10 Things To Do In Papamoa, New Zealand

1. Bare your skin at Papamoa Beach

A visit to Papamoa, New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a day at Papamoa Beach. It has a 16-km (9.9 mi) stretch of white sand, a nice spot for everyone to unwind. But if you’re the adventurous type, head to the nudist beach part of Papamoa.

It’s perfect if you want to feel free from restrictions and be truly one with nature even for just a while. You don’t have to be nude all the time if you’re not up for that yet. You can opt to skinny dip and then go back to wearing clothes while on the beach. The nudist beach can be found at the Maranui Street and Papamoa Beach Road junction. Be on the lookout for signs letting you know if it’s all right to strip naked.

Papamoa Beach

Address: 535 Papamoa Beach Road, Papamoa, New Zealand

2. Grab a beer at Papamoa Beach Tavern

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Beer with wood-fired pizzas is a perfect combination. You can be here with friends or have solo fun solo too. If you’re travelling with friends, hang out at Papamoa Beach Tavern. The food tastes as good as they look. The drinks are equally satisfying. They have cocktails, milkshakes, and more. But since you’re there, might as well try the locally brewed Easy Lager.

Papamoa Beach Tavern

Address: 20 Domain Road, Papamoa 3118 New Zealand

Website: Papamoa Beach Tavern

Opening hours: 12pm - 8:30pm (daily)

3. Escape from the virtual ancient ruins at The Cave

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Cave’s escape rooms stand out for two reasons. First, they are virtual. The escape rooms transport you to another world and you are not limited by any physical boundaries. Second, The Cave set the escape rooms in the world of two Ubisoft games known for their action-packed adventures, ancient myths, and stunning cinematography.

If you’ve enjoyed playing Assassin’s Creed or Prince of Persia, you’re going to love this. Not a gamer? No problem. You don’t need to have played the game to enjoy the lore and the picturesque scenery. Even better, instead of playing it through a console, you get to live inside the game’s world thanks to The Cave’s impressive virtual reality tech.

Don’t get too distracted by the sights though. Remember you’re trapped and need to escape for your life. Escape rooms at The Cave come in easy, medium, and difficult levels, so there’s one for everyone.

The Cave

Address: 7/16 Ashley Place, Papamoa Beach, Papamoa 3118, New Zealand

Website: The Cave

Opening hours: Sun, Wed & Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

4. Trek the hills of Papamoa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The hill is a must-climb in Papamoa especially if you’d like a bird’s eye view. There are several tracks you can follow in Papamoa Hills Regional Park, most of which lead to a pa site (a traditional Maori defensive settlement or hillfort). You get to see a stunning view of Papamoa and take a peek into its culture. Why wouldn’t that be fun?

You can find more information about the tracks on their website and on the information board found at the car park, so you can plan your path ahead of time.

Papamoa Hills Regional Park

Address: Poplar Lane, Papamoa 3187, New Zealand

Website: Papamoa Hills Regional Park

Opening hours: Winter: 6:30am - 7pm; Summer: 6:30am - 9pm (daily, may vary on observed holidays)

5. Bike your way up Summerhill Mountainbike Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Time to get even more active. Right next to the regional park is Summerhill Farm Summerhill Mountainbike Park is good for casual walks up the hill and if you just want to chill as you take in the view. It is even better with a mountain bike.

If you want to feel the adrenaline rushing through your veins, the farm has several mountain biking trails made for beginners to experts. Mountain biking has its dangers so be sure to choose a path according to your skills and follow the existing path. It is open daily, from dawn till dusk.

Summerhill Mountainbike Park

Address: 319 Reid Road, Papamoa 3187, New Zealand

Website: Summerhill Mountainbike Park

6. Satisfy your cravings and shopping needs at Papamoa Plaza

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If shopping is your kind of fun (or maybe you just need to replenish your stocks), this is the place to go. When you’re done shopping, you can pamper yourself in the salon or sample the offerings at the food court. If you like sweets, you’ll find ice cream, shakes, and milk tea in all sorts of flavors at Shake Shed and Co. If you’re craving for cakes, there’s the Cheesecake Shop. This shop offers vegan cheesecakes if you have that dietary requirement. Of course, there are also stalls that offer dishes if you’re looking for a proper meal.

The plaza also has amenities that are definitely helpful if you’re traveling with children. There’s a play area for toddlers and a parent’s room, where you can find a feeding area, baby changing tables, and toddler toilet.

Papamoa Plaza is basically the local community hub, so you’ll likely find whatever you need. And depending on the timing of your visit, you might catch some of the events like the annual Santa parade.

Papamoa Plaza

Address: 7 Gravatt Rd, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga

Website: Papamoa Plaza

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

7. Skate at Gordon Spratt Reserve Skate Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is the only skate park in Papamoa if we don’t count the ones in nearby Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. So if you can’t leave your skateboard behind when you travel, then you’re in luck. Skating isn’t your kind of fun? No problem. Gordon Spratt Reserve also has facilities for other sports such as tennis or soccer. It’s also a popular site for jogging and cycling. If your accommodation happens to be nearby, you can start your day here with a jog.

And if the timing’s right, you might be there for the Papamoa Lions Club Market, where you can find fresh produce, bargain finds, and more. It’s held on Gordon Spratt Reserve every second and fourth Sunday of the month around 6:30 in the morning.

Gordon Spratt Reserve Skate Park

Address: 120 Parton Road, Papamoa Beach, Papamoa 3118, New Zealand

8. Ride a horse along the beach

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Taking a stroll along the beach is fine and dandy. But what if you can gallop on a horse? Book a horse (or a pony or a donkey) at Ponies Plus and you can try it for yourself. Imagine how much fun (and cool) it would be to go the length of the coastline on a horseback. You can also try a horse cart or pony buggy if you’d like.

Ponies Plus

Address: 33 Tara Road, Papamoa

Website: Ponies Plus

9. Camp at Papamoa Beach Resort (from USD 112)

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Now, if your idea of something exciting is living with the bare essentials, camping at Papamoa Beachfront is the one for you. Pitch a tent at the campsite or on the beachfront and let your primal instincts take over.

Don’t worry about basic hygiene needs. The beachfront provides hot showers, bathroom, and laundry facilities among other amenities. If you’re camping with kids, your active little ones might enjoy the giant jumping pillows on the playground.

10. Be in awe of nature's beauty at Summerhill Estate Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Yes, it’s a golf course but no, you don’t need to be a pro golfer to appreciate the place and take advantage of what it has to offer.

This 36 par 9 hole golf course sits atop the hill. Just imagine how picturesque the view would be. Fresh air, mature trees, serene atmosphere. If you need another reminder of how amazing nature is and how good it feels to be surrounded by it, don’t forget to include this on your things to do.

Summerhill Estate Golf Course

Address: 23 Summerhill Drive, Papamoa 3187, New Zealand

Website: Summerhill Estate Golf Course

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 6:10am - 8:30pm; Sat: 6am - 8:30pm

A piece of Papamoa for everyone

Some travel to relax, some to seek a new adventure, and others to shop or try local food. Whatever makes you happy when traveling, Papamoa will not disappoint. Don’t miss out on all the destinations and things to do in Papamoa, New Zealand.