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COAST WITH THE MOST
The pristine sands have long been a Mecca for holidaymakers and adrenaline junkies alike. As a main centre for summertime activities, 'The Mount' hosts everything from surf lifesaving events to beach volleyball, parasailing, sandcastle building and local and national surf contests.
The mountain of Mauao, also known as Mount Maunganui, is shrouded in legend and history. It's the dominant geological feature of the Tauranga District, with its conical rocky outline rising 232 metres 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 refuge for defence. 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.
LEGEND OF MAUAO
Out of the mists of morning and the days of legend Maori mythology tells the story of three mountains in the foothills of the Kaimais. One was Puwhenua, a shapely, bush clad maiden mountain who was in love with the lordly Otanewainuku who stood nearby. But another mountain was also in love with Puwhenua and he strove to press his suit with her. When she asked his name he confessed he had no name and for this she spurned him in favour of Otanewainuku.
In his despair the nameless one sought the aid of the Patupaiarehe or fairy folk to cast him into the ocean. That night (for the Patupaiarehe can only work in darkness) they gathered and strove to drag him through the forest and foothills to the sea. His track gouged through the land created the Waimapu Valley and Te Awanui (Tauranga Harbour).
But as the first rays of the sun lightened the sky the task was incomplete. The Patupaiarehe had to abandon the mountain and he became stranded there forever at the head of the isthmus that guards the entrance of the harbour. He stands there to this day and the inhabitants of the region named him 'Mauao' which means, 'trapped by the light' or 'greeter of the sun'.
MOUNT ACTION
From sunbathing to skydiving, there is plenty to do and experience at the Mount and in the Tauranga/Bay of Plenty District. From lazing on a beach to jet boating, white water rafting, kayaking and dolphin watching to golf, garden tours, fishing, farm tours, horse trekking and exploring walking trails which cover coastal areas, estuaries, wetlands, waterfalls and inland reserves.
From surf schools to the vibrant cafe and pub scene, surf retailers to coastal shopping malls we live a relaxed pace that most New Zealander's envy as the beach culture is part of us, our lifestyle and our identity.
MOUNT TOURISM
Bay of Plenty Tourism
www.bayofplentynz.com
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