Hotels in Papamoa, New Zealand

Explore indigenous culture and stunning landscapes in Papamoa

Located in the Bay of Plenty, Papamoa has been attracting visitors not only from New Zealand but every corner of the globe for decades. Its 10-mile long sandy beach has placed Papamoa high on the bucket lists of all beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. If swimming, surfing and sunbathing are top on your list of activities, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are hotels and apartments just steps away from Papamoa Beach. You can enjoy easy access to the beach as well as stunning views of the coast from your hotel room.

Activities and outings for all ages

Those keen to throw something different into the mix of relaxing on the beach and swimming, can enjoy a day out at the Blokart Recreation Park. Guests can choose from wind or electric powered go-carts and have a fun race on these three-wheelers with their friends and families. Apart from water sports and fun beach-side activities, Papamoa has plenty to offer those seeking to rejuvenate and get back in touch with nature. A short 15-minute drive from your Papamoa hotel will take you to the beautiful Kaiate Falls. Comfortable walking shoes and swimming costumes are a must when visiting this gorgeous spot. Guests can take a dip in the pool under the 15-metre drop falls and afterwards enjoy a picnic in the surrounding forests. After a day of reconnecting with nature and before heading back for the comfort of your hotels, you can treat yourselves to a shopping spree at the popular Papamoa Plaza.

New Zealand’s favourite beach

A 15-minute drive from your Papamoa hotel will take you to the popular tourist area of Mount Maunganui where there’s plenty to see and do for all the family. Keen golfers can test their skills at the Mount Maunganui Golf Course whilst walkers and hiking enthusiasts can climb the summit and enjoy the spectacular views of Tauranga and the coastline. There are a lot of speciality shops and little galleries in the area where you can pick up that perfect memento of your holiday in Papamoa. No visit to this area is complete without a trip to the famous Mount Maunganui Main Beach. The Mauao Mountain provides a striking backdrop to this gorgeous sandy beach which is immensely popular with swimmers and surfers from around the world. The beach can get very busy however, guests will be pleased to know that many of the hotels in Papamoa are open all year so avoiding the peak season can be a good option.

Immerse yourself in Papamoa’s fascinating Maori heritage

Apart from spectacular landscapes, Papamoa boasts an immensely rich cultural heritage. If you are staying in one of the larger hotels in the area, you can ask the front-desk staff to give you directions on how to reach the Papamoa Hills Regional Park ( Te Rae o Papamoa ) and enquire about opening hours. The park has numerous scenic nature trails so if you enjoy the outdoors and long walks, you’re bound to be in your element. As you make your way to the top of Papamoa Hills you’ll see several ancient fortifications, some of which are said to date back to 1650 AD. If visiting the park has left you wanting to learn more about the region’s fascinating history, then you should certainly consider an excursion to the Mataatua Cultural Experience Centre. An hour’s drive from Papamoa, the Centre offers visitors a cultural immersion tour by local Maori teachers. Most hotels these days offer ticket/tour assistance so you can book a place on the guided tour in advance.

A perfect outing for art buffs

Apart from its rich indigenous heritage, Papamoa also has a very lively contemporary art scene. Culture enthusiasts can set aside one afternoon to visit the Tauranga Art Gallery which opened its doors to the public in 2007. This ultra-modern and industrial looking building is about a 20-minute drive from Papamoa. The gallery showcases works by modern local artists but is also holds exhibitions of historical works produced in the region. The entrance to the gallery is free whilst most hotels can give you information regarding the gallery’s opening hours. Seminars, workshops and talks by the artists themselves are often held at the gallery so it’s worth checking what’s on before you set off from your hotels. Art aficionados might also be interested in having a peek at the works by local artist Paula Knight whose gallery is conveniently located close to the beach. Her paintings depict local landscapes, executed in bright and bold hues.

Fun & lively food festivals

If you happen to be in Papamoa between mid-November and March, you can sample some of the many local delicacies which are on offer at the ‘Dinner in the Domain’ food festival. This lively food event takes place on Thursday evenings along the beach so you can have a few drinks, enjoy good food and music and even a dip in the sea before heading back to your hotel. The offerings which range from tacos through to roast pork are produced by local restaurants so everything is guaranteed to be fresh and tasty. This fun food event is accompanied by music and various live performances making it appropriate for all age groups. Gourmet enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the event also features demonstrations by local chefs so you can learn how to prepare some of the most popular dishes in Papamoa and enjoy cooking them when you get back home.