Ko Mauao te Maunga, ko Tauranga te Moana. Mauao is the mountain, and Tauranga is the sea.
Mauao fully closed due to large slips
Mauao is fully closed to the public until further notice due to large slips that have made the area unsafe.
Recent severe weather has significantly destabilised the maunga, creating an ongoing risk of further slips and falling debris.
Due to the heightened risk to public safety, all tracks, access points, and surrounding areas of Mauao are closed while the considerable damage is assessed. Fencing is being installed and secured at key entry points, with signage and barriers in place at all closure points to prevent public access. Security will also be present to monitor the closure and ensure public safety.
The closure will remain in place while conditions continue to be monitored, and any necessary remediation work is undertaken.
The public is strongly advised not to enter Mauao or attempt to bypass fencing or barriers. Please respect all signs and closures, as these measures are in place for your safety.
The significance of Mauao
Renowned for its beautiful beaches and natural environment, Mount Maunganui is home to Mauao, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks. Mauao, which means caught by the dawn, is the sacred tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountain) of the three iwi of Tauranga Moana – Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti Ranginui and Te Arawa iwi, Waitaha. Mauao historic reserve was returned to mana whenua in 2007.
With around one million visitors walking up or around Mauao each year, it’s vital that Mauao is protected, conserved, and appropriately enhanced as a taonga of exceptional cultural, spiritual, historic, and natural significance, while also providing for managed public access and use. Mauao is owned by local iwi and is jointly managed by the Mauao Trust and Tauranga City Council under the direction of the Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao (the Mauao Joint Administration Board).
The legend of Mauao (33kb pdf)
Walking tracks on Mauao
Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao (The Mauao Placemaking project)
As a means of celebrating the mana, identity and significance of Mauao, over the past year, new cultural touchpoints have been added to the maunga as part of Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao (The Mauao Placemaking project) the project set out to share the rich history and purakau (stories) of Mauao for ahi kā (locals) and manuhiri (visitors).
New cultural touchpoints across the maunga include:
- new wayfinding and interpretation signage – sharing the ecological and cultural narrative of Mauao,
- new seating and resting areas providing the opportunity for our community to reflect and connect with this maunga,
- a cultural compass located at Te Tihi o Mauao (the summit of Mauao) identifying significant landmarks and islands that connect Mauao to Te Moana nui a Kiwa (Pacific Ocean),
- a viewing platform at Te Awaiti, funded by the Port of Tauranga. The viewing platform is located near the channel where the Takitimu waka landed.
- a total of five kōhatu whakairo (stone carvings) across the maunga which illustrate traditional legends and depict kōrero nehera (ancient stories). Each kōhatu represents different themes.
- new pouwhenua welcome visitors at the entrance ways to Mauao at Waikorire (Pilot Bay) and Hinekite Takutai (Main Beach) and additional pou can be found across the maunga at other places of significance.