🇳🇿 Mt. Maunganui: Auckland’s Perfect Weekend Escape!

Hey friends in Auckland or international travelers landing here! 🌏✈️ If you're looking for a short getaway around Auckland, consider visiting Rotorua and Tauranga together—perfect for a 1-2 day trip with plenty of highlights. The drive from Auckland takes about three hours. This post introduces Mt. Maunganui, a must-visit spot if you're in Tauranga. 🏔️ The base of the mountain is lined with cozy cafés and ice cream shops, giving off serious vacation vibes. 🍦☕ From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of a long stretch of white sandy beach (years later, I discovered Auckland has similar beaches—check my previous post or pinned collection for details!). On the other side, you’ll see sparkling ocean waters glimmering under the sun. 🌊✨ I’ve been here many times, and each visit brings something new: Sunrise adventure 🌅: Once, I went early for sunrise and saw paragliders soaring through the morning sky, their colorful parachutes dancing between the dawn and the sea—absolutely magical! 🪂 Sunset hike 🌇: Another time, I descended after dark and was surprised to find so many people still hiking or night-running with headlamps or flashlights. Wildlife encounters �: I’ve also spotted cute little rabbits hopping around! Different trails 🚶‍♂️: If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s a flat coastal loop with equally stunning views. That’s all for now—stay tuned for my next post on Rotorua’s must-visit spots! Hope this helps those planning a trip. 🍀🌞 #Auckland #AucklandLife #AucklandDayTrips #Tauranga #MtMaunganui #NewZealandTravel