Mount Drury / Hopukiore Reserve
A scenic reserve with ancient trees, offering panoramic views of Mount Maunganui Beach and Tauranga Harbour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mount Drury / Hopukiore Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic reserve with ancient trees, offering panoramic views of Mount Maunganui Beach and Tauranga Harbour.
"Beautiful Reserve overlooking Mt Maunganui Beach with fantastic old trees and great views."
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop Path
A loop path winds to the summit for amazing views. Don't miss it!
🍦 Food Truck Delights
Grab ice cream, kebabs, or coffee from nearby food carts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hopukiore Summit Views
Summit of Mount Drury
Panoramic vistas of Mount Maunganui Beach and Tauranga Harbour. A truly breathtaking experience.
Pohutukawa Trees
Throughout the reserve
Wander amongst ancient, beautiful Pohutukawa trees, offering shade and a unique natural ambiance.
Beachfront Access
Base of the reserve
Direct access to the golden sands and rolling waves of Mount Maunganui Beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop Path
A loop path winds to the summit for amazing views. Don't miss it!
🍦 Food Truck Delights
Grab ice cream, kebabs, or coffee from nearby food carts.
🌊 Surf's Up!
A surf school is nearby if you fancy catching some waves.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The reserve is perfect for photos, especially with the old trees and coastal views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop Path
A loop path winds to the summit for amazing views. Don't miss it!
🍦 Food Truck Delights
Grab ice cream, kebabs, or coffee from nearby food carts.
🌊 Surf's Up!
A surf school is nearby if you fancy catching some waves.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The reserve is perfect for photos, especially with the old trees and coastal views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mount Drury (Hopukiore Reserve) for its stunning views, beautiful Pohutukawa trees, and direct beach access. It's a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere, especially with the convenience of nearby food trucks. Some find parking can be challenging during peak times.
"The best spot for sun, sand, waves and awesome.
There's food carts near by for ice cream, kebabs and other great options.
There's a surf school near by too."
Anthony Bull (Antosaurus)
"A Beautiful Reserve overlooking Mt Maunganui Beach. Very old trees which are fantastic. One should walk Up and Over to see the Tauranga Harbour. Great place to Relax and watch the World go By. 😃"
Martin Bramley
"Our kapa haka roopu performed on a beautiful day at Hopukiore (Mount Drury ✨️☀️👌"
Christina May Cruickshank
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Drury (Hopukiore Reserve) is easily accessible from Marine Parade in Mount Maunganui. It's a popular spot, so parking can be busy, especially on weekends. Consider walking or cycling if you're staying nearby.
Yes, there is parking available along Marine Parade and in nearby streets. However, it can fill up quickly during peak times.
While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the reserve, local bus routes service the Mount Maunganui area, and you can walk a short distance from the main bus stops. Check local transport schedules for routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mount Drury (Hopukiore Reserve) is a public reserve and is free to enter. You can enjoy the park and its amenities without any cost.
Hopukiore Reserve is open to the public at all times. You can visit day or night, though it's most popular during daylight hours for its views and beach access.
There's no need to book tickets as it's a free public reserve. Just show up and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk the loop path to the summit for stunning views, relax on the grassy hills under Pohutukawa trees, enjoy direct beach access for swimming and sunbathing, and explore the nearby food trucks.
Yes, public toilets are available at the base of the reserve, making it convenient for visitors spending time there.
Absolutely! The grassy areas under the Pohutukawa trees are perfect for picnics. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, there's a beautiful loop path that winds up to the summit of Mount Drury (Hopukiore), offering fantastic views along the way.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no sit-down restaurants within the reserve itself, you'll find a variety of popular food carts and trucks located nearby on Marine Parade, offering options like ice cream, kebabs, and coffee.
The food trucks near Mount Drury typically offer a range of casual eats, including burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee, and sometimes more diverse options depending on the vendors present.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Hopukiore offers incredible panoramic shots of the beach and harbour. The ancient Pohutukawa trees also make for beautiful, atmospheric photos.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography. The midday sun can be harsh, but the lush greenery offers shade.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to explore the loop path up to the summit for a gentle walk with rewarding views – kids often enjoy the sense of accomplishment. The nearby food trucks are also a hit with families, offering easy and tasty options for snacks or lunch. It’s a safe and enjoyable environment for a family day out, combining nature, beach fun, and convenient amenities.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Combine your walk with a swim or surf at the adjacent Mount Maunganui Beach for a full day of activity. The reserve itself is also perfect for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to appreciate the ancient Pohutukawa trees and the coastal scenery at your own pace. It’s an ideal destination for a morning workout or an afternoon exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Hopukiore Reserve
The summit of Hopukiore is the prime destination for breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, you can gaze out over the iconic Mount Maunganui Beach, the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the bustling Tauranga Harbour. It's an ideal location to watch surfers, observe marine life, or simply soak in the coastal beauty. The reserve’s location makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family outing, or a peaceful moment of reflection.
Visitors often combine a visit to Hopukiore Reserve with a day at the adjacent beach. The reserve offers a shaded escape from the sun, while the beach provides opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The presence of nearby food trucks adds to the convenience, offering a variety of treats and meals, making it a complete destination for a day out. The combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities makes Mount Drury a must-visit attraction.
Beach Life and Nearby Amenities
Adding to the appeal of the area are the numerous food carts and trucks that often line Marine Parade, adjacent to the reserve. These vendors offer a convenient and delicious way to refuel after a day of activities. Popular choices include ice cream, burgers, kebabs, and coffee, catering to a wide range of tastes. This makes Mount Drury and its surrounding beach area a fantastic spot for a casual day out, where you can enjoy nature, the ocean, and tasty treats all in one place.
For those interested in water sports, a surf school is also located nearby, offering lessons and equipment hire for aspiring surfers. This further enhances the recreational offerings of the area, making it a hub for beach lovers and adventure seekers. The combination of the natural reserve, the iconic beach, and the readily available amenities creates a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit