Papamoa
Population: 20,100
Seaside Papamoa has been growing at record speed and it is now full of diverse options for visitors.
Located down the road from Mount Maunganui, Papamoa’s long beach is a quieter option than the busier Mount Maunganui areas and there are many access spots along Papamoa Beach Road.
Papamoa’s coast stretches out to the sky, bordered by wild, protected dunes and more remote beaches. Mauao (Mount Maunganui) can be seen in the distance through a haze of sea spray and endless white sand beach.
Papamoa offers visitors an alternative destination to Mount Maunganui and Tauranga’s cosmopolitan buzz. The beaches are less crowded and there’s an atmosphere of laid-back relaxation.
Unwind in Papamoa, buy your vegetables from the side of the road, visit the local market or make the most of restaurants by the sea and inland.
There are several small shopping centres, recreation reserves, sports centres and nearby golf courses.
Visit the Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Park, which has stunning views of the area and ancient Maori pa sites, or take in the nearby native bush walks and waterfalls.