Key Takeaways
- Foot traffic on Maunganui Road fell to about 178,000 visits in April 2026, down from 233,000 the previous year.
- Domestic visitor days for the wider coastal Bay of Plenty region dropped 15 %; international visitor days rose 11 % compared with January.
- The closure of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) after the April 11 landslide has created a localized “domino effect” reducing customers for hospitality and retail businesses.
- Tourism Bay of Plenty encourages visitors to explore alternative attractions such as Moturiki (Leisure Island), Hopukiore (Mt Drury), and the Marine Parade Coastal Pathway.
- Local business leaders stress that supporting Mount Maunganui’s enterprises also sustains the community’s residents, including families, health‑care workers, and students.
- Hospitality and retail sectors are adapting by adjusting hours, tightening staff, and seeking new product or service offerings to remain viable.
- A range of free and paid activities—from V8 trike tours and sauna experiences to ice‑cream spots and beachside cafés—remain available for visitors.
Foot Traffic Decline in April
Tauranga City Council’s monitoring showed approximately 178,000 visits along Maunganui Road in April 2026, a noticeable drop from the 233,000 visits recorded in April 2025. The decline reflects broader trends affecting visitor numbers in the Mount Maunganui area and raises concerns for businesses that rely heavily on foot traffic. Council data serve as an early indicator of the economic strain felt by local operators during the off‑peak season.
Tourism Bay of Plenty’s Assessment of Resilience
Oscar Nathan, general manager of Tourism Bay of Plenty, acknowledged that the period has been “tough for those closest to the maunga,” citing reduced foot traffic and visitation stemming from the closure of Mauao. Despite the challenges, Nathan highlighted the resilience demonstrated by Mount Maunganui businesses and the wider community, noting their ability to adapt and continue serving locals and visitors alike amid uncertainty.
Domestic versus International Visitor Trends
According to the organisation’s latest data, domestic visitor days for the wider coastal Bay of Plenty region fell by 15 %. Nathan attributed part of this decline to the heavy rains on January 21, which likely deterred local travel. In contrast, international visitor days—characterised by bookings made further in advance and therefore less susceptible to short‑term changes—were 11 % higher than in January, suggesting that overseas tourists remain a relatively stable segment of the market.
Impact of the Mauao Closure and Domino Effect
The main landslide on Mauao on April 11, 2026, triggered a closure that Nathan described as having a “flow‑on effect across the hospitality sector.” Mount Mainstreet chairwoman Jo Veale echoed this, calling the situation a “domino effect” where the loss of the iconic volcanic cone’s draw diminishes overall visitation, subsequently lowering patronage for nearby cafés, restaurants, and shops. The interruption has forced businesses to reconsider their reliance on the maunga as a primary visitor magnet.
Encouragement to Explore Alternative Sites
To mitigate the impact, Tourism Bay of Plenty is actively promoting other appealing locations within Mount Maunganui. Moturiki (Leisure Island), Hopukiore (Mt Drury), and the Marine Parade Coastal Pathway remain open and offer scenic walks, recreational opportunities, and photo‑worthy vistas. Nathan urged both locals and visitors to “try different eateries” and discover the variety of experiences the area still provides beyond the maunga summit.
Community‑Focused Perspective from Mount Mainstreet
Jo Veale emphasized that Mount Maunganui is more than a tourist hotspot; it is a “humming little living community.” She noted that the roughly 270 businesses in the Mount Business Association employ locals who also patronise nearby services—dentists, doctors, schools, and supermarkets. Veale argued that supporting these businesses directly benefits the families and residents who form the backbone of the area, reinforcing a reciprocal relationship between commerce and community life.
Hospitality Sector’s Response to Reduced Foot Traffic
Kristy Phillips, chief executive of Hospitality New Zealand, reported that hospitality members are experiencing customer declines of around 30 % even during what should have been peak summer trading. She described the current operating environment as “very localised and tied to a specific event,” contrasting it with broader industry disruptions. Phillips explained that many operators are tightening staff requirements and adjusting trading hours to align with the reduced flow of passers‑by, striving to maintain viability while waiting for visitor numbers to rebound.
Retailers’ Search for New Business Models
Carolyn Young, chief executive of Retail New Zealand, described the retail landscape as a “tough environment.” Retailers are grappling with how to pivot, what additional products to offer, and how to attract customers when traditional foot‑traffic‑based models have been disrupted. Young stressed that a “blow to foot traffic was a blow to revenue,” urging New Zealanders to shop locally and keep spending within the national economy to support the survival of Main Street shops.
Available Activities and Attractions in Mount Maunganui
Despite the challenges, Mount Maunganui offers a wealth of free and paid experiences. Free options include strolling along the Marine Parade Coastal Pathway, exploring Moturiki (Leisure Island), and enjoying the public beaches. Paid attractions feature V8 trike tours, Mauao Adventures, The Sauna Project, and a variety of retail outlets. Visitors can also indulge in ice‑cream at Monte Gelato or Polar Dessert Bar, and dine at beachside cafés and restaurants such as Solera, Alpino, and Rice Rice Baby. These alternatives provide ample reasons for both locals and tourists to spend time—and money—in the area.
About the Author and Closing Thoughts
Bijou Johnson, a multimedia journalist based in the Bay of Plenty, compiled this report. A Tauranga native with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University, Johnson brings a local perspective to the coverage of Mount Maunganui’s evolving situation. As the community navigates the aftermath of the Mauao closure, the collective message from officials, business leaders, and residents remains clear: supporting local enterprises helps sustain not only the economy but the very fabric of life in Mount Maunganui. By exploring alternative sites, embracing new offerings, and choosing to shop and dine locally, visitors and residents alike can aid the area’s recovery and preserve its vibrant character.