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 Mount 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.
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, we will contact you via email with details to join the BOP clubs WhatsApp group.
- Once your submission is processed, a site briefing can be arranged with a local pilot.(briefings are usually held on flyable days by a volunteer local pilot, or arranged prior).
- Fly responsibly once all steps are completed and your access is confirmed.
As local pilots, we acknowledge and respect the importance of Mauao as a sacred historical site. We ask that all visiting pilots approach with mindfulness and care so we can maintain the privilege to fly here.
Please be considerate of other users on Mauao as it attracts many vistors from around the world and can be very busy on weekends and at peak holiday times.
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 a strong relationship 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.
Visiting Pilot’s Form
Privacy Statement
We respect your privacy. Any details provided will be used solely for internal communications and to facilitate access to flying sites.
As a Historic Reserve, Mauao is cared for jointly by Tauranga Moana iwi and Tauranga City Council. We ask all visitors to enjoy this special place with respect for the land, its history, and the community that treasures it.
With around one million visitors each year, Mauao is one of New Zealand’s most popular locations for scenic walks. Stroll around the 3.4‑kilometre base track and take in the stunning sights, with views across to Tauranga and Matakana Island. At 232m high, venture to the summit of Mauao to enjoy breathtaking views across the Bay of Plenty. For those seeking adventure, Mauao is also a renowned spot for paragliding and hang gliding, offering a unique perspective as you soar above the coastline and experience the bay from the air.
Please visit Tauranga City Walkways for track and safety info.
What’s not permitted on Mauao
- Dogs (except service dogs)
- Horses
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Fireworks
- Fires
- Camping
- Biking
- Rock climbing
- Scattering of ashes
- Drones
- Vehicles are not allowed except for maintenance and emergency purposes.
Activities requiring permission
- Filming
- Commercial activities
A Natural Wonder
Geologically, Mount Maunganui is an extinct volcanic cone, estimated to be over two million years old. Its commanding presence at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour has made it a natural beacon for centuries—first for Māori navigators, and later for European settlers. Today, its summit offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Kaimai Ranges, and the vibrant city of Tauranga.
The Best View In Town
For our local pilots, Mauao is more than a backdrop — it’s a symbol of freedom and unity. The mountain’s unique topography and coastal winds create ideal conditions for soaring flight, making it a cherished destination for pilots of all levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or a curious newcomer, Mount Maunganui invites you to experience the thrill of flight, the beauty of nature, and the warmth of a passionate community.
10 Facts About Mauao
1. Mauao is the focal point of the coastal Bay of Plenty.
2. Standing at 232 meters high, Mauao is one of the most significant spots for tangata whenua (people of the land) and the local community.
3. Mauao Historic Reserve is private land owned by the Mauao Trust that is available, used and enjoyed by all as a public space.
4. A dormant volcanic cone, Mauao is a popular spot for activities.
5. The base and summit tracks are used by over a million people each year.
6. Hang gliders & paragliders are common sights on the mountain.
7. In addition to its role as a centre for outdoor activities, Mauao is of great cultural significance. Tauranga’s three Iwi (tribes) – Ngati Ranginui, Ngai Te Rangi, and Ngati Pukenga – regard Mauao as their most sacred maunga (mountain). An earlier iwi of Tauranga, Waitaha, also held Mauao in the same regard.
8. Mauao is a historic reserve that represents the physical remains of approximately 1000 years of human occupation. It is home to many pa sites, natural springs, nesting birds, native coastal forest and a friendly flock of sheep that graze on the cleared pasture areas.
9. Tangaroa, god of the sea, is the three metre statue on the western side of Mauao. Tangaroa reminds those venturing out to sea that they are entering his domain.
10. There’s also a large rock named Te Kuia, this rock personifies a great elderly woman who once resided on Mauao. A local custom of boats and kayakers is to offer a koha (gift) to Te Kuia, in return for their safety while at sea.
Discover the Spirit of Mount Maunganui
Rising proudly from the coastline of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui — known to Māori as Mauao — is more than just a landmark. It’s a sacred mountain, a geological marvel, and a beloved site for free-flight enthusiasts from across Aotearoa and beyond.
A Sacred Legacy
Mauao holds deep cultural significance for the local iwi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, and Ngāti Pūkenga. According to Māori legend, Mauao was a nameless mountain who, heartbroken and alone, sought to cast himself into the sea. Guided by forest creatures, he journeyed toward the ocean, only to be caught by the dawn and frozen in place—hence his name, Mauao, meaning “caught by the dawn.”
This powerful story is etched into the very cliffs and contours of the maunga, reminding all who visit of the enduring connection between land, people, and spirit.
Mount Maunganui – History
Mount Maunganui, a beachside suburb of Tauranga, is nestled between the tranquil waters of Tauranga Harbour and the vast Pacific Ocean. Named after the iconic 252-metre mountain at the harbour entrance, the area began attracting settlers in the early 1900s, drawn by its sweeping coastline and natural beauty. The Mount Maunganui Surf Club was established in 1914, marking the beginning of a vibrant coastal community. Early housing developments clustered around the base of the maunga, while Moturiki Island—now part of the port precinct—once hosted railway workshops and accommodation for workers building the East Coast Main Trunk Line. A pivotal moment in 1950 saw the decision to develop a deep-water port, accelerating the suburb’s growth and transforming it into a popular holiday destination for visitors from across the upper North Island.