Mauao (Mount Maunganui) Summit Track
Mauao
A 232-meter extinct volcano at the tip of the peninsula. The summit takes about 40 minutes to reach, and from the top you get a 360-degree view of the white-sand beaches, the harbor, and Tauranga Harbour.
Mauao is an extinct volcano at the tip of the Mount Maunganui peninsula. It stands 232 meters tall and is a sacred mountain for the local Māori iwi.
Several trails lead to the summit. The most common routes start from the base and are the Summit Road and the Waikorire Track. The one-way hike takes about 40 to 60 minutes. The gradient is steep, but the paths are well maintained. From the top, you can see the main beach, Pilot Bay, Tauranga Harbour, and the islands in the distance. Sunrise is especially popular.
The Base Track is a flat, easy 3.4-km loop around the foot of the mountain. You may spot sea lions resting on the rocks.
Admission is free, and the trails are open all day. Bring plenty of water. Trails get slippery after rain, so stay on the marked paths.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mount Hot Pools
- Mount Main Beach
- Pilot Bay
- Moturiki (Leisure) Island & Blowhole
- The Elms Mission House
- Tauranga Waterfront & The Strand
- Waimarino Adventure Park
- Te Puna Quarry Park