Michael’s guidebook
Outdoor activities
The Papamoa Hills are home to 10 Maori pa sites (sites of old fortified villages) that date back to the 1500s.
The walk goes through lush farmland, and native forests with options for a 45min or 1h 30min one-way walk.
We are yet to brave this walk with the kids but its definitely on our list.
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Papamoa Hills Regional Park
Poplar LaneThe Papamoa Hills are home to 10 Maori pa sites (sites of old fortified villages) that date back to the 1500s.
The walk goes through lush farmland, and native forests with options for a 45min or 1h 30min one-way walk.
We are yet to brave this walk with the kids but its definitely on our list.
Papamoa Beach is a great spot for fishing, surfing, going for long walks and all of your other classic beach activities.
From our property you can walk to the beach in 5mins via the Stella Pl beach access, or take a leisurely 10min stroll to the Pāpāmoa Domain Beach access and grab a coffee or ice cream to enjoy on your adventure.
As a whānau we like to make our way to the beach via Stella pl and come back via the main beach access at the Domain.
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Papamoa Beach
Papamoa Beach is a great spot for fishing, surfing, going for long walks and all of your other classic beach activities.
From our property you can walk to the beach in 5mins via the Stella Pl beach access, or take a leisurely 10min stroll to the Pāpāmoa Domain Beach access and grab a coffee or ice cream to enjoy on your adventure.
As a whānau we like to make our way to the beach via Stella pl and come back via the main beach access at the Domain.
Perfect for Mountain Biking with 20 kilometres of trails and cross country at mostly Grade 3 (intermediate level).
The trails are also shared with walkers and runners, with an easy ridgeline walk from the carpark connecting to the Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park.
Our Mountain biking skills are at the beginner stage so we are yet to hit this one, although it is on our list.
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Summerhill Mountainbike Park
Reid RoadPerfect for Mountain Biking with 20 kilometres of trails and cross country at mostly Grade 3 (intermediate level).
The trails are also shared with walkers and runners, with an easy ridgeline walk from the carpark connecting to the Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park.
Our Mountain biking skills are at the beginner stage so we are yet to hit this one, although it is on our list.
Not for the fainthearted but definitely an exhilarating rush if you are up to the challenge. Not a good option for young ones, but the experience is manageable for most fitness levels.
Those that dont do the rafting can follow on land using the walking track and taking pictures of the whole thing while shouting words of encouragement. Awesome way to spend the day and follow it up with some food and beverages from the Okere Falls Store.
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Rotorua Rafting
761 State Hwy 33Not for the fainthearted but definitely an exhilarating rush if you are up to the challenge. Not a good option for young ones, but the experience is manageable for most fitness levels.
Those that dont do the rafting can follow on land using the walking track and taking pictures of the whole thing while shouting words of encouragement. Awesome way to spend the day and follow it up with some food and beverages from the Okere Falls Store.
City/town information
Located 53 minutes drive from Pāpāmoa is Rotorua, which as the birthplace of tourism has been welcoming visitors since the 1800's.
Rotorua can cater to all visitors with experiences for Adrenalin junkies, those looking to experience the Māori culture, and also those looking to wind down in the towns world famous geothermal pools.
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Rotorua
Located 53 minutes drive from Pāpāmoa is Rotorua, which as the birthplace of tourism has been welcoming visitors since the 1800's.
Rotorua can cater to all visitors with experiences for Adrenalin junkies, those looking to experience the Māori culture, and also those looking to wind down in the towns world famous geothermal pools.
Family Activities
These salt water hot pools situated right next to Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is a favorite for locals and those from across the BOP.
Perfect for a recovery session after a hike up or around the Mount, and they also have an awesome toddler area for the kids.
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Toplice Mount
9 Adams AveThese salt water hot pools situated right next to Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is a favorite for locals and those from across the BOP.
Perfect for a recovery session after a hike up or around the Mount, and they also have an awesome toddler area for the kids.
You cant visit the area and not take in the awesome views from the top of Mauao (Mount Maunganui). There are two trails to choose from when hiking to the summit, one being much steeper then the other. If your children will likely ask you to carry them up the hill (like mine do), then opt for the track which goes around the base of the Mountain. This is a very scenic walk which allows you to take in views of the other islands surrounding the Mount.
