Camping in Mount Maunganui has long been a favourite summer activity for New Zealand families and visitors alike. The combination of a world-class beach, the striking volcanic cone of Mauao, and a laid-back coastal town makes it an obvious choice for a camping holiday. But if you are planning a trip in 2026 or beyond, you need to know about some significant changes. A large landslide on Mauao in January 2026 has forced the indefinite closure of the town’s main holiday park and the mountain itself. This article explains what has happened, what camping options remain, and how to make the most of your time in the Bay of Plenty.
What Has Happened at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park?
On 22 January 2026, a major landslide occurred on Mauao, the iconic mountain that rises from the end of the Mount Maunganui peninsula. The event triggered a safety exclusion zone that closed the mountain, its base track, the boat ramp, the jetty, and the trailer parking area at Pilot Bay. Because the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park sits directly at the base of the mountain, it was also shut down indefinitely. The official park website states it is “closed until further notice.” All bookings up to and including September 2026 have been cancelled and refunded. For bookings beyond September 2026, the park is waiting on a decision about its future, so anybody with a reservation for late 2026 or 2027 should keep an eye on the park’s official website for updates. Before the closure, adult rates for the park ranged from $59 to $78 per night in high season and $54 to $59 in low season. Those prices are no longer valid as the park is currently not accepting any bookings.
Cosy Corner Holiday Park: A Summer-Only Alternative
Fortunately, there is another camping option within Mount Maunganui itself. Cosy Corner Holiday Park is a family-owned park that has been operating since 1968. It sits just 80 metres from the beach and offers a range of accommodation: powered sites for campervans and caravans, unpowered tent sites, cabins, and on-site caravans. Facilities include free WiFi, a communal kitchen, a BBQ area, a laundry, a swimming pool that is open in summer, and a games room. However, there is an important catch. Cosy Corner is a summer-only park. It opens from 20 December each year and closes after Easter, with an additional opening for Labour Weekend. If you are planning a camping trip outside these dates, Cosy Corner will not be available. The park does not publish its daily rates on its main website, so you will need to contact them directly or check their booking system for exact prices.
Freedom Camping in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga
If you have a self-contained motorhome or campervan, freedom camping could be a cheaper alternative. The Tauranga City Council permits freedom camping only in designated reserves, roads, and car parks. The rules are strict: only self-contained vehicles that meet the official self-containment standard are allowed. No tents or non-self-contained vehicles can freedom camp anywhere in the city. The council does not provide facilities like toilets, showers, or dump stations at freedom camping locations, so you must be fully self-sufficient. The specific locations of freedom camping spots within Mount Maunganui are not listed in the available information, so it is essential to check the Tauranga City Council website before you arrive. They have a map and list of approved sites. Remember that freedom camping is not an option for tent campers or people in standard cars.
What About the Rest of Mount Maunganui?
While the closure of Mauao and the Beachside Holiday Park is a big change, the town itself remains largely open. The Mount Maunganui township, its shops, cafes, restaurants, and the main beach along Marine Parade are all unaffected. The restrictions apply only to Mauao and the immediate affected areas. So you can still enjoy the excellent surf, the coastal walks along the beach (not the base track), and the vibrant town centre. The Pilot Bay area is also impacted because the boat ramp and jetty are closed, but the beach itself is open. Visitors should respect all safety signs and do not attempt to access the closed zones around the mountain.
Planning Your Camping Trip to Mount Maunganui
Given the current situation, careful planning is more important than ever. Here are a few practical steps:
- Check the holiday park websites first. Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park is closed indefinitely. Cosy Corner Holiday Park is open only from December to Easter, plus Labour Weekend. Do not assume you can book outside those windows.
- If you are travelling outside summer, consider camping elsewhere in the Bay of Plenty. Other holiday parks in Tauranga, Papamoa, or along the coast offer year-round facilities. You can still visit Mount Maunganui as a day trip.
- For freedom campers, verify your vehicle is certified self-contained. Carry your warrant of self-containment certificate and check the Tauranga City Council website for approved locations. Remember that freedom camping is not free in the sense of no rules – you must stick to designated spots.
- Book early if you want Cosy Corner. It is a small, family-owned park, and its limited summer availability means it fills up fast, especially around holidays.
- Stay flexible. The situation on Mauao may change in future. Keep an eye on the official Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park website and local news for any updates on the reopening.
Travellers who are primarily interested in the beach and town will still have a wonderful time. Mount Maunganui is known for its relaxed vibe and excellent seafood, and those experiences are all still available. Just adjust your expectations for the mountain walk and the camping location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park open?
No. The park has been closed indefinitely following the Mauao landslide on 22 January 2026. All bookings up to September 2026 have been cancelled and refunded. Bookings beyond September 2026 are still pending a decision, so check the park’s official website for the latest update.
Can I still walk around Mauao (the Mount)?
No. Mauao is closed until further notice, including the popular base track, the boat ramp, the jetty, and the trailer parking at Pilot Bay. A safety exclusion zone is in place. You can still enjoy other walks along the beach and the town area.
Is Cosy Corner Holiday Park open all year?
No. Cosy Corner is a summer-only holiday park. It opens on 20 December and closes after Easter, with an additional opening on Labour Weekend. Outside these dates the park is not available for camping.
Where can I freedom camp in Mount Maunganui?
Freedom camping is permitted only in designated council reserves, roads, and car parks, and only for self-contained vehicles. The Tauranga City Council website lists the specific locations. Tents and non-self-contained vehicles are not allowed to freedom camp anywhere in the city.
What should I do if I had a booking at Beachside Holiday Park after September 2026?
At this stage the park is waiting for a decision about its future. You should monitor the official Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park website for updates. As of the current information, no refunds or cancellations have been announced for bookings beyond September 2026.
Camping in Mount Maunganui still has a lot to offer, but it requires a bit more research than in previous years. Whether you opt for Cosy Corner in summer, explore freedom camping options, or base yourself elsewhere in the Bay of Plenty, the iconic beach and town are very much open for your next holiday.
