Access

From behind the campground at the north-western end of Marine Parade on the beach side of the town

For the 4WD track, from the northern end of Pilot Bay, on the estuary side of Mount Maunganui.

Track

A network of tracks weaves and cris-crosses the Mount to the summit. All are steep. Familiarise yourself with the track layout on the noticeboards at the start of the tracks, as navigation can sometimes be confusing.

The easiest and quickest route is to follow the 4WD track from the northern end of Pilot Bay (45 minutes one-way). This is wide and metalled.

The Oruahire Track departs from the north-western end of Mount Maunganui Beach and climbs via the historic stone steps across pasture. After approximately 15 minutes there is an option to turn left along the Waikorere Track (20 minutes one-way to the summit), or continue right along the Oruahire Track (30 minutes one-way to the summit). The Oruahire track joins the 4WD track on the north-western side of the Mount.

A signpost to the Waikorere Track below the summit climbs steeply on a stepped, but uneven track to the summit.

You can also join the Oruahire Track from an access track which climbs from the Base Track near North-West Rock.

Geology

An estimated 180 million tonnes of water flow through the Tauranga Entrance of Tauranga Harbour each tide, at the base of Mount Maunganui.

Polynesian History

According to one Maori legend, there were once three hills at the foot of the Kaimai Range. The beautiful Puwhenua was in love with Otanewainuku, a mighty hill nearby. The third hill, who was nameless, was also stricken by Puwhenua’s beauty, but was rejected by her because he was nameless.

In despair, he asked the patupaiarehe (mystical bush fairies) to cast him to sea. Working under cover of darkness, the patupaiarehe dragged him to the coast, forming the Waimapu Valley and Te Awanui (Tauranga Harbour).

At first light, the patupaiarehe had to abandon the hill alone in his final resting place. Through the ordeal he was named ‘Mauao’, which means ‘trapped by the light’.