I lived in Tauranga back in 2005 and climbed to the top of Mauao as recently as 2019, but it took until writing this today to actually know this extinct volcanic cone’s real name. It was simply Mt Maunganui or “The Mount”.
The area of Mount Maunganui is a great spot on its own to visit, with plenty of cafés and shops, but no visit is complete without a walk to the summit of Mauao.
The views are stunning in all directions and once you’ve headed back down to sea level (and said hello to the local sheep) you can wander out to Moturiki Island, within short walking distance.
Click the website link above for the legend of Mauao then get on your walking shoes.