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Mount Maunganui
You cant visit the area and not take in the awesome views from the top of Mauao (Mount Maunganui). There are two trails to choose from when hiking to the summit, one being much steeper then the other. If your children will likely ask you to carry them up the hill (like mine do), then opt for the track which goes around the base of the Mountain. This is a very scenic walk which allows you to take in views of the other islands surrounding the Mount.
Large cinemas with the option to hire lounger chairs that me and my family just sink in to.
Located in the Crossing there is also an arcade which our kids get lost at for far too long, and there are a range of food options for me and retail options for my wife hehe.
Event Cinemas Tauranga Crossing
2 Taurikura DrLarge cinemas with the option to hire lounger chairs that me and my family just sink in to.
Located in the Crossing there is also an arcade which our kids get lost at for far too long, and there are a range of food options for me and retail options for my wife hehe.
A short 44min trip from Pāpāmoa will bring you to this nature reserve steeped in history and full of natural wonders. Our kids enjoy feeding the chickens and also doing the scavenger hunt activities.
Follow the activity up with a hearty meal from the onsite cafe, my personal favourite is the pork belly burger.
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Prirodni rezervat Hamurana Springs
773 Hamurana RdA short 44min trip from Pāpāmoa will bring you to this nature reserve steeped in history and full of natural wonders. Our kids enjoy feeding the chickens and also doing the scavenger hunt activities.
Follow the activity up with a hearty meal from the onsite cafe, my personal favourite is the pork belly burger.
Food scene
Okere Falls Store is known as New Zealand’s best eco-friendly cafe. The cafe offers a range of vegan options as well as a craft beers. Perfect after a round of rafting or a walk to the falls of Tuatea.
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Okere Falls Store
757A State Hwy 33Okere Falls Store is known as New Zealand’s best eco-friendly cafe. The cafe offers a range of vegan options as well as a craft beers. Perfect after a round of rafting or a walk to the falls of Tuatea.
Double Teaspoons
7 Gravatt RdNice and close for the hardcore coffee fix. Located in the Papamoa Plaza.
The closest cafe to our Air Bnb, this place has an amazing vibe and coffee.
Just a 5 minute walk down Percy road and across Domain road and then you are there. A trip to gather forms part of our regular morning routine while on holiday.
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Gather Papamoa
552 Papamoa Beach RdThe closest cafe to our Air Bnb, this place has an amazing vibe and coffee.
Just a 5 minute walk down Percy road and across Domain road and then you are there. A trip to gather forms part of our regular morning routine while on holiday.
This place is the number one rated cafe in Pāpāmoa on trip advisor for a reason. Situated an 8 minute drive from our Air Bnb it is well worth the trip.
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Henry & Ted
5 Golden Sands DrThis place is the number one rated cafe in Pāpāmoa on trip advisor for a reason. Situated an 8 minute drive from our Air Bnb it is well worth the trip.
Now known as the Island but locals still refer to it as the Pap Tav.
This place has long been an establishment with great pub food and beverage options to suit, including their own beers and ciders brewed on site.
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Papamoa Beach Tavern
20 Domain RdNow known as the Island but locals still refer to it as the Pap Tav.
This place has long been an establishment with great pub food and beverage options to suit, including their own beers and ciders brewed on site.
Sightseeing
A well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls. The walk is fairly gentle and easy, with well formed tracks and platforms.
Okere Falls Track
Okere Falls TrackA well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls. The walk is fairly gentle and easy, with well formed tracks and platforms.
Supermarkets
Located in the Papamoa Plaza you will find everything you need for your holiday here. A short 9min walk or a quick 2min drive with plenty of onsite parking.
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Countdown Papamoa
7 Gravatt RdLocated in the Papamoa Plaza you will find everything you need for your holiday here. A short 9min walk or a quick 2min drive with plenty of onsite parking.
Around a 10min walk or 4 min drive, there is plenty of parking.
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PAK'nSAVE Papamoa
42 Domain RdAround a 10min walk or 4 min drive, there is plenty of parking.
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Što ne smijete propustiti
Dinner at the Pāpāmoa Domain
Local food trucks come together for the ultimate street food feast every Thursday evening throughout summer (usually from November to March). There are regular DJs adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Što ne smijete propustiti
Little Big Markets (Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa)
The Little Big Markets are held at Coronation Park on the first Saturday of every month and at the Papamoa Pony Club on the third Saturday of every month. The markets run from 9am - 2pm, a must-visit!