Belle Mer Beach Front Apartments offers apartment-style stays right on the Mount Maunganui beachfront, with balconies facing the sea and a short walk to the main street. The apartments are designed for holiday living, with kitchens, laundry and open living areas, and the location puts the surf beach almost at your door. It is a good option for those who want the beach holiday experience without a car, and it suits couples, families and small groups. In summer you wake to the sound of waves, and in winter the quiet beach is dramatic and empty.
Position is everything. From the front, you can walk to the beach in moments, then back for a shower and a barbecue. Cafes, bakeries and restaurants are within a few minutes, and Mauao rises at the end of the strip. Parking is often provided, which is valuable in the peak season. Evenings can be lively in summer, and quieter in winter, when the town returns to local rhythms.
Apartments vary in size, from one-bedroom units to larger layouts. Expect modern, bright interiors, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony, with some rooms facing the ocean and others looking over the street. Sea-view rooms are a delight, though they can cost more. Laundry facilities make longer stays more practical. As with all beachfront apartments, check noise levels at weekends if you are a light sleeper.
Who it suits
Couples wanting a romantic beach break, families with older children and groups of friends. The property rewards early booking in January and February, school holidays and long weekends. For off-peak visits, ask about minimum-stay rules and discounts for longer bookings. A stay at Belle Mer is as close as you can get to the classic Mount Maunganui holiday, and it is easy to arrange a beach day, a summit walk and dinner on the same day.
Think carefully about orientation when you book. Rooms facing the sea give the beach experience but may catch more wind and noise, while rooms facing the mountain are often quieter. If you work remotely, a balcony and a table make a pleasant office for a few hours. Book dinner reservations early in summer, as popular restaurants fill on weekends. After a day outdoors, the apartments are an easy retreat where the sound of the waves does the rest.
Pack a light jacket for evenings on the balcony, since sea breezes cool quickly after sunset even in summer. If you are travelling in a group, ask about connecting or adjacent apartments so that everyone has space but you can still share dinner together. A small beach kit of towels, sunscreen and a frisbee goes a long way here.
Why stay here
- ✓Beachfront location
- ✓Ocean-view balconies
- ✓Full kitchens
- ✓Laundry facilities
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Parking on site
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Walk to cafes
Good questions
Is Belle Mer on the beachfront?+
Yes. It is on the Mount Maunganui beachfront, a short walk from the sand.
Are there ocean views?+
Some apartments face the sea. Request an ocean-view unit when you book.
Is parking available?+
Parking is usually provided, but confirm for your dates.