Discover Pāpāmoa,
from the locals who know it

Your local guide to the best restaurants, trusted trades, accommodation and everything you need in Pāpāmoa.

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Where to Eat

Cafés, restaurants, takeaways & bars

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Services & Trades

Tradies & local experts for every job

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Where to Shop

Stores, boutiques & everyday essentials

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What to Do

Activities, attractions & experiences

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Where to Stay

Accommodation for every kind of stay

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Featured local businesses

Hand-picked Pāpāmoa businesses to know this week.

Featured spots are paid placements. Paying never changes who we list or what we write. How we make money

The Wagon - gourmet burgers and cocktails in Pāpāmoa

The Wagon

Burgers & bar · Toorea Street

Gourmet burgers, craft cocktails and shared plates at Pāpāmoa Junction.

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Tara Road Dental - Pāpāmoa dentist

Tara Road Dental

Dentist · Tara Road

Modern, family-focused dental care - general, cosmetic and orthodontics.

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Karaka Pines Pāpāmoa - beachside retirement village

Karaka Pines

Retirement village · Pāpāmoa Beach

Beachside over-55 lifestyle village with resort-style amenities.

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Pāpāmoa at a glance

Read more about Pāpāmoa →
16km
of white sand beach along the Pacific Ocean
37,800
Pāpāmoa residents
15min
east of Tauranga · 10 min from Mount Maunganui
Fast-growing
one of NZ's fastest-growing beach communities

What’s happening in Pāpāmoa

Recent local news and upcoming events from across the community.

Latest local updates

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Jul 2026
Matariki long weekend: public holiday Friday 10 JulyCommunity

Matariki falls on Friday 10 July this year, a three-day weekend in the middle of the school holidays. Most public facilities close on the day.

 Jul 2026
School holidays on now, Term 3 starts 20 JulyCommunity

The winter break runs 4 to 19 July for all Pāpāmoa schools. Term 3 begins Monday 20 July and runs to Friday 25 September.

 Sep 2026
Zespri AIMS Games return 5-11 SeptemberSport

New Zealand’s largest intermediate schools sports tournament runs 5 to 11 September across Tauranga venues. Local accommodation books out, so plan early.

Upcoming events

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Sep
5
Zespri AIMS Games 2026Sport
Tauranga5–11 Sep
2026
TBC
Dinner at the DomainFood
Pāpāmoa DomainDate TBC
Sat
8am
ParkrunWeekly
Various Tauranga locationsEvery Saturday

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Pāpāmoa?

Pāpāmoa offers 16 kilometres of white sand beach, surfing, fishing, walking tracks through Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park, and the Gordon Spratt Reserve wetland walk. Dining options range from gourmet restaurants and cafes to takeaways and Indian cuisine. Shopping includes Fashion Island, Pāpāmoa Plaza, and The Sands town centre. The area hosts the Zespri AIMS Games each September, New Zealand’s largest intermediate school sports tournament. Browse all things to do →

How far is Pāpāmoa from Tauranga?

Pāpāmoa is approximately 15 kilometres east of Tauranga city centre, about a 15–20 minute drive via State Highway 2. Mount Maunganui is roughly 10 minutes west of central Pāpāmoa. Tauranga Airport is approximately 20 minutes away.

Is Pāpāmoa good for families?

Yes. Pāpāmoa is one of the most popular family destinations in the Bay of Plenty. It has eight schools including primary, secondary, Catholic and Māori immersion options, extensive parks and playgrounds, a public library, multiple sports clubs, and a long flat beach that is well-patrolled in summer. Pacific Park Christian Holiday Camp is consistently rated Pāpāmoa’s top family accommodation on TripAdvisor. Schools in Pāpāmoa →

Where can I find the best restaurants in Pāpāmoa?

Pāpāmoa’s dining scene includes The Wagon on Toorea Street (gourmet burgers and cocktails), PAP House on Pāpāmoa Beach Road (dog-friendly restaurant and bar), The Pizza Pundits at 1/898 Pāpāmoa Beach Road (consistently top-rated on TripAdvisor), and Mumbai Masala at Fashion Island (consistently top-rated Indian restaurant). Blackberry Eatery is a popular brunch spot. Full Food & Drink directory →

What accommodation is available in Pāpāmoa?

Pāpāmoa has a range of accommodation including Pacific Park Christian Holiday Camp (the area’s highest-rated, alcohol-free holiday park), Tasman Holiday Parks Pāpāmoa Beach (beachfront), Beach House Motel, The Reef Beachfront Apartments, and numerous short-stay rental homes. Accommodation books out completely during the Zespri AIMS Games (September) and in peak summer. Booking early is strongly advised. Browse all accommodation →

What are the shopping centres in Pāpāmoa?

Pāpāmoa has three main retail centres: Pāpāmoa Plaza in the west (anchor tenants include Countdown supermarket), Fashion Island on Gravatt Road (specialty stores and dining), and The Sands in Pāpāmoa East (New World supermarket, opened 2024, plus retail and dining). A fourth centre is under development at Te Tumu. Shopping centres guide →