Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit — Attraction in North Island

Embarking on the Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit hike is an exhilarating journey, offering awe-inspiring panoramas from the summit and captivating sights throughout the ascent. The hike, typically a 45-minute to 1-hour climb, rewards the adventurous with breathtaking vistas that make every step worthwhile. It’s essential to come prepared with suitable hiking shoes and a backpack to carry water, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

For those seeking a challenge, the route starting from the beach side, adorned with numerous stairs, presents a robust pathway. This route is particularly recommended as it reduces the likelihood of slipping on steep gravel sections, a common feature on this trail. Conversely, if a more relaxed hike is preferred, beginning from the pilot bay side, characterized by its gravel path and fewer stairs, is an ideal choice.

During the summer months, it’s advisable to plan your hike for early morning or late afternoon. The cooler temperatures during these times offer a more pleasant experience, as the midday sun can intensify the heat, making the journey more strenuous.

Descending the trail, which typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, provides a different perspective of the stunning surroundings. The beach side descent, with its abundance of stairs, complements the ascent on the harbor side, making the entire experience well-rounded and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re seeking a vigorous challenge or a leisurely stroll with nature, the Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit hike is a must-try adventure that promises to enrich your spirit and invigorate...

Tauranga’s iconic mountain is a great place to grab a bit of exercise before you settle into a hard day’s relaxation down on the beach. The peak itself is composed of a solidified rhyolite lava dome which upwelled around three million years ago. According to Māori legend, the peak is the pononga (slave) of a much bigger mountain called Otanewainuku.

There are two ways to climb “The Mount”: one easy, one hard. If you feel like a real workout, take the path behind the camping ground which leads up to the summit via a series of leg-bursting stairways. For those of you who prefer a more sedate approach, walk along Adams Avenue to the Pilot Bay side of the peak at the end of The Mall. From there, follow the gravel road which curves up and around the north-western side of the mountain. This route takes you through some sloping sheep fields and up through shady forest to the summit. You can then descend via the steps.

From the summit of Mount Maunganui you have a superb view of the Port of Tauranga, the city itself, the long sweep of Papamoa Beach and the big blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Take you time and enjoy the walk...let the fitzbos run up if...

Amazing short hike. Many routes to take. Well signposted. I hiked during day, so can’t say much about hiking in the night/dark, but I did not see any lights on the way. So I assume maybe it will be difficult to see in the dark? 😕

The hike can take between 25 mins to 1 hour depending on how fit you are and which route you take. There are multiple routes you can take, with different routes having different levels of elevation - so some are moderate, easy or hard. It will tell you on the map at the base of the mount.

Hike back down is quicker, but when wet, it can be slippery, especially down the steeper route. So take extra care.

On the steep route which goes past the watertower, there are plenty of places with benches to stop for a moment of reflection, with a view of Tauranga Docks (west of the mount).

On the route there several posts with information about local history. The routes are well signposted to point you in the...