Climb Mount Maunganui
- Written by
- Dee Ellwood
Mount Maunganui (Mauao) – one of the Bay’s most famous landmarks. Iconic, breath taking scenery and a fitness challenge – no wonder this triple threat’s Summit Walk and Base Track Walk ended up on our bucket list. Having not done it for 15 years, we sent Dee on a trip UP memory lane to rediscover what all the fuss is about …
Fast-forward near two decades and while my scene may have changed (with children and armfuls of togs, towels and drink bottles) the scene at the Mount has not – it remains a popular hub for locals and visitors alike, with people moving up and down the mountain all day.
So, my tribe donned hats, sun screen and jandals, and we began our trek up this historical Pā site, to the 232m-high summit (for an easier option, you can walk the 3.4km base track).
We took the northern track beginning by the Surf Lifesaving Club. You follow the board walk up past the campground, up the stone steps and take the track to your right heading upwards. We decided not to take the steep stairs (four-year-old’s in tow), weaving around the north eastern side wasn’t difficult in jandals and the shade from native tea tree was appreciated!
Despite the January midday heat, the slippery jandals and trailing tribe, this was an enjoyable experience! Not as steep as I remembered – there was no stopping to catch breath – and the breeze picked up closer to the summit.
At the top, achievement and relief (for some!), the perfect selfie spot, and it’s the perfect place to catch sunrise or sunset. For many locals, this is their daily exercise. Whilst the view from the summit is spectacular and far reaching – the Papamoa hills twinkling in the background and surfers bobbing in the water on main beach – it was looking out to Matakana Island and Waihi that took our breath away. Stretching 60 kilometres, the island protects the entrance to Tauranga harbour, and is the 15th largest island in New Zealand waters. Didn’t know that!
What else? While descending down the Pilot Bay side of the mountain, we spotted a seal just off the rocks. Typically, seals will leisure around Mauao in July, alongside blue penguins, and are historically a sign of a healthy environment. If you’re lucky, you may spot an orca swimming in the harbour too!
My partner pointed out the remains of the historic stone jetty constructed at the base of Mauao Ellwoodin 1888. Women were intention behind its construction! Ladies were struggling with their dresses when disembarking off the boats at Pilot Bay – they were long and trailing. With the new jetty, boats could moor alongside and allow the ladies to gracefully depart without dipping their hems. Sorted!
My takeaways from our climb? I can appreciate why its popularity still sticks. It has plenty of interesting things to spot, you can choose your pathway to match your mood, group and footwear. It’s alive with history and no matter what your age, its beauty can be appreciated from every angle.