Arataki Beach is a sandy swimming and surfing beach in the Arataki area of Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, rated 4.8 from 148 Google reviews. Visitors describe clean, wide stretches of smooth sand and blue water, room for long walks and a relaxed, family-friendly feel; sunrises get a special mention.
A day at the beach is shaped by tide and light: low tide leaves firm, flat sand that is easiest underfoot, while early morning and the hour before sunset are calmest and best for photos. On the Bay of Plenty coast the water tends to be gentler in the mornings, and in the busy summer season swimmers should swim between the flags where patrols operate. New Zealand's sun is strong even on an overcast day: sunscreen, a hat and shade matter more than most visitors expect.
For smooth sand, wide open space and an easy beach walk in Mount Maunganui, Arataki Beach is a natural stop on any Tauranga itinerary.