Harbour side Mount Maunganui / Tauranga another hot contender for one of New Zealand’s top beaches. The calm water is a great place for kayaking, SUP beginners and for adults to watch ships departing the nearby busy Tauranga port. The beach is popular for its sunset views. The views of the port, the beach and nearby Mount is the making of a great day at the beach. There are lifeguards during the peak summer season patrolling from Main Beach.