Mt Maunganui (Mauao) Summit Walk

You can see Mount Maunganui’s iconic mountain, Mauao, for miles around – and when you’re standing at its summit, the view is even more impressive. You can survey the entire Western Bay of Plenty from this vantage point – right down the white sand coastline to Papamoa and beyond, over the harbour and Tauranga’s city suburbs, and north across Matakana Island towards Bowentown and Waihi Beach. The Kaimai Ranges loom in the distance behind Tauranga while the blue Pacific Ocean stretches out as far as your eyes can see. The view is simply breathtaking. Make sure you take a camera with you to snap a selfie with the city and beach far below. It’ll take between 30 minutes and 45 minutes to reach the summit, depending on how frequently you stop along the way. Once you’re at the top, there’s the odd picnic table and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the 360° view. Seek shade in the large pohutukawa trees or find a large rock to perch on.