The Best Things To Do In Papamoa

Just down to road from Mount Maunganui is Papamoa Beach, one of the fastest growing towns in New Zealand. Located in the beautiful Bay of Plenty this is not only a great place to live and also the perfect place for a holiday.

Not that long ago this was a quiet seaside town but attractive house prices and life in the great outdoors, this place is booming now. Houses are going up faster than you can blink.

However, even on the busiest summer days, you can still find parts of the beach that are just for you. And much like the Mount, it offers lots for families to do, especially those who love the outdoors.

Here are the best outdoor activities in Papamoa for the whole family and one activity you could do if you want to stay inside.

 

Papamoa Beach Activities

Papamoa Beach

This is a great spot to take the family, while not as busy as the Mount, it offers equally the same. 

Papamoa Beach stretches for 16km’s so there is plenty of white sandy beaches for everyone. Drive along Beach Road and you will notice countless beach accesses,

These are blue posts with the word ‘beach access’ written on them. The walkways are carved through the dunes in most cases. 

There is plenty of off-road parking, most people either park on the side of the road or the grass. Here you can choose your part of the beach and have it all to yourself.

The main beach is at Papamoa Beach Reserve, here you will find the Papamoa Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Lifeguards patrol the beach and set out flags for swimmers to swim between.

This is the safest place for swimming. There is also plenty of free car parking spots, toilets and showers for the public to use. 

If you need a break from the beach the reserve has plenty of trees for shade and is a great place for a picnic. During summer the reserve hosts ‘Dinner in the Domain’ every Thursday evening. Vendors sell their food while you relax and listen to live music as the sun goes down. 

Great news for dog owners too as you can bring your dog to the beach all year round. 

Hakanini Surf School is based in the reserve, you can have a lesson or hire a board and have a paddle yourself. Tim and Joel are your local surf instructors and offer 2-hour lessons either in groups or private. In the summer holidays, they also have kids surfing programmes. 

Papamoa Trails

If riding bikes are your thing then the trails through Papamoa are perfect. Especially if you are looking for a relaxing ride, for the whole family as it’s pretty much flat.

Great for families with young children. We take our boys through here, in fact, this is where Lukas learnt to ride his bike.

Towards the end of the ride, there’s even a bike/skateboard park great for all levels. Many walkers use these trails too.

Map of the Walkways

Papamoa Hills

Spectacle views await after this climb. These are very popular walking/running tracks and the panoramic views up/down the coastline as well as out to the Pacific Ocean will leave you grabbing your camera.

The climb itself is 224m and around 45mins on the main track. It is steep in parts so covered footwear would be my advice as well as a bottle of water.

There are 7 Maori Pa sites on the hills and they can easierly be spotted. In fact once you reach the top of Papamoa Hills you will be standing on a large Pa site.

There are also a few other trails throughout the park to explore too.

To get here just head towards Te Puke and its well sign posted as you get closer.  

Getting there  

Summerhills

Out the back of Papamoa are kilometres of scenic trails waiting to be explored. These walks take you through pastures, forests, native bush and creek crossings.

Here you will come across walkers, runners and bikers (keep your eyes out). Again there is stunning coastline and surrounding areas to see.

Mountain bikers will also love this spot as there is a range of trails to meet everyone’s needs.

Of the 20 kilometres of trails, most are intermediate but no doubt fun for the whole family.

There is plenty of places to park and toilets are available. You can’t hire bikes here so you will need to bring your own.

Click here for a great map with all the trails

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Kaiate Falls

Around 15 minutes from Papamoa is Kaiate Falls. This place is quite popular in summer as you can swim in the pools at the bottom of the falls.

The main track, which starts at the car park winds its way around the falls as you head downhill, our kids love exploring this area. Either splashing in the pools or racing around looking at nature.

From here you head back up towards the car park. Another track takes you from the stream back to the road bridge.

The tracks are well signposted and the main track takes around 45 minutes to walk. While some parts of the trail are steep it’s great for all ages.

Summerhill Estate (Golf Course)

If you looking for a place to stretch your legs and swing the clubs. Look no further than  Summerhill Estate Golf Course. Just 10 minutes from Papamoa.

At around 2480m, as long as you stay on the fairway, it’s pretty undulating and provides plenty of risk taking opportunities and challenges for every type of golfer.

This 9 hole golf course is perched up on Papamoa Hills and provides some incredible views of the surrounding areas. 

For 9 holes of golf the cost is $25 and $35 for 18 holes. 

There is a kiosk and cafe with an outdoor pavilion area. It a great spot for a coffee, cold drink or lunch.

The best way to get there is via Reid road which is off Welcome Bay road. 

If you are not keen on golf it’s also a great spot to go for a walk, dogs are allowed too.

Gordon Spratt Reserve Skate and Bike Park

This spot is popular with locals and tourists alike whose kids are keen to get out and ride their bike or skateboard.

There is a bike track with plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns to keep everyone happy.

The skate park area has a few drop ins, steps and open spaces to freely test your skills.

Make sure to at least wear your helmet.

There is parking on the side of the road, but just be careful as this is a busy road. Public toilets have been added too.

Papamoa Plaza and Fashion Island

Currently this is the main shopping area in Papamoa. With a range of shops, cafes, supermarkets and a food hall. 

The public library is also here and can be a great place to visit on a wet day or when the kids need a break from the beach.

The food hall also has a small play area for the littles so it’s great when the kids have finished eating and you haven’t.

The Cave

If you have got the time and are into virtual reality games then this is the place to come.

The Cave offers Sim racing experiences, virtual reality experiences and virtual reality escape rooms.

You can play on your own against and with friends and family.

The staff here are awesome, if it’s your first time they make sure to explain everything and ensure you have a wonderful experience.

Lukas loved Sim Racing, here he got behind the wheel of a realistic simulator and drove to his heart’s content. However, he spent more time of the track than on it.

 

Places to Stay and Eat

 

Papamoa Beach Resort is the spot if you want to be on the beach. It has a variety of accommodation to meet everyone’s needs from villas to cabins to pitching your tent. If you are lucky or request it at your time of booking you might even get that beachfront ocean view.

The facilities here are impressive, it really is your home away from home. 

There is also a restaurant/Cafe right next door Bluebiyou. 

Walking distance away from the Beach Resort is Papamoa Plaza and Fashion Island. Here you will find a Food court, cafes, shops and supermarkets.

If you are looking to leave the car behind you can catch the public transport from here to Tauranga CBD or down to Mt Maunganui.

Papamoa Beach Tavern is a couple of 100 metres from the resort too. Great food, wine and beer. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and meet other kids too. 

If Papamoa Beach Resort is full then there is also Beachgrove Holiday Park and Pacific Park Christian Holiday Camp as an alternative.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Papamoa Beach safe?

Yes when there are small waves. Strong rips can appear along the coast when the waves become bigger or at low tide as the water is moving out. It’s always best to best between the flags at a patrolled area at the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club

What is the Maori name for Papamoa Hills? 

Te Rae o Papamoa

Are dogs allowed up Papamoa Hills or at Kaiate Falls?

Yes dogs are allowed at both but must be on a leash

 

Finally Thoughts

 

If you love the outdoors, Papamoa has what you are looking for. From hikes to bikes and a coastline that stretches as far as the eye can see. This is the perfect spot to come for a family holiday. 

You can see why people are moving to live here and why more tourists are visiting. With great accommodation, cafes (much like the cafes at the Mount), restaurants, shopping and most importantly plenty of outdoor activities.

There is plenty here to occupy you each and every day. 

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