Mount Maunganui right now: what’s open, what’s closed, and how to plan a safe beach-and-summit trip

Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal getaways—golden surf beach on one side, a sheltered harbour on the other, and Mauao (the Mount) rising between them. This week, though, the area has also been dealing with severe weather impacts, including a major slip near the base of Mauao that has triggered closures and safety checks. If you’re travelling now, you’ll want to plan around access changes and prioritize water and track safety.

Even with temporary disruptions, Mount Maunganui remains a standout for beach time, hot pools, coastal walks, cafés, and day trips around the Bay of Plenty—especially if you build a flexible itinerary.

Mount Maunganui is a beach town/suburb of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island, known for surf, sunrise hikes, and a lively summer vibe.

• A significant slip near Mauao has led to full track closures while safety assessments and remediation take place.

• Some roads and the nearby campground area have been affected; expect detours and restricted access in parts of the Mount.

• Water safety is a top concern in summer; follow lifeguard flags and be cautious after storms.

• You can still have a great visit without the summit climb by focusing on beaches, harbour walks, hot pools, and food spots.

• Check local authority updates the day you go—conditions can change quickly after heavy rain.

Mount Maunganui closures: Mauao (the Mount) tracks and the slip impact

As of Thursday, January 22, 2026, a large slip has impacted the area around the base of Mauao, including the nearby campground zone. For public safety, access to Mauao has been fully closed while damage is assessed and while barriers and monitoring are put in place.

What this means for visitors:

• Don’t assume you can “just squeeze in” a quick sunrise climb—closures are typically enforced, and the risk of further movement after rain can be real.

• If you were planning the classic loop (base track) or a summit route, treat it as temporarily off the table until reopened.

• Build your day around activities that don’t rely on the Mount being accessible.

Things to do in Mount Maunganui if you can’t climb the Mount

Even without Mauao, Mount Maunganui still delivers a full day (or long weekend) of easy wins:

Main Beach (ocean side)
Wide sand, a classic surf scene, and long, flat stretches for walks. If the swell is up, it’s also great for watching surfers even if you’re not going in.

Pilot Bay (harbour side)
Calmer water than the ocean beach, popular for families and paddleboarding. Be extra cautious around currents and conditions—particularly after storms or incidents.

Mount Hot Pools
A go-to option year-round, and especially perfect if weather is unsettled or you want an evening wind-down. It’s one of the easiest “no-planning” highlights.

The local strip and food stops
The town centre around the main drag is compact and walkable, with plenty of cafés and casual dinner spots—ideal for keeping plans flexible when nature changes the schedule.

Easy coastal wandering
Even when formal tracks are closed, you can often still enjoy coastal views from open public areas, beach access points, and harbourfront spots—just respect barriers and signage.

Beach and water safety: what matters most this week

Mount Maunganui’s beaches are a huge part of the draw, but this week is also a reminder that conditions can change fast. After heavy rain and storm systems:

• Water can be rougher than it looks, and rip currents can be stronger.

• Debris and runoff can affect water quality near storm drains or stream outlets.

• Stick to lifeguarded zones on the main beach and follow flag systems.

• If a cultural restriction (such as a rāhui) is in place at a particular area following an incident, treat it seriously and choose another spot.

If you’re visiting with kids or weaker swimmers, the harbour side often feels calmer, but “calmer” doesn’t always mean “safe”—especially around channels and tide flow.

Getting to Mount Maunganui and moving around

Mount Maunganui is a straightforward drive from Tauranga and well-connected to the wider Bay of Plenty. Once you arrive, it’s an easy place to explore on foot or by bike, but parking can be tight on peak summer days. If roads are affected by weather response or detours, allow extra time and consider parking a little further out and walking in.

If you’re basing yourself nearby, Mount Maunganui also works well as a day trip: beach time, hot pools, sunset dinner, then back.

A useful bit of historical context: the region has seen how quickly severe weather can reshape daily life and access in recent years, particularly since major North Island storm events in 2023. That experience is part of why authorities move quickly to close high-risk areas like steep slopes and popular tracks after heavy rain.

What to watch next before you go

If you’re travelling in the next few days, the biggest “go/no-go” signals are:

• Whether Mauao remains fully closed or reopens in stages

• Any continued instability on slopes or further rain forecasts

• Beach safety notices and any localized water-related restrictions

Mount Maunganui is at its best when you let it be simple: beach, soak, eat well, repeat. Right now, keep your plans flexible, respect closures and signage, and you can still get a memorable Mount Maunganui trip—just with the summit climb saved for a safer day.