THE BEST HIKE IN TAURANGA
07 OCTOBER 2022
In spring you'll find lots of cute lambs along the track
Summit Walk
Everyone always talks about the mount and how cool it is, so when we were planning our adventures in and around the Waikato, we knew climbing Mt Maunganui had to be on the list.
The Mt Maunganui summit track is located in Tauranga in the North Island of New Zealand and is a 3.4km track that takes you high above sea level (232 meters, to be exact) and offers incredible views across the South Pacific Ocean and across the Bay of Plenty.
New Zealand recently went through an extremely cold snap for spring, even bringing snow to sea level at some places in the South Island that hadn't seen snow for over 60 years! We got -3 in the house we were staying in, in the Waikato and it was coooold brrr. The day we climbed Mt Maunganui was the coldest day of the year and boy did we feel it! It went right through ya bones!! We saw grown men pulling their hoodies as tight around their face as possible. I can hear laughs and scoffs coming from the people across the other side of the world who experience cold weather regularly ;)
Even though it was bitterly cold (seriously, we ALMOST got frost bite! Ok, ok, just numb toes and fingers), it made the walk easier to do as it wasn't stinking hot and we didn't need to seek shade! Only a small part of the track is covered in bush, the rest is completely exposed to the weather.
The Mt Maunganui summit track is located in Tauranga in the North Island of New Zealand and is a 3.4km track that takes you high above sea level (232 meters, to be exact) and offers incredible views across the South Pacific Ocean and across the Bay of Plenty.
New Zealand recently went through an extremely cold snap for spring, even bringing snow to sea level at some places in the South Island that hadn't seen snow for over 60 years! We got -3 in the house we were staying in, in the Waikato and it was coooold brrr. The day we climbed Mt Maunganui was the coldest day of the year and boy did we feel it! It went right through ya bones!! We saw grown men pulling their hoodies as tight around their face as possible. I can hear laughs and scoffs coming from the people across the other side of the world who experience cold weather regularly ;)
Even though it was bitterly cold (seriously, we ALMOST got frost bite! Ok, ok, just numb toes and fingers), it made the walk easier to do as it wasn't stinking hot and we didn't need to seek shade! Only a small part of the track is covered in bush, the rest is completely exposed to the weather.
We had to park far away from the entrance as it was super busy that day!
Our gorgeous babies
The start of the track where it forks off to the summit track and the base track
This Track Rocks!
The start of the track starts up a few stairs and continues along a gravel path where we found some random rocks here and there. There's something about rocks and humans needing to climb and jump off them - especially kids! I love standing on them, but jumping is not my forte - I'll no doubt break an ankle which I can add to my list of current injuries!
There are rocks scattered all over the maunga (mountain) and they are great for photo ops. The girls hopped on every rock and asked for a photo!
We were missing all the limestone rocks in Northland and it made us think of the Abbey Caves track and the Whangarei Falls track... magical.
There are rocks scattered all over the maunga (mountain) and they are great for photo ops. The girls hopped on every rock and asked for a photo!
We were missing all the limestone rocks in Northland and it made us think of the Abbey Caves track and the Whangarei Falls track... magical.
Bella sure does love posing on rocks
Wheeeee I'm a bird!
The views along the track are stunning
Maori Mythology
Mt Maunganui holds a special place in the heart of the local iwi tribes who believe it to be their most sacred mountain. The mountain has many remnants of history including pa sites and there are certain areas of the mountain that are not to be walked over as they are tapu (sacred).
The mountain has a tall state called Tangaroa, who watches out to sea to tell everyone that this is his area. There is also a boulder named Te Kuia which represents an old lady who used to live on the mountain and people heading out on boats would offer a gift to her, in return for their safety out at sea.
There are many Maori tales of Mt Maunganui and one tells of the legend of Mauao who at that time, didn't have a name. Mauao lived near a hill named Puwhenua, whose heart had already been won by Otanewainuku, who Mauao was a slave to. Mauao wanted the suffering to end so he asked the fairy people (patupaiarehe) to help drown him in the South Pacific Ocean. They heaved and pulled as the ground rumbled around them from the force and a valley was gouged out from where Mauao was dragged along. Unfortunately for Mauao, the sun began to rise, causing the fairy people to run away and leave Mauao stranded there, exposing him to the sunlight where he was caught by the dawn and now he stays in him final resting place.
The mountain has a tall state called Tangaroa, who watches out to sea to tell everyone that this is his area. There is also a boulder named Te Kuia which represents an old lady who used to live on the mountain and people heading out on boats would offer a gift to her, in return for their safety out at sea.
