Pilot Bay Mount Maunganui
Pilot Bay offers stunning coastal scenery at the base of Mount Maunganui, perfect for relaxation, water sports, and breathtaking sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Markets and activities abound
Pilot Bay Mount Maunganui
Best Time
Markets and activities abound
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pilot Bay offers stunning coastal scenery at the base of Mount Maunganui, perfect for relaxation, water sports, and breathtaking sunsets.
"Beautiful spot at the base of Mount Maunganui that offers scenic views."
🎯 Secure Your Parking Early
Parking is limited, especially on weekends and during sunset. Arrive early to snag a spot! :car:
☀️ Pack for Sun & Sea
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel for swimming or water activities. :sunny:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pilot Bay Beach
Base of Mount Maunganui
A scenic beach perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying stunning sunset views.
Boardwalk Stroll
Along Pilot Bay
A paved path offering beautiful views of the bay and the majestic Mount Maunganui.
Mount Maunganui Hike
Mauao (The Mount)
Conquer the iconic Mount for panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Secure Your Parking Early
Parking is limited, especially on weekends and during sunset. Arrive early to snag a spot! :car:
☀️ Pack for Sun & Sea
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel for swimming or water activities. :sunny:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for strolling the boardwalk and hiking the Mount. :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ Weekend Market Finds
Check out the local craft and food markets a short walk away on weekends. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Your Parking Early
Parking is limited, especially on weekends and during sunset. Arrive early to snag a spot! :car:
☀️ Pack for Sun & Sea
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel for swimming or water activities. :sunny:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for strolling the boardwalk and hiking the Mount. :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ Weekend Market Finds
Check out the local craft and food markets a short walk away on weekends. :shopping_bags:
🏄♀️ Water Sports Galore
Try paddleboarding, jet skiing, or even a boat ride from vendors at the bay. :surfer:
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Pilot Bay is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets; get there early for the best views. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pilot Bay is celebrated for its stunning scenic beauty, particularly its sunsets, and the accessible boardwalk perfect for leisurely strolls. Visitors appreciate the variety of activities available, from swimming and water sports to nearby markets. However, parking can be a significant challenge during peak times, and the area can get crowded.
"Pretty scenic place for a walk, it does have a concrete sidewalk, picnic tables, benches, accessible restrooms and a grill. Not sure if that grill is for public use since it’s on the sidewalk. There are a lot of street parking spots and some dedicated parking spots, but availability is relative to peak times so plan accordingly."
RC
"Very popular for sunsets. Get there early if you want a park."
Kevin Black
"Beautiful spot at the base of Mount Maunganui that offers scenic views.
There’s a boardwalk to stroll along, a grassy area for the kids to play on, plenty of sandy beach, seating, toilet facilities and drinking fountains.
There’s limited parking though so the earlier you arrive the better.
We visited on a Saturday morning and there were plenty of vendors there offering paddle boarding, jet skis, cattermeran hire etc.
Lots of activities on offer or just enjoy the leisurely walk along the path u der the beautiful Norfolk pines."
SARGES’ Family
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pilot Bay is located at the base of Mount Maunganui in Tauranga. If you're driving, there's street parking and dedicated parking spots, but they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Public transport options are available within Tauranga, connecting you to the Mount Maunganui area.
Yes, there are street parking spots and some dedicated parking areas. However, availability is limited, particularly during peak times like weekends and sunset. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Pilot Bay features a concrete sidewalk and boardwalk, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The area is generally flat and easy to navigate.
Walking is a great way to explore Pilot Bay and the surrounding areas. For longer distances or exploring Tauranga, local buses are available.
Pilot Bay is prominently located at the base of the iconic Mount Maunganui (Mauao), making it easy to spot. Follow signs for Mount Maunganui and you'll find the bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pilot Bay is a public beach and park area, so there are no entry fees or tickets required to visit.
Pilot Bay is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor public space. However, amenities like restrooms may have specific operating hours.
While visiting the bay itself is free, activities like jet ski hire, paddleboarding, and boat rides offered by vendors will have associated costs.
For specific activities like jet ski tours or paddleboard rentals, it's advisable to check with the individual operators. Some may offer advance booking, especially during peak season. 
The public restrooms at Pilot Bay are generally free to use.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pilot Bay offers a range of activities including swimming, sunbathing, walking the boardwalk, fishing, and enjoying water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. +1 You can also enjoy picnics and watch the sunset.
Yes, Pilot Bay is a popular spot for swimming, especially for families, as the waters are generally calmer than the ocean side.
For stunning views, aim for sunrise or sunset. Sunsets at Pilot Bay are particularly famous and draw a crowd.
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants in the Mount Maunganui area, including options for vegan food. Weekend markets also offer food stalls.
Absolutely! Pilot Bay has picnic tables and grassy areas perfect for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Pilot Bay offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
The Mount Maunganui (Mauao) itself is a prominent landmark. You can also photograph the beach, the Norfolk pines, and any visiting cruise ships.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws and aviation authority rules before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay and Mount. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details or distant ships.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The grassy areas and boardwalk provide ample space for kids to run around and enjoy picnics. Remember to bring beach toys and plenty of sunscreen for a full day of family fun. 🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Fitness Enthusiasts
+2 Paddleboarding and jet skiing are also readily available for a more adventurous workout. +1📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
The dramatic lighting creates stunning opportunities to capture the Mount, the bay, and the ocean. Keep an eye out for cruise ships as they add a unique element to the seascape. The boardwalk offers excellent vantage points for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Mount Maunganui (Mauao)
Many visitors choose to hike up for sunrise, a truly magical experience that rewards early risers with spectacular colours painting the sky.
Beyond the hike, the base of the Mount offers a vibrant atmosphere with grassy areas for picnics, accessible restrooms, and often vendors selling refreshments or offering activities. It's a place where you can easily spend a few hours soaking in the natural beauty and active lifestyle of the area.
Water Activities and Recreation
+1 The calmer waters of Pilot Bay make it an ideal spot for beginners to try out these activities. For those seeking a more relaxed aquatic experience, swimming in Pilot Bay is a common pastime. The bay's sheltered nature provides a safer environment for families and casual swimmers compared to the open ocean.
You might also see people enjoying open water swimming as part of their training routines. +1Beyond the active pursuits, Pilot Bay is also a place for leisurely boat rides. Kewpie Cruises offer one-hour trips that depart from the Pilot Bay jetty, providing a different perspective of the coastline.
The presence of cruise ships docking or departing from Pilot Bay also adds a unique visual element to the bay. Local Flavors and Markets
For dining, there are numerous cafes and restaurants catering to various tastes. You can find options for vegan food, as highlighted by local creators, making it a destination that accommodates different dietary preferences.
Keep an eye out for special events and pop-ups, like the viral chocolate strawberries mentioned by a local vendor, which add to the dynamic food culture of the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit