Bay of PlentyBeaches & IslandsNature & Landscapes

Mount Maunganui / Mauao

Mauao's pōhutukawa-covered cone anchors a peninsula with a surf beach on one side and a calm harbour on the other, plus geothermal seawater pools at its base.

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Mount Maunganui / Mauao

Quick Facts

Region
Bay of Plenty, North Island
Best time
Nov – Apr
Entry fee
Free; hot pools from ~$25
Duration
Half day

Overview

Known to locals simply as 'The Mount', Mauao is a sacred volcanic cone at the northern tip of the Mount Maunganui peninsula in Tauranga. Māori tradition tells of the hill being dragged to its current position by patupaiarehe (fairy folk) using ropes made of vines, after falling in unrequited love.

The peninsula offers the best of both coasts: Main Beach runs along the open Pacific side and is popular with surfers, while the calmer Pilot Bay faces the harbour and suits swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. At the base of the mountain, geothermal hot saltwater pools are a popular way to unwind after a walk.

Things To Do

  • Base Track — a flat, 3.4km loop around Mauao's base, popular for an easy walk or run.
  • Summit Track — a steeper 1.5–2 hour return climb to the top for 360° views over the ocean and harbour.
  • Main Beach — a long ocean beach popular for swimming and surfing.
  • Mount Hot Pools — geothermal saltwater pools at the base of the mountain, open daily into the evening.
  • Pilot Bay — the calmer harbour-side beach, good for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Tip: Sunrise summit climbs are popular in summer — the track is quieter and cooler, and you'll have the view mostly to yourself before the day-trippers arrive.

Getting There

Mount Maunganui is about 10 minutes' drive from central Tauranga, or a short bus ride. There's parking near the base, though it fills up quickly on summer weekends.

LocationMount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116
Opening HoursBase and summit tracks accessible daily, dawn to dusk
Entry FeeFree to walk; Hot Pools from around NZD $25
DurationHalf day
AccessibilityBase Track is flat and accessible; the Summit Track is steep and unsealed

Nearby Attractions

Tauranga Waterfront

Tauranga Waterfront

The Bay of Plenty's largest city, a short drive across the harbour bridge.

Papamoa Beach

Papamoa Beach

A long stretch of sandy beach a short drive east, quieter than Main Beach.

Wai-O-Tapu

Wai-O-Tapu

Technicolour geothermal pools about an hour's drive inland near Rotorua.

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