Golden beaches, breathtaking views, and a lifestyle that feels like a holiday all year round, welcome to Mount Maunganui. Known affectionately as “The Mount”, this iconic coastal suburb is one of New Zealand’s most desirable places to live, offering a unique blend of seaside relaxation, outdoor adventure, and modern convenience.

Who lives in Mount Maunganui?

Home to just over 21,000 residents, Mount Maunganui attracts a diverse mix of people - from young professionals and growing families to retirees seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The largest age group (around 44%) falls within the 30–64 year-old range, with a median age of 40, reflecting a community made up of working professionals, business owners, and active families who enjoy balancing career life with the benefits of living by the beach.

Education

Families living in Mount Maunganui are well supported by excellent local schools. Mount Maunganui Primary, Mount Intermediate, and Mount Maunganui College all have strong reputations.

There are also several quality early childhood centres and preschools nearby, including Biggles, BestStart, Twinkle Twinkle Early Learning Centre, Bambinos, New Shoots, Little Parrots and Little Einsteins, providing plenty of choice for families starting out.

Cafés, dining and shopping

Mount Maunganui is a true hotspot for foodies, shoppers, and coffee lovers alike.
Along Maunganui Road and Marine Parade, you’ll find everything from boutique cafés and artisan bakeries to stylish restaurants and lively bars. Local favourites such as Eighty Eight Café, The General, Tay Street Café, Spongedrop Cakery and Little Guy Bagel are staples for weekend brunches or relaxed catch-ups with friends. Popular dining options include Rice Rice Baby, Latitude 37, Fife Lane, Roxie’s Cantina, Hide Thirst and Hunger, and Palace Burgers, while well-frequented venues for an evening out include Astrolabe Brew Bar, Mount Social Club, and The Rising Tide.

For shopping, The Mount’s main strip offers a collection of boutique fashion stores, homeware shops, and surf retailers - perfect for browsing between beach walks. For larger retail needs, Bayfair Shopping Centre is just a short drive away, featuring more than 130 stores (including Woolworths, Kmart, Mecca and Farmers), a cinema, Timezone, and a range of dining options, all with free parking and easy public transport access.

Leisure and lifestyle

When it comes to lifestyle, Mount Maunganui is in a league of its own. Outdoor living is at the heart of the community, with residents spending their mornings walking or running the Mauao summit track, swimming at Pilot Bay, or surfing main beach and the coast.

Other popular activities include soaking in the Mount Hot Pools, exploring Moturiki Island, and making the most of Blake Park’s sports facilities. The suburb also comes alive in summer, with visitors from across New Zealand and beyond, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Local businesses thrive throughout the season, supported by a steady flow of cruise ship passengers who dock at the nearby port.

Community and local events

Mount Maunganui has a strong sense of community and a calendar full of local events. The Mount Mainstreet Markets and Little Big Markets are popular weekend fixtures, showcasing local produce, crafts, and live music.

Each year, the suburb hosts major events such as the Mount Festival of Multisport and National Surf Lifesaving Championships, which draw crowds and celebrate the area’s love for the outdoors.

Property and Real Estate

Mount Maunganui’s property market continues to be one of the strongest and most sought after in the Bay of Plenty. According to recent REINZ data, the suburb’s median sale price sits around the mid $900,000s, with well-presented homes near the beach or town centre often achieving prices well above this.

The housing mix includes a blend of modern apartments, classic brick and weatherboard homes, and architecturally designed townhouses, many with views of Mauao or the ocean. Closer to the water, you’ll find high-end apartments and contemporary holiday homes, while the inland streets offer family friendly sections and established homes with character. Given its year-round popularity, Mount Maunganui also presents excellent investment potential. The suburb has consistent demand for both long-term rentals and short-stay holiday accommodation, making it a smart choice for investors seeking strong occupancy and premium returns.

With limited new land available, property values in Mount Maunganui have shown long-term stability and growth, underpinned by the suburb’s lifestyle appeal and enduring desirability.

Why choose Mount Maunganui?

Few places in New Zealand offer a lifestyle quite like Mount Maunganui. With its stunning beaches, vibrant dining scene, and unbeatable sense of community, it’s easy to see why this suburb continues to be one of the Bay of Plenty’s most desirable locations.

Here, you can start your day with a sunrise surf, grab coffee from a local café, and finish with dinner overlooking the ocean – all within minutes from home. Whether you’re a young family, a professional seeking a coastal change, or someone ready to enjoy the good life by the sea, Mount Maunganui delivers the perfect balance of energy, beauty, and connection.

Thinking about making Mount Maunganui your home? Get in touch with your local EVES salesperson today.