Welcome to the Bay of Plenty
We’re delighted to welcome visitors to our beautiful region, home to the vibrant city of Tauranga and the iconic mountain Mauao (commonly known as Mt Maunganui). Mauao, meaning “caught by the light”, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local iwi of Tauranga Moana and is a treasured landmark for our wider community.
As local paragliders, we acknowledge and respect the importance of Mauao as a sacred site. We ask that all visiting pilots approach the maunga with mindfulness and reverence, recognising its value not only as a flying site but as a living taonga (treasure).
Please be considerate of other users on Mauao. Treat your time here as a privilege, and take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views across Tauranga Moana.
Mauao is designated a Historic Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977. It is privately owned by the Mauao Trust and made accessible to the public through shared use. To maintain strong relationships with the landowners and the joint management board (Nga Poutiri Ao O Mauao, which includes Tauranga City Council), it is essential that we follow established protocols and minimise disruption to other visitors.
Important Information for Visiting Pilots
- Download the Mauao Site Detail PDF to understand safety requirements, launch zones, and landing areas.
- Complete and submit the online questionnaire below.
- Join the club WhatsApp group once your submission is processed, and arrange a site briefing with a local pilot.
- Fly responsibly once all steps are completed and your access is confirmed.
Note: Failure to follow these steps may result in your visiting licence being revoked.
Privacy Statement
We respect your privacy. Any contact details you provide will be used solely for internal communications to support and facilitate access to flying sites.