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When it comes to family-friendly getaways, finding the right Mt Maunganui accommodation is your first step to enjoying this coastal jewel on New Zealand’s North Island. Our family has been enamoured with Mt Maunganui for years, with its pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and a wide range of family-friendly things to do, it’s a destination that effortlessly draws you into its laid-back beach lifestyle.
Whether you’re keen on a summit walk to enjoy panoramic ocean vistas that merge seamlessly with the sky, or you prefer the tranquillity of a hot saltwater pool, Mt Maunganui offers a variety of activities to suit different tastes and relaxation preferences.
Offering everything from water sports like paddleboarding and surfing to leisurely picnics in local parks, Mt Maunganui is a top choice for a family holiday.
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For families seeking a more home-like atmosphere during their stay in Mt Maunganui, we recommend considering a holiday apartment or the Beachside Holiday Park. These options are not only situated in prime locations in the heart of the Mount, but they also provide the space and amenities that make family travel genuinely enjoyable.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best family-friendly accommodation options in Mt Maunganui. Drawing on our own experiences and stays, we’ll offer firsthand insights to help you decide whether a holiday apartment or holiday park is the better fit for your family holiday in Mt Maunganui.
Table of Contents
Mt Maunganui Apartments: Our Top 3 Picks for Families
Mt Maunganui offers a range of holiday apartments specifically designed to cater to families. Many of these apartments are conveniently located within walking distance of the beaches and shops, offering easy access to cafes, restaurants, and the area’s main attractions.
When you’re in search of a family holiday apartment, it’s not just the location that matters. You’ll also want apartments that come with amenities to elevate your stay from ordinary to luxurious. From spacious layouts to child-friendly facilities, these apartments should offer more than just a place to rest your head; they should provide an experience in their own right.
We’ll begin with our family’s top holiday apartment pick, which is situated just a block away from the lively main street yet within easy walking distance to both Pilot Bay and Maunganui Beach.
1. Capri On Pilot Bay
Location: While Marine Parade in Mt Maunganui is the hub for main restaurants and beach activities, the serenity of Pilot Bay Beach offers a refreshing contrast. Capri On Pilot Bay apartments strike a perfect balance – close enough to the bustling shops and eateries yet far enough to offer tranquillity. The best part? A gated back laneway provides a quick shortcut to Marine Parade, making it a convenient choice for families.
Layout: What sets Capri On Pilot Bay apart is its unique two-level townhouse-style layout. This design was particularly beneficial for our family, as it allowed my partner to work in a separate space and our 5-month-old to sleep peacefully in the evenings while the rest of the family relaxed upstairs.
Bedrooms: The ensuite master bedroom on the ground floor features a queen bed, a small TV, and a large mirrored wardrobe complete with an iron and ironing board.
It even opens out to a private backyard furnished with a large wooden table and chairs. The second bedroom, also on the ground floor, offers the choice of a queen bed or a single bed. Both rooms come equipped with portable heaters and electric blankets, ensuring a cosy sleep.
Bathrooms: The Superior Apartment at Capri On Pilot Bay offers two bathrooms on the ground floor. The ensuite bathroom connected to the master bedroom has a toilet and shower, while the second bathroom near the entrance features a separate toilet, shower, and tub. Both bathrooms are fitted with heated towel rails, a feature we found invaluable during our winter stay.
Kitchen and Dining: The apartment boasts a spacious open-plan kitchen, fully equipped with quality kitchenware and appliances like a microwave, dishwasher, kettle, and toaster. The dining area, flanked by the kitchen and lounge, can comfortably seat a family of six.
The Lounge: We spent a considerable amount of time in the bright living room, which offered a glimpse of Pilot Bay Beach from the balcony. The room features two large couches around a TV and a round coffee table, making it a favourite spot for our baby’s tummy time.
Laundry and Parking: For families planning a longer stay or embarking on a road trip like us, the laundry facilities on the upper level are a boon. The apartment also offers two parking options: a private laneway for a small car and visitor parking within close proximity.
Facilities: We visited during the winter months, so the outdoor pool was closed. The on-site gymnasium, while available, appeared somewhat dated and underutilised. This could likely be attributed to the quieter season, with fewer guests around to make use of these facilities.
Overall, our stay at Capri On Pilot Bay was a memorable experience that catered well to our family’s needs. From the strategic location to the well-thought-out amenities, this apartment complex offers a blend of comfort and convenience that makes it an excellent choice for families visiting Mt Maunganui.
2. Beaumont Apartments
Location: Located just one street away from Marine Parade, The Beaumont Apartments offers quick access to the town’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for beach activities, dining out, or simply strolling through the charming streets, everything is within easy reach. This apartment hotel is not just about prime location; it’s an oasis of comfort and elegance that promises a memorable stay for families.
Balcony View: One of the standout features of The Beaumont Apartments is the stunning vistas it offers. Whether you’re gazing at the majestic Mount or the bustling town below, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Each apartment comes with its own balcony or patio, providing a private space for you to soak in the scenery.
Facilities: When it comes to facilities, the swimming pool at The Beaumont Apartments offers a refreshing dip after a day of exploring, while the on-site gym caters to those who wish to keep up with their fitness routine. For an extra layer of relaxation, the spa is the perfect place to unwind.
In short, The Beaumont Apartments offer a harmonious blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, making them an exceptional choice for families looking to experience the best of Mt Maunganui. But again, the most sought-after accommodations in Mt Maunganui fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so be sure to book in advance and secure your dates.
3. Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Location: While The Beaumont Apartments offer a luxurious stay in the heart of Mt Maunganui, just a short distance away lies another exceptional option for families – Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers. Located across Maunganui Beach, this large apartment complex takes the concept of seaside living to new heights, offering direct beach access. Families can effortlessly transition from their comfortable apartments to a day of sun, sand and simplicity.
Apartments: In terms of accommodation, Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers offers spacious and modern apartments, much like The Beaumont. The key difference lies in the views; each apartment here comes with a balcony or patio that overlooks the stunning beach, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your stay.
Facilities: Similar to The Beaumont’s array of amenities, Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers also boasts a swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, and a relaxing spa. These facilities ensure that your holiday experience is rounded off with options for both activity and relaxation.
In short, while The Beaumont Apartments provide a luxurious experience near Marine Parade, Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers offers the added benefit of beachfront living. Both are exceptional choices for families. But regardless of your choice, early booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your ideal Mt Maunganui accommodation as soon as your dates are locked in.
Mt Maunganui Accommodation: Finding Your Ideal Stay
While Mt Maunganui boasts a plethora of apartments, the most sought-after ones are those situated near the iconic Mount and Maunganui Beach. Usually, these are the accommodations that require booking far in advance.
We understand that organising a family trip isn’t easy, so if all desirable apartments near the Mount are fully booked and you find yourself stressing about finding last-minute accommodations, don’t worry. There are plenty of seaside holiday homes available at Mt Maunganui. As you venture towards the town centre, you’ll find a wide array of options tailored to various budgets and preferences.
These holiday homes in Mt Maunganui offer a more personalised and private experience, which is a unique alternative to traditional hotel or apartment stays, especially when it’s crowded during peak seasons.
The best platforms to find these holiday homes are Vrbo or Expedia, where you’ll find a variety of properties dotted along Marine Parade and Maunganui Rd. This area represents a seamless blend of tourist attractions and residential spaces, offering a more local experience.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, each option offers its own set of advantages.
By the way, every link you see on this site is one we would proudly recommend to our own families and friends.
When you book or purchase through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you, our small commission will go toward helping other families like yours.
Accommodation: Agoda » Booking » Expedia » Vrbo
Activities: Viator » GetYourGuide » Klook » BookMe NZ / BookMe AU
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Before wrapping up our post on Mt Maunganui Accommodation, we saved the best for last. If you’re looking for an experience that’s more connected to nature, or if the allure of camping on the beach speaks to you, then you may be interested in a stay at Mt Maunganui Holiday Park.
Mt Maunganui Holiday Park: Our #1 Recommendation
Unbeatable Location
Nestled right on the beach in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park offers the quintessential family holiday experience in the heart of all attractions.
Within easy walking distance from the beach, Mount Maunganui’s bustling town centre features an eclectic mix of eateries, pubs, and shops, serving as a convenient base for exploring the vibrant local area.
Beyond the beach, the nearby dormant volcano “The Mount”, provides hiking opportunities that lead to stunning panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, the Bay of Plenty, and the surrounding coastline. The views from the top of the Mount are some of the best in New Zealand.
Located just a stone’s throw away, the Mt Maunganui Hot Pools offer the ultimate convenience, allowing you to sidestep parking hassles and return to your accommodation swiftly.
Golden Hours
If you’re looking to make the most of your stay, we highly recommend opting for a cabin or powered site with clear views of Maunganui Beach. These premium spots offer unparalleled proximity to the beach and provide a front-row seat to the gorgeous sunrise as well as sunset over Moturiki Island.
Start your day with a brisk walk up to the summit of Mount Maunganui as the sun rises over the ocean. The sun’s rays will cast a beautiful glow over the water, illuminating the sky. What a glorious way to kick off your day!
Before the sun dips below the horizon, take a leisurely walk around the base of the Mount. You’ll catch the best of both worlds by soaking in the beauty of the Bay of Plenty when the sky is ablaze with colour, while still making it back in time to see the sun set behind Moturiki Island, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Services & Facilities
At Mt Maunganui Holiday Park, the range of services and facilities is tailored to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
For family dining, the communal kitchen and dining area are perfectly suited for preparing and enjoying hearty meals. If a BBQ is more your style, dedicated areas are available for grilling, all set against the backdrop of a refreshing sea breeze and the soothing sound of ocean waves.
After your day’s adventures, unwind in the modern and impeccably clean showers and bathrooms, with free hot water for that extra touch of comfort. Coin-operated laundry facilities and Wi-Fi are also on hand to make your stay as convenient as possible.
Each cabin at Mt Maunganui Holiday Park comes equipped with Freeview TV, and for those looking to explore, bikes and water sports equipment are ready for hire.
For the little ones, a spacious playground is within easy reach at Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve, just a short 400-metre walk from the holiday park.
Book Early!
Mt Maunganui Holiday Park stands as our family’s top choice for Mt Maunganui accommodation when visiting this stunning coastal town. Its prime location and an array of amenities, from modern bathrooms to communal dining areas, make it a standout option for families.
The beachfront cabins are particularly popular, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise over Moturiki Island and easy access to both the beach and the Mount.
For those reasons, Mt Maunganui Holiday Park gets booked out quickly, so we highly recommend securing your reservation well in advance.
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Wrapping Up Our Mt Maunganui Accommodation Guide
In closing, Mt Maunganui stands as a testament to the diversity and richness of New Zealand’s holiday destinations. From the bustling streets to the tranquil beaches, this coastal gem offers a myriad of accommodation options to suit every family’s needs and preferences.
Whether you opt for the opulence of a luxury apartment, the comfort of a holiday home, or the natural allure of a beachside holiday park, each choice promises to add its own unique flavour to your holiday experience. Have a wonderful time at Mt Maunganui!
💞 Stay Travel Savvy
For rural regions or underdeveloped destinations, try to support local businesses by booking guesthouses directly with the hosts. Quite often, you’ll be able to negotiate a much better rate and build connections with the locals.
If you’re a frequent traveller, we recommend sticking with one hotel booking site or hotel chain to reap the benefits of its loyalty program. Such as Agoda, Booking, Hotels, Hiltons Honors Program or IHG Rewards Program.
Our Recommended Accommodation Booking Sites
Agoda: After using many hotel booking sites and comparing them over the last decade, Agoda has the most comprehensive accommodation listings, including holiday homes. We love its cashback reward system and its loyalty program. Agoda is our family’s #1 go-to hotel booking platform.
Booking: Booking.com is still the most popular accommodation booking site with the most listings.
Expedia: Expedia Group has many of our family’s favourite brands under its umbrella. It’s an excellent one-stop platform for checking availabilities and planning out your trip.
Holiday Homes: As a family, we love booking holiday homes. They’re usually more spacious and come equipped with a full kitchen and even a washing machine, adding that extra layer of convenience to our stay with kids.
Vrbo is our go-to platform for booking holiday homes around the world.
Stayz is our favourite platform for booking holiday homes in Australia.
Bookabach is where we find holiday homes off the beaten track in New Zealand.
If you resonate with us in any way, we’d love to connect with you. It’s amazing how we can find each other on the vast www.
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