Mount Maunganui Summit, Tauranga (must see)

The Mount Maunganui Summit, known in Māori as Mauao, is one of Tauranga’s must-visit destination for tourists. Rising 232 metres above sea level at the tip of a peninsula, it offers panoramic views of Tauranga Harbour, the Bay of Plenty coastline, and distant islands such as Motiti and Mayor. The summit walk is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the region, attracting both locals and visitors for its breathtaking scenery and invigorating climb.

There are several walking tracks to the top, ranging from shorter but steeper routes to more gradual paths that wind around the mountain’s slopes. Along the way, hikers pass through areas of native bush, open grassland, and rocky outcrops, with frequent viewpoints ideal. The tracks are well-maintained, but sturdy footwear and water are recommended, especially during the warmer months.

Reaching the summit is rewarded with a 360-degree view. To the east stretches the vast Pacific Ocean and the long sweep of Main Beach, while to the west lies the sheltered Tauranga Harbour and lush Matakana Island. On clear days, you can see as far as the Coromandel Peninsula and White Island or Whakaari. Sunrise and sunset climbs are especially memorable, with the changing light transforming the landscape into a palette of golds, pinks, and deep blues.