Mauao is a historic reserve. It is owned by iwi and managed by Tauranga City Council.
Mauao historic reserve is owned by local iwi Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui and Ngati Pukenga in the form of the Mauao Trust. The reserve is managed jointly by the Mauao Trust and Tauranga City Council under the direction of the Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao (Mauao Joint Administration Board).
Legend of Mauao (33kb pdf)

Mauao historic reserve.
Mauao Placemaking
Ko Mauao te Maunga, ko Tauranga te Moana. Mauao is the mountain, and Tauranga is the sea.
An icon and taonga here in Tauranga Moana, Mauao has long stood as a beacon for those returning home or visiting.
A collaborative project between Tauranga City Council and Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao (the Mauao Joint Administration Board), Mauao Placemaking sets out to share the rich history and stories that Mauao holds through new wayfinding signage and cultural touchpoints across the maunga (mountain).
The project encourages those that call Tauranga Moana home to rediscover the history of the maunga and for those visiting to immerse themselves in the history of Mauao.
Mauao Placemaking news articles
Tracks
There are several tracks to the summit. Mauao is 232m high, and it takes about 40 minutes to get to the top. On a hot day it can be hard work – pace yourself and take water, sunscreen and a hat. Tracks are busy, so please keep left and share with care. Please also remove all rubbish and leave gates as you find them.
Emergency markers - getting help on Mauao
Finding your way around Mauao
Mauao - Map and Guide Brochure (5.26mb pdf)
Mauao walkway information
Toilets
Toilets are in front of the surf club and opposite the boat ramp at Pilot Bay.
Fires
No fires are permitted on Mauao at any time. This includes cigarettes, lighters, fireworks and any recreational fires.
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)
