[LisaandPaul]

Hi,

Looking at a few days here towards the summer. What is the best time to go?

Also any recommendations of best place to stay? Would like to be near the beach with plenty of nearby cafe's etc.


Paul

[janrzm]

Hi

Try looking for something on Marine Parade [Mount Maunganui] , as far down as Tay street is still walkable to the cafes at the bottom of the Mount. There is also a cafe/restaurant on the corner Tay Street/Marine Parade.
Don't know what kind of acommodation you're looking for or for how many , but these are a couple in that vicinity.
www.cutterscove.co.nz
www.thepacificapartments.co.nz/holidaybookings.html
www.oceanside.co.nz
Haven't stayed in any so can't comment on if they are ok or not!
Weather wise haven't been here through the summer yet , but for instance today we sat outside a cafe , sheltered from the wind & it was beautiful.

[Ally Bally Bee]

The Mount gets jampacked for the main two weeks around Christmas and New Years so if you want to avoid crowds (and particularly young folk out on the razz) avoid these two weeks. I would happily go any time from the start of December until the end of February.
Agree with janrzm as to Marine Parade down to Tay St. Pretty much all the (beachside) cafes are at the top end of Marine Parade, although there are some good places to go on Maunganui Rd.
Can't advise on where to stay sorry as I lived close enough to drive there (when I worked in Tauranga). There are a couple of new apartment buildings though so lots of accommodation to choose from.

[Fern01]

If you are looking for a motorcamp to stay in, Papamoa Beach is a good one, close to shops and the Bayfair Shopping Centre.