supporters, and spectators.”
Staff also recommend indoor activities for visitors on rainy days. “There are more indoor options now, like Bunker golf or The Cave Pāpāmoa virtual reality.”
She said other tourism operators were also offering new options. For example, Skydive Tauranga was offering scenic flights, and Muirs Tours, in Maketū, was offering interactive hāngi feasts.
Foodie scene
Tolley said visitors often want to know if there are any new cafés and restaurants in the area.
“Our foodie scene is strong and growing,” she said, adding that it could be experienced via a tour to try some of the local eateries.
As the summer tourism season begins, Mount isite visitor information centre is stocking up on visitor maps and brochures on all attractions, activities and accommodation options in the region.
Mount isite’s opening hours are Tuesday 8.30am-3pm, Wednesdays 10am-3 pm, and Thursdays to Saturdays 8:30am–3pm. Phone: Phone: 027 524 8893.