Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

The over-commercialized beach resort of MOUNT MAUNGANUI huddles under the extinct volcanic cone of the same name – a landmark visible throughout the western Bay of Plenty. "The Mount", as hill and town are often known, was once an island but is connected to the mainland by a narrow neck of dune sand (a tombolo), covered with apartment blocks, shops, restaurants and houses. The Mount's saving grace is the 20km-long golden strand of Ocean Beach, an unbroken sweep stretching more than 20km east to Papamoa and beyond, wonderful for swimming and surfing. The Mount also has a reputation as a party town, especially at New Year.