Mount Maunganui

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Mount Maunganui is a suburb of the city of Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, located on a peninsula to the north of the city, and north west of fellow suburb Papamoa. It is also the name of the extinct volcanic cone which rises above the town (which is now officially known by its Māori name Mauao^[1]). It is colloquially known in New Zealand simply as The Mount. The town itself is located on top of a sand bar that connects Mauao to the mainland, a geographical formation known as a tombolo. Because of this formation, the residents of Mount Maunganui are lucky enough to have both a harbour beach (Pilot Bay) and an ocean beach to take advantage of, within a short distance (At the base of Mauao, the distance between the harbour and ocean side is a couple of blocks).

Mount Maunganui is regarded as a coastal resort town, although a major port is also located on the western (harbour) side. It is also well-known for the quality of its surfing conditions, though parts of the beach are notoriously dangerous. The harbour bridge was opened in 1988, linking Mount Maunganui with mainland Tauranga. Currently, a duplication bridge is being built which will form the link in Tauranga's growing motorway system.

A large container terminal and overseas wharf is located at Mount Maunganui. A branch railway from the East Coast Main Trunk railway runs between Te Maunga and Mount Maunganui.

The conical headland which gives the town its name is 230 metres in height, and dominates the mostly flat surrounding countryside. It was formerly a Māori pa, and the remains of trenches can be seen in the ridges, as well as ancient shell middens. Today, it is open to the public year round, and is a popular place to either walk around, or climb up. From the summit, a good stretch of coastline can be seen in either direction, as well as the Kaimai Ranges to the west.

The Mount is a firm favourite with holiday makers and others wishing to retire. It has many activities and its hot salt water pools at the end of Pilot Bay provides an excellent opportunity to unwind and relax before travelling further afield.

The town was the home of American actress Jessica Rose of Lonelygirl15 fame.

New Zealand's first artificial reef has been installed at the Mount ^[2]. Construction of the reef was hampered by lack of funds and ironically, too many waves^[3]. Initially the public was told the reef would cost about $500k^[4], but costs escalated to $800k^[5], then $1M^[6] and to date have to date exceeded $1.5M^[7]. Recently the media has reported that local surfers are disappointed with the waves produced by the reef^[8]. The reef has also been blamed for creating rips^[9].

Every year the Mount beach hosts the National Surf Championships, and other events like the NZ Under 14 Ocean Athlete Championships and the Pro Volleyball Tour.

Population Mt Maunganