With some great day trip options available in the surrounding area, renting a car makes good sense. Without one, it’d be much harder to experience all that Pilot Bay Beach, 17 miles away, has to offer. Among the first stops you make here should be Mount Maunganui, ASB Baypark and Mount Maunganui Beach. Whakarewarewa is another terrific option. It’s 30 miles away and offers a variety of fascinating things to do. Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village, Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve are only the start.