By Leigh O’Connor.
Tauranga and Mount Maunganui together feel like New Zealand’s radiant answer to the Gold Coast, a place where the sun seems to linger longer, where the sea glistens as though touched by liquid gold and where the pace of life carries a harmony between leisure and energy.
Nestled along the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga brims with a subtropical warmth that instantly feels like a holiday, even if you’re just passing through. Golden beaches stretch endlessly, wrapping the coastline in soft ribbons of sand where surfers dance with rolling waves and families sink their toes into the sun-warmed earth.
The salt-scented breeze carries with it the call of gulls, the rhythm of waves and the undeniable sense that this is a place built for escape.
Mount Maunganui, the jewel of the region, rises proudly above the shoreline, its volcanic cone both guardian and icon. Known simply as ‘The Mount’, it exudes an effortless glamour that rivals its Australian counterpart.
Walking the base track at sunrise, the sky burns with pastel pinks and fiery oranges reflected on the Pacific Ocean, while dolphins sometimes arc in the distance as if scripted for the moment.
For those who climb to the summit, the reward is an endless panorama - sapphire seas dotted with ships and surfers, the sprawl of Tauranga city and the sprawling curve of beach that seems to vanish into infinity. It’s a view that leaves you breathless, the kind that anchors itself into memory as one of life’s treasured snapshots.
Life here flows with a beach-town vibrancy. Cafés buzz with chatter and the hiss of espresso machines as surfers wander in barefoot, their hair still dripping from the ocean. Boutique shops line the streets, full of easy-going style - linen dresses that float in the breeze, boards stacked like art against wooden walls and local artisans showcasing coastal-inspired creations.
The energy is contagious, an intoxicating blend of sophistication and laid-back charm. Yet it’s never rushed; the culture here is deeply rooted in enjoying the simple pleasures, from a scoop of creamy ice cream melting faster than you can eat it to fresh fish and chips eaten straight from the paper as the sun sets.
Like the Gold Coast, this is a playground where the sea dictates the day. Summer brings an endless parade of swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers gliding across shimmering waters, while surfers chase the perfect break.
Festivals spill onto the sand, music carried on warm breezes and laughter rings into the evening as firelight flickers against a backdrop of stars. Winter doesn’t dim the charm - clear, crisp days see locals still flock to the beach, wrapped in hoodies but barefoot on the sand, the Mount always standing sentinel.
Tauranga itself is more than a seaside escape; it’s a thriving city where culture, commerce and creativity converge. Its waterfront hums with activity: luxury yachts gently rocking in the marina, restaurants glowing with soft candlelight and markets bursting with local produce, flowers and artisan food.
The aroma of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked bread drifts through the air, while live music spills out from tucked-away bars. This is a place where modern living meets natural beauty, where you can close a business deal in the morning and swim in turquoise waters by afternoon.
What makes Tauranga and Mount Maunganui the Gold Coast of New Zealand is not just their golden sand or surf breaks, but the way they embody a lifestyle that feels both indulgent and grounding.
It’s the joy of sun-kissed afternoons, the luxury of time slowing down and the promise of adventure woven seamlessly into everyday life. Here, nature and community embrace one another, offering both the thrill of the waves and the calm of watching them roll in.
It is coastal living at its most evocative - glorious, golden and unforgettable.