There are many Maori tales of Mt Maunganui and one tells of the legend of Mauao who at that time, didn't have a name. Mauao lived near a hill named Puwhenua, whose heart had already been won by Otanewainuku, who Mauao was a slave to. Mauao wanted the suffering to end so he asked the fairy people (patupaiarehe) to help drown him in the South Pacific Ocean. They heaved and pulled as the ground rumbled around them from the force and a valley was gouged out from where Mauao was dragged along. Unfortunately for Mauao, the sun began to rise, causing the fairy people to run away and leave Mauao stranded there, exposing him to the sunlight where he was caught by the dawn and now he stays in him final resting place.
You'll see plenty of container ships passing by
A beautiful mural on a huge water tank
What a view!
Heading On Up
The summit walk is a 3.4km track and it took us about 40 minutes to get to the top. The track is gravel and can get steep in some places, so make sure you wear good footwear!
We couldn't believe how many amazing views there are along the track - from cute little lambs frolicking (yes, I really said frolicking) in the green grass, to huge shipping containers going in to port at Tauranga. Walks are much more exciting when there's so much to see and do along the way.
The track itself is quite steep in some places so it's a real thigh burner and we were thankful for the many bench seats and rocks along the way to have a break on.
The kids were getting a little tired 3/4 of the way up, so we created a game - first to the top gets a double scoop of ice cream! This got them going and they were almost sprinting up the path! Lath was in on it too... no one stands between him and a double scoop of ice cream!
There are multiple ways to get to the summit of Mt Maunganui and the map at the start of the track shows all the ways and they are also well sign posted along the way, however all the alternatives were closed when we went, so we took the path everyone else was taking.
It was a very busy track, we can only imagine how crazy busy it gets in summer!
We couldn't believe how many amazing views there are along the track - from cute little lambs frolicking (yes, I really said frolicking) in the green grass, to huge shipping containers going in to port at Tauranga. Walks are much more exciting when there's so much to see and do along the way.
The track itself is quite steep in some places so it's a real thigh burner and we were thankful for the many bench seats and rocks along the way to have a break on.
The kids were getting a little tired 3/4 of the way up, so we created a game - first to the top gets a double scoop of ice cream! This got them going and they were almost sprinting up the path! Lath was in on it too... no one stands between him and a double scoop of ice cream!
There are multiple ways to get to the summit of Mt Maunganui and the map at the start of the track shows all the ways and they are also well sign posted along the way, however all the alternatives were closed when we went, so we took the path everyone else was taking.
It was a very busy track, we can only imagine how crazy busy it gets in summer!
Stopping for a rest - we took the steepest track!
There are plenty of native NZ trees on the track
We definitely picked the best day to do the hike, despite the cold!
The First Stop
Near the summit of the mount, there's a huge clearing with the MOST INCREDIBLE views of Matakana Island and the South Pacific Ocean. We weren't expecting these views at all, we thought the only clearing would be at the top of the mountain!
The cliffs do drop off on these parts so definitely keep the kids away from the edge! There's plenty of grass to have a picnic on and there is one bench seat as well.
This area is a good point to turn back if you or the kids are getting tired, as you have the most incredible views... although they do get even better - keep reading.
Our girls were pretty keen to get going as they had that ice cream challenge at the front of their minds and they thought of nothing else.
The cliffs do drop off on these parts so definitely keep the kids away from the edge! There's plenty of grass to have a picnic on and there is one bench seat as well.
This area is a good point to turn back if you or the kids are getting tired, as you have the most incredible views... although they do get even better - keep reading.
Our girls were pretty keen to get going as they had that ice cream challenge at the front of their minds and they thought of nothing else.
Surprisingly, it got warmer the higher up we went!
Keep kids close on the track as there are no barriers on the cliff edge
Selfie time!
Best View In Town
A little further along, aaaalmost at the summit, there are more spectacular views and at this point, you can see down to the water. It's crystal clear and you can see so much from above. It was a great place for us to stop, take some photos and keep the kids close by so they didn't win the double scoop of ice cream!
We had hoped to see some dolphins or orcas from up there as it's the perfect spot to see any marine life swimming by, but I guess they were doing their thang somewhere else.
On this particular part of the track, there are 2 parallel paths to continue to the summit and we took the one to the left, closest to the cliff and that's where we came to the rock you can walk down a few meters to and get some great snaps.
You can see the base track from at this point too, snaking its way along the coastline. The base track is an easy track around Mt Maunganui if the thought of a hike up the mountain is making you cringe!
We had hoped to see some dolphins or orcas from up there as it's the perfect spot to see any marine life swimming by, but I guess they were doing their thang somewhere else.
On this particular part of the track, there are 2 parallel paths to continue to the summit and we took the one to the left, closest to the cliff and that's where we came to the rock you can walk down a few meters to and get some great snaps.
You can see the base track from at this point too, snaking its way along the coastline. The base track is an easy track around Mt Maunganui if the thought of a hike up the mountain is making you cringe!
There are some cool spots to take photos from if you don't mind scrambling down some boulders to get to them
There's nothing better than a bluebird day
The water was insanely clear and we had hoped to see some marine life but tough luck
At The Summit
So who won? Was it 'no one shall get ice cream before ME' Lath? Was it 'I'm actually way fitter than any of you and this is a complete breeze - see ya, losers' Sienna? Was it 'I LOVE eating ice cream because it means I can get it alllll over my clothes and give mummy and daddy more washing to do' Bella? Or was it 'I can't actually eat dairy as it gives me a sore stomach, but I'm still going to eat it anyway then complain about it for the rest of the day and will never learn' yours truly? Drum roll please .... *rolls drum and it rolls down the hill and off the cliff... doh* It was a tie between Bella and Sienna! Well done girls!
The track was super busy the day we did it and that's no surprise because it was such a mint day! Freezing, but mint! So the summit was a hive of activity and we managed to find a bench seat to eat our lunch on and rest for a bit, before heading over to the best viewpoint to see the view across Tauranga. We packed ham and cheese sandwiches, orange slices and guacamole with corn thins - mmm mmm.
On a really clear day, you can see across to White Island, which is New Zealand's most active volcano. In Te Reo Maori, White Island is called Te Puia Whakaari - The Dramatic Volcano, which is pretty fitting! We could see smoke and steam coming from it and we had to zoom right in on our DSLR to see it a bit closer. The volcano last erupted in 2019 and unfortunately lives were lost by some who were visiting the island.
There's quite a bit of space at the summit and different spots for people to chill, without getting up in anyone's face. There are multiple viewpoints and if you want a photo in front of the view over Tauranga, you may have to wait a minute or two because it's a popular spot! Again, we were super thankful we chose such a mint day to do the hike up as the views were interrupted across the Bay of Plenty and the water was so blue.
The track was super busy the day we did it and that's no surprise because it was such a mint day! Freezing, but mint! So the summit was a hive of activity and we managed to find a bench seat to eat our lunch on and rest for a bit, before heading over to the best viewpoint to see the view across Tauranga. We packed ham and cheese sandwiches, orange slices and guacamole with corn thins - mmm mmm.
On a really clear day, you can see across to White Island, which is New Zealand's most active volcano. In Te Reo Maori, White Island is called Te Puia Whakaari - The Dramatic Volcano, which is pretty fitting! We could see smoke and steam coming from it and we had to zoom right in on our DSLR to see it a bit closer. The volcano last erupted in 2019 and unfortunately lives were lost by some who were visiting the island.
There's quite a bit of space at the summit and different spots for people to chill, without getting up in anyone's face. There are multiple viewpoints and if you want a photo in front of the view over Tauranga, you may have to wait a minute or two because it's a popular spot! Again, we were super thankful we chose such a mint day to do the hike up as the views were interrupted across the Bay of Plenty and the water was so blue.
The distinguished Mt Maunganui view
I bet those islands would have amazing marine life around them - perfect for snorkeling!
If you take your long lense, you can see the active White Island volcano
Hopefully The Heights Don't Make You Feel Sheepish
We chose to head back down the mountain the way we went up. Why? Because we saw others doing it so thought this was the only way down but we realised afterwards there was another track another way! We were kinda bummed as we could have enjoyed some new views but that just gives us another excuse to go again one day.
The way down was harder than going up as it's quite steep and gravel, so you really have to dig your toes in. We talked about how it reminded us of climbing Mt Manaia and how it was harder going down as our legs were shaky.
We spent time sitting by the sheep on the way down and watched the lambs feeding and jumping around. They were so adorable; we could have stayed there forever watching them! One had some dark markings on its face and it actually looked hilarious in the photos as its eyes were really wide (see below), so it looked a little cray cray.
Some of the sheep and lambs walk onto the path and head across to the field on the other side so you have lots of sheep poo to avoid on this part of the track!
The view was really beautiful behind the sheep, looking across the water to Matakana Island and watching the ships come into port.
The way down was harder than going up as it's quite steep and gravel, so you really have to dig your toes in. We talked about how it reminded us of climbing Mt Manaia and how it was harder going down as our legs were shaky.
We spent time sitting by the sheep on the way down and watched the lambs feeding and jumping around. They were so adorable; we could have stayed there forever watching them! One had some dark markings on its face and it actually looked hilarious in the photos as its eyes were really wide (see below), so it looked a little cray cray.
Some of the sheep and lambs walk onto the path and head across to the field on the other side so you have lots of sheep poo to avoid on this part of the track!
The view was really beautiful behind the sheep, looking across the water to Matakana Island and watching the ships come into port.
Hawwo widdle wammies
LOL at the lamb with the black markings
There are heaps of lambs to see in spring
What a life...baa all day, eat grass all day and have amazing views all day
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!
We took the winners to Copenhagen Cones which is only a few minutes from the Mt Maunganui track. The girls got a huge double scoop ice cream each and Lath and I got waffle cones with fresh cream and sauce on top. They make the waffle cones fresh at the store and you can watch them making them as you wait in line.
It was a well-deserved ice cream for all as the track isn't a walk in the park kinda track. Well, ok, it is a walk in the park.... but you know what I mean... cheeky.
It was a well-deserved ice cream for all as the track isn't a walk in the park kinda track. Well, ok, it is a walk in the park.... but you know what I mean... cheeky.
Fresh waffle cone with boysenberry ice cream, fresh cream and passionfruit drizzle on top
That is a HUGE ice cream for a 4-year-old!
We Saw A Fizzy Bottle Taller Than Us!
Our day ended with an afternoon spent at Waihi Beach and a photo in front of the L&P bottle in Paeroa.
The sand was soooo warm which was very welcome after the cold day we had. We took our socks and shoes off and buried them in the black sand to warm up. The girls really enjoyed digging holes, collecting shells and seeing what they could find.
Bella found a saltwater eel (pretty rare to see one washed up!) that some seagulls were eating along the shoreline and she decided to drag it up to show us - thanks Bella, we always wanted to see a half-eaten dead eel!
Waihi Beach was so calm and quiet. We parked down one of the side streets and we felt like we had the whole beach to ourselves. We could even see all the way down to Mt Maunganui where we had just been!
As a kid, we passed by the Lemon & Paeroa bottle many times when went on holiday to the Coromandel, so as it was on our way home, we knew we had to stop and get a photo by it!
The sand was soooo warm which was very welcome after the cold day we had. We took our socks and shoes off and buried them in the black sand to warm up. The girls really enjoyed digging holes, collecting shells and seeing what they could find.
Bella found a saltwater eel (pretty rare to see one washed up!) that some seagulls were eating along the shoreline and she decided to drag it up to show us - thanks Bella, we always wanted to see a half-eaten dead eel!
Waihi Beach was so calm and quiet. We parked down one of the side streets and we felt like we had the whole beach to ourselves. We could even see all the way down to Mt Maunganui where we had just been!
As a kid, we passed by the Lemon & Paeroa bottle many times when went on holiday to the Coromandel, so as it was on our way home, we knew we had to stop and get a photo by it!
Lath chilling at Waihi Beach
It was so nice to chill in the hot sand after a cold day
The girls collected some beautiful shells
You can't pass by without taking a photo of the giant L&P bottle while drinking L&P!
Know Before You Go
- There are multiple tracks on the mountain to get to the top - a map at the start of the walk will give you all the info you need
- There are no rubbish bins on the mountain
- Most of the track is exposed, so be prepared for all weather types!
- There are toilets near the base of the mountain, before you get to the boat and trailer carparks
- No doggies allowed on this track
- The summit track takes 30 - 45 minutes
- Bring a camera!!
- You can see across to the active White Island volcano on a clear day
- The path is gravel and can be steep in some places
- There are plenty of bench seats along the way to take a break and enjoy the view
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
The start of the track is on Pilot Quay which is on the corner of The Mall and Adams Ave. There is no parking on Pilot Quay for cars, just for boat trailer parking. We ended up parking down The Mall and there is also parking down Adams Ave.
Conclusion
We think this is the best walking track in Tauranga as the views are incredible not only at the top but also along the way. There's plenty of space at the top to chill for a while, have a picnic and take in the amazing views!
The sheep in spring are a cute addition and we spent ages sitting on the grass watching them jumping around.
The sheep in spring are a cute addition and we spent ages sitting on the grass watching them jumping around.
Gallery of Mt Maunganui Summit Walk
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in the North Island
WHANGAREI FALLS
NORTHLAND A powerful 23.6m high waterfall along the Hatea River in central Whangarei. These falls will blow your mind. Remember your raincoat!
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WAIPU CAVES
NORTHLAND Discover glow worms, stalactites and stalagmites in these Northland Caves. There's no cost to enter - It's FREEEEE!
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TONGARIRO CROSSING
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND A 19.4km walk that takes around 9 hours to complete. You will be rewarded with amazing views and will feel like you're on another planet.
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