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This post reflects the honest opinions from our stay and may include affiliate links (full disclosure). Your experience may vary based on your expectations and other factors.

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.

Mt Maunganui has been one of our family’s favourite destinations for years. It’s a destination that effortlessly draws you into its laid-back beach lifestyle with its pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and a wide range of family-friendly things to do.

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.

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, you’ll want apartments that come with spacious layouts and child-friendly amenities. Your accommodation should provide an experience in their own right.

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.

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

We particularly loved the location of this serviced apartment.

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 is there’s a gated back laneway that provides a quick shortcut to Marine Parade!

Read Our Full Review on Capri On Pilot Bay Here »

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

Located just one street away from Marine Parade, The Beaumont Apartments offers quick access to the town’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants. Everything is within easy reach when you stay at Beaumont Apartments.

This apartment hotel is not just about prime location, but also known for their comfort and luxury.

One of the standout features of The Beaumont Apartments is the stunning balcony views it offers. On top of that, each apartment comes with its own balcony or patio, providing a private space for every guest to soak in the scenery.

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.

3. Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers

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.

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers offers spacious and modern apartments, much like The Beaumont.

Each apartment here also comes with a balcony or patio that overlooks the stunning beach.

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.

Finding Your Ideal Stay at Mt Maunganui

While Mt Maunganui has a variety of apartments to choose from, the most sought-after ones are, of course, 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.

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

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.

The holiday park is also located right next to the #1 attraction here – Mt Maunganui Hot Pools. This means you won’t have to worry about parking and can easily return to your accommodation after a relaxing soak.

Golden Hours

If you’re looking to make the most of your stay, we highly recommend opting for an beachfront cabin or powered site.

You can’t get closer to the beach and you’ll have a front-row seat to both the sunrise and sunset over Moturiki Island.

You can 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.

Golden hours here are truly mesmerising at Mt Maunganui.

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.

Services & Facilities at Mt Maunganui Holiday Park

The range of services and facilities at this holiday park are top-notch.

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, you can expect clean and fairly modern showers and bathrooms with free hot water.

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 sport equipments are ready for hire.

For the little ones, a large 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 is still our family’s top choice when staying at Mt Maunganui.

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 planning well in advance.

Last Notes

Mt Maunganui remains one of New Zealand’s top holiday destinations and, with its reputation, offers a myriad of accommodation options to suit every family’s needs and preferences.

Whether you choose to stay at a luxury apartment, a spacious holiday home, or a beachside holiday cabin, have a wonderful time at Mt Maunganui!

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