Mount Maunganui — Attraction in North Island

Mount Maunganui in Tauranga Visited on 29/1/2019

Mount Maunganui is also known by the Maori as Mauao. It is a large lava dome formed two to three million years ago.

Do not be deceived by the name "Mount Maunganui". It is nothing more than just a low hill of 232 metres.

We walk along the Salisbury Wharf / Pilot Bay side, following the board walk.

My wife and I take the easier Base Track, while our friends decide to walk up to the summit by the Summit Track. Although the latter is a shorter track, it demands more stamina to walk up the slope.

From the track, we can catch a good view of the picturesque Pilot Bay, and some ships sailing pass.

It is a hot day, and we finish drinking the water we take along before we complete our walk. The ending point is on the different side of the peninsula.

We are surprised that our friends arrive at the foothill 20 minutes later than us. We meet at the information centre, and cool ourselves down in air-conditioned comfort.

What a relief! Toilets facilities are available near the...

The short trek to the top is a must-do when visiting Tauranga. Splendid views of the ocean, beach, and town at the top, and there are a few spots up there where you can actually sit or stand by the edge of the rocks and take great photos. It's a bit easy to find where those spots are as there is almost always a queue for people taking turns to have there photos taken by the edge of the rocks. Quite dangerous and may not be good for some though.

Would recommend using the other trail you did not take heading up when going down, as both trails offer different views. Although from experience most people heading up take the short, narrow, and steeper trail; and would suggest doing the same as it's quite hard to come down with all the people on their way up on a...

Highly recommend getting up early and watching the sunrise at the summit. Spectacular! Also loved the walk around the base, stunning views. It took us about 25 mins to walk to, including time to stop and take photos and enjoy the sheep, haha! Then we spent about 1 hour up the top just enjoying the views. We took the blue (from the caravan park) and then switched to the red line, up and then the purple and green line (to the beach side) down. It its moderate to hard due to the constant incline, but it is so worth it and if you get up early enough you can just take your time getting up, there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view and catch your breath, which is worth it because you might go back down a...