White sandy dunes, crystal clear waters and a vibrant atmosphere are attributes which have seen Mount Maunganui crowned New Zealand's number-one beach for a third year running – just in time for the stunning 2016/2017 summer season.

Mount Maunganui clinched the top spot of TripAdvisor's 2016 Traveller's Choice Awards Top 10 Beaches - New Zealand, ahead of popular Kiwi destinations such as Piha, West Auckland, Kaiteriteri in the Tasman region and the Bay of Plenty's own Ohope, which came in at seventh place.

The Travellers' Choice award-winning beaches were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period.

Reviews for Mount Maunganui praise our beautiful beach for its pristine condition, the abundance of wildlife, development of amenities close to the beach, and the accessibility for travellers of all ages.

Tourism Bay of Plenty CEO Kristin Dunne says it's a tremendous honour to be acknowledged as the number-one beach by domestic and international visitors – and with two top beaches in the list, she adds this affirms the Bay of Plenty's position as a go-to destination for its natural attractions.

'As someone who loves to take an afternoon stroll around Mauao or enjoy fish and chips at sunset with my family, I feel incredibly heartened our patch of paradise has once again been selected by visitors for the top spot.

'We, in conjunction with our operators, council, iwi, surf lifesavers and the community at large, work hard to maintain Mount beach as a pristine coastal haven both welcoming and safe, and I'd like to take this time to thank everyone for their efforts over the years.”

As the summer season officially rolls into the region, and an estimated 20,000 visitors are due to arrive in the coastal suburb over Christmas and New Year's alone, it's not just the golden sands of Mount beach which will prove popular with visitors.

From concerts to outdoor performances, sporting events to food festivals, Kristin says these types of world-class events position the region as a place with diversity and depth – a drawcard for travellers looking for added value to their experience.

'You can take a stroll on an award-winning beach in the morning, then watch the Black Caps at Bay Oval in the afternoon, or sample local produce and craft beers at an event such as Beast of a Feast.

'Meanwhile music lovers can take their pick this season with The Winery Tour, Electric Coastlines and One Love – huge concerts which will see international and national performers exploring our region.

'We are immensely proud of our natural beauty and adding must-see events to the mix only enhances our appeal for residents and visitors over this peak season.”

While up on the Coromandel Peninsula and rounding out the top 10 was Whangamata Beach.

'Famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest, Whangamata's amazing ocean beach provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country,” says regional tourism organisation Destination Coromandel.

'The Coromandel Forest Park bordering the town provides many outdoor experiences, including short walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites. The town also has one of the best shopping centres in the region.

'A number of the houses in the area are holiday homes - providing weekend refuge and the classic kiwi beach holiday.”

Whangamata is also home of the massively popular Beach Hop festival which draws people from across New Zealand and the world to the seaside town for a five day celebration of '50s and '60s culture.