Holidaying in Mount Maunganui

Shaun Lusby and Lauris White visit the Mount from Melbourne. Photo/George Novak

Locals and holidaymakers have been enjoying their summer breaks at the beach.

Car parks down Marine Parade were full, restaurants, coffee shops and retailers were kept busy as people spent a sunny post-Boxing Day at the Mount.

Mount Main Beach was also filled with men, women and children enjoying the summer sun.

Shaun Lusby and Lauris White had been in the Bay of Plenty for about 45 minutes before they were drawn to the sun, sand and surf at Mount Main Beach.

The pair were visiting from Melbourne and had set up camp at Papamoa before they decided to visit Mauao and the beach.

Lusby and White were travelling around New Zealand and had reckoned Mount Main Beach to be one of the best in the country so far.

"It is stunning. Having the mount meet the water is luxury," Lusby said.

"We were recommended to come here by some family and friends," White said. "You are so lucky to have this here."

One man was visiting the Mount for a couple of days while on a working visa from Atlanta.

His friends Nephi Arthur and Yury Novichkov, who were also visiting from Auckland, had talked him into coming to the Mount for a holiday.

"It is beautiful here, the view and the fact that the Mount is right next to the water. I have been for a run up the mountain and have been enjoying the water here."

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SUMMER AT THE MOUNT?

"We are about to go to the beach. I just love the whole vibe."
Olivia Dobbs, 19.
"I am staying here before I have to go back to Wellington for university. I just love coming home. It is such a beautiful place."
Louise Aitken, 19.
"I have been chilling at the beach. It is so relaxing and clean here."
Shavaugn Kinsella, 17.