× Search
×

Additional security measures

We are aware that some customers are having issues making payments online. This is due to Visa and Mastercard now enforcing two-factor authentication on all payments in order to increase security.

If you are having issues making an online payment, please contact your bank.

Do it online

Menu

Mauao

Ko Mauao te Maunga, ko Tauranga te Moana. Mauao is the mountain, and Tauranga is the sea. 

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

Aerial view of 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.

Ecological restoration and archaeological preservation 

In conjunction with Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao, there has been a focus on the ecological restoration and archaeological preservation on Mauao. More than 12,000 native plants have progressively been added to the maunga. Restoration work has also seen the removal of numerous exotic trees, some which were damaging significant archaeological terraces. This focus aligns with the 2018 Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan which highlights the importance of protecting and enhancing the character of Mauao and acknowledges the protection of the historical values including the special cultural and spiritual relationship that tangata whenua have with Mauao. 

Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan 

In 2018, Council adopted the Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan, which guides the way Mauao will be managed. 

Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan 2018 (9.6mb pdf)

Mauao logo

Tauranga City Council, Private Bag 12022, Tauranga, 3143, New Zealand |Terms of use|Privacy statement|Site map

Back To Top