With New Zealand’s first council-owned beach access mats, Tauranga is leading the way, helping everyone enjoy the beach.
The beach access mat is a portable rollout mat that creates a sturdy and visible access path to the beach. Anyone can use the matting, but it’s especially helpful for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters or strollers.
The first mat was trialled at Mount Maunganui Main Beach in December 2016 and was a huge success.
We’re exploring additional locations for beach mats. Current locations include:
- Near Hopukiore (Mount Drury)
- 64 Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui
- 164 Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui
- Pāpāmoa Domain
Accessible beach facilities and equipment
We have a range of accessible beach facilities and equipment available, including:
- An accessible changing facility at Hopukiore – Mount Drury Reserve
- Beach wheelchairs
- The Trail Rider (an all-terrain wheelchair)
- Accessible picnic tables
Read more here on how to access these facilities
Other accessible beach equipment
Other organisations also have accessible equipment available for hire, including a beach buggy and beach chair. Bookings are required.