Introduction

 

Mauao, or Mount Maunganui, commonly known by locals as The Mount, it is an extinct volcano at the end of a peninsula and located in the town of Mount Maunganui, by the eastern entrance to the Tauranga Harbour, in Bay of Plenty. The summit is 232 metres high. It is very tapu (sacred) by the local Maori iwi, featuring extensively in local mythology, and it has significant historical value. The mount is 2.35 million years old and still lies the same to this day. This has become a popular location for people to do various activities including; scenic walks, jogging and even parachuting and hang gliding.