Pilot Bay Beach: A Coastal Paradise in Mount Maunganui
Discover the serene beauty of Pilot Bay Beach in Mount Maunganui, where golden sands and tranquil waters create the perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure.
Pilot Bay Beach in Mount Maunganui is a stunning coastal destination offering golden sands, calm waters, and breathtaking views. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a relaxing day by the sea, making it an ideal spot for families and water sports enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to Pilot Bay Beach
- Mount Maunganui, NZ
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience and stunning sunrise views.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach, as there are no admission fees and plenty of space.
- Check the local weather forecast before your visit to ensure the best beach day.
- Explore the nearby walking tracks around the Mount for spectacular views and fresh air.
Getting There
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Bus
From central Tauranga, head to the nearest bus stop and catch the Bayhopper bus route 1 towards Mount Maunganui. The bus will take you directly to Mount Maunganui. Get off at the Mount Maunganui Main Beach stop. From there, walk towards the beach, and Pilot Bay Beach is just a short stroll to the left. Follow the waterfront path along the beach until you reach Pilot Bay Beach.
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Walking
If you are staying in the Mount Maunganui area, you can easily walk to Pilot Bay Beach. Head towards the coastline, and as you reach the beach, walk along the path that runs parallel to the water. It should take you around 15-20 minutes to reach Pilot Bay Beach from the central Mount Maunganui area.
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Cycle
You can rent a bike from a local rental shop in Tauranga or Mount Maunganui. Once you have your bike, head towards the waterfront and follow the bike path along the coast. This scenic route will lead you straight to Pilot Bay Beach. The ride should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace.
Discover more about Pilot Bay Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kewpie Cruises
0.3 km
Discover the pristine waters of Mount Maunganui with Kewpie Cruises—where stunning landscapes meet unforgettable boat adventures.
Pohutukawa Gallery
0.6 km
Explore Pohutukawa Gallery in Mount Maunganui for unique local art and souvenirs that embody the spirit of New Zealand's culture and creativity.
Things to do in Tauranga
0.8 km
Explore Tauranga, a vibrant coastal city in New Zealand known for its stunning beaches, iconic Mount Maunganui, and rich cultural experiences.
Giant Pohutukawa Tree
1.1 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of the Giant Pohutukawa Tree in Mount Maunganui, a historic landmark showcasing New Zealand's natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Motuotau (Rabbit Island)
1.5 km
Explore Motuotau (Rabbit Island) in the Bay of Plenty, a historical landmark offering stunning beaches, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty.
The Lion & Tusk - Museum of the Rhodesian Services Association
2.8 km
Explore the poignant history of the Rhodesian military at The Lion & Tusk Museum, a gem of heritage and storytelling in Mount Maunganui.
Trinity Wharf Tauranga
4.6 km
Experience luxury at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, where stunning waterfront views meet top-notch hospitality and exquisite dining for your ultimate getaway.
Centrale at Clarence
5.2 km
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The Redoubt Bar and Eatery
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Baycourt Community & Art Centre
5.5 km
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Tourism Bay of Plenty
5.5 km
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DOCA cafe & eatery
5.5 km
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The Hop House
5.5 km
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New Zealand Historic Places Trust
5.5 km
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Wanderlust NZ
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mount Hot Pools
0.2 km
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Maunganui Beach
0.4 km
Experience the stunning Maunganui Beach, a perfect blend of sun, surf, and local culture in New Zealand's coastal paradise.
Mount Maunganui trek, base trail and lookout trail access
0.5 km
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Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve
0.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve, a peaceful park perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in Mount Maunganui.
Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit
0.6 km
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Mount Maunganui Watertower
0.6 km
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Salisbury Wharf
0.7 km
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Moturiki Island
0.8 km
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Coronation Park
0.9 km
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The Conqueror Adventures
1.3 km
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Bay Oval
2.3 km
Experience the thrill of cricket at Bay Oval, a stunning ground in Mount Maunganui with beautiful scenery and a vibrant sporting atmosphere.
Orca Wild Adventures | Dolphin Swims
4.1 km
Dive into adventure at Orca Wild Adventures in Tauranga, where you can swim with dolphins and experience the magic of New Zealand's marine life.
Skydive Tauranga
4.1 km
Experience the thrill of skydiving over Mount Maunganui's stunning landscapes with Skydive Tauranga, a top adventure destination in New Zealand.
Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd
4.2 km
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Kulim Park
4.2 km
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Essential places to dine
The Fat Cow
0.5 km
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Osteria Mount Maunganui
0.5 km
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Lolo Authentic Turkish Kitchen Mount
0.5 km
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Fox's Hawker House & Garden
0.6 km
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Hide Thirst And Hunger
0.7 km
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Solera
0.7 km
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Latitude 37
0.8 km
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Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar
3.0 km
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The Hook Restaurant
3.2 km
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Salinity Restaurant & Bar
4.1 km
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Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar
4.2 km
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Great Spice Indian Restaurant
4.3 km
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Halo Restaurant & Bar
4.6 km
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Neighbourhood Kitchen - Bar & Restaurant
5.0 km
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Clarence Tauranga Restaurant
5.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Augustine Flagship Store Mount Maunganui
0.3 km
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Kiwiana Gifts & Souvenirs
0.6 km
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Mount Souvenir Shop
0.7 km
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Neon Collective
0.8 km
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Awa Designs
0.8 km
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KILT Clothing Mt Maunganui
0.8 km
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Fancy That
0.8 km
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MKT Store
0.9 km
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Flux Boutique
1.1 km
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The Good Opportunity Shop
3.3 km
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Bay Central Shopping Centre
4.5 km
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high st boutique
5.5 km
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Colonial Antiques
5.5 km
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Bivouac Outdoor Tauranga
5.6 km
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Green Apples
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Astrolabe Brewbar
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Brew Co
0.6 km
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Mount Social Club
1.2 km
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Voodoo Lounge
1.2 km
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The Rising Tide
3.9 km
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Jack Dusty's Ale House
4.3 km
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cherrywood arms bar
5.0 km
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Havana
5.4 km
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Miss Gee's Bar & Eatery
5.4 km
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Crown & Badger
5.5 km
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The Barrel Room
5.5 km
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Cornerstone Bar & Eatery Tauranga
5.5 km
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The Matua Bar
5.6 km
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Cruzaz Bar & Gaming
6.3 km
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Judea Tavern
7.6 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
iKandi - Tauranga
1.2 km
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Shenanigans, Club Temptation
5.8 km
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Flaunt Tauranga
5.8 km
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H2O Gaming and Sports Bar
5.9 km
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Club 503 - Adult Entertainment
7.1 km
Experience the excitement of Tauranga's nightlife at Club 503, a top adult entertainment venue offering unforgettable performances and exceptional service.
The GC Bar
10.9 km
Experience The GC Bar in Tauranga, where lively nightlife meets an exciting gaming atmosphere for unforgettable evenings.
Parkvale Playhouse
10.9 km
Dance the night away at Parkvale Playhouse in Tauranga, where vibrant beats and electric energy create an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Kalah Bar
49.7 km
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Ikandi Rotorua
56.2 km
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keetas Ally
77.8 km
Discover Hamilton's nightlife at Keetas Ally, where vibrant music and lively dance floors create unforgettable moments in the heart of the city.
Hamilton Cosmopolitan Club
79.4 km
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Singeasy
79.8 km
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Hush Hush
80.3 km
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Voltage - Nightclub & Bar
80.3 km
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Last Laugh Comedy Club
80.3 km
Discover the joy of laughter at Last Laugh Comedy Club, Hamilton's premier destination for comedy and entertainment.
