Mount Maunganui: Mauao

The story of Mauao, his tracks and beaches

Mauao (or Mt Maunganui), situated on Tauranga Harbour's eastern entrance, was once a nameless hill.

According to Maori legend, this hill was a pononga [slave] to a mountain called Otanewainuku. The pononga was in love with a hill called Puwhena, but she had already fallen for his captor.

In despair, the nameless hill decided to drown himself and he called upon the fairy people [Patupaiarehe] to assist with his endeavour. The fairy people began dragging him toward the sea, however, these nocturnal imps lost track of time, and as they neared the ocean, the rising sun signalled their disappearance.

The nameless one was left in the very place where he still stands, and became known as Mauao, which means "caught by the dawn."

Today, he still faces day’s first light; as do many who walk his 3.4-km base, which passes by remote beaches and rocky cliffs. Sea lions and whales are often seen in this area and it remains a fantastic standpoint to watch ships head in and out of the Port of Tauranga.

It takes around 30-minutes (for the relatively fit) to reach Mauao’s summit; a hike that bestows 360 degree views over nearby islands and the wider Bay of Plenty region.

This location has long been a favourite holiday destination for kiwis, in particular Main Beach. A beautiful white sandy beach, it's the base for a host of activities such as surfing, beach volleyball and thundercat racing. You haven’t been to “The Mount” without enjoying the beach on a busy summer's day.