We stayed at the below deck with a small dog for our short holiday, which we booked a couple of months advance, so I was fortunate to find “Pet-friendly accommodation” in Papamoa.
The place had a typical Kiwi bach local ambience and was well equipped for beach holidays. It would be perfect for a family with young children, especially someone who wants to avoid the crowded Mt Maunganui area and wants to have some relaxation. There is plenty of beach accesses from the place that is in easy walking distance. We loved having the pizza shop nearby “The Pizza Library”. It was delicious. We also enjoyed strolling around the local shops.