Mauao

The mountain of Mt Maunganui, known to the local Maori people as Mauao, is shrouded in legend and history. It's the dominant geological feature of the Tauranga district, with its conical rocky outline rising 232m above sea level. It has been of great importance to local Maori for more than six centuries as a place of occupation and later as a defensive refuge in times of battle. Evidence of this is still visible today.

The gently undulating track around the base winds from the ocean to the harbour. Tracks also lead to the summit for some of the best ocean and city views anywhere in the country.

The 3.4 kilometre base track is an easy stroll and there are close-up sea views all the way; the summit track is more challenging, but you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of ocean, beach and harbour from the top. At the base of the mountain is a geothermal spring that provides hot water for a complex of swimming pools - after all that walking, you might need a nice hot soak.