Mauao, the 232-metre volcanic cone that locals simply call "the Mount", is the landmark that defines Tauranga. It is a sacred maunga to local iwi, and its name means "caught by the dawn". In Māori tradition a lonely, nameless hill begged the patupaiarehe (the fairy people) to drag him into the sea to end his heartbreak. They began hauling him through the night from the inland forest toward the ocean, but the sun rose before they reached the water, fixing him forever at the harbour entrance, caught by the morning light.
Geologically it is a rhyolite dome that rises straight out of the sea at the end of a narrow sandy isthmus, with the open Pacific surf on one side and the calm harbour on the other. A gentle, pram-friendly base track loops 3.4km right around its foot, while a steeper summit track zig-zags to the top for a 360-degree panorama over the city, the harbour, Motiti Island and the surf far below. At the base, the Mount village is packed with cafes, brunch spots and surf shops, and the ocean beach runs for kilometres of golden sand.
From Coastal Cottage it is roughly a 15-minute, 13-kilometre drive: head out of Matua onto Takitimu Drive and Hewletts Road, then cross the harbour bridge into Mount Maunganui. It is the one outing every visitor to the Bay should do at least once.
Highlights
The summit climb
A steep but short zig-zag to the top (allow 45 to 60 minutes up) rewards you with a full 360° panorama over the harbour, the city, Motiti Island and the surf rolling in below.
The base track
A flat, easy 3.4km loop suitable for the whole family and prams, hugging the shoreline the whole way around.
Main Beach surf
Consistent, beginner-friendly waves. Bring the surfboards from the cottage and make a morning of it.
The Mount village
Finish with brunch, an ice cream or a coffee among the Bay's best beachside cafes and restaurants.
Tips for your visit
- Go early. Parking near the base fills fast on summer mornings, and sunrise from the summit is unforgettable.
- Wear proper shoes for the summit track, it is steep and can be slippery after rain.
- Pair the climb with a soak at the Mount Hot Pools right at the base.
Getting there from the cottage
About a 15-minute drive from the cottage, straight across the harbour bridge into Mount Maunganui.
Best time to visit
Year-round for the walk. Summer is best for swimming and surf, and sunrise climbs are spectacular in any season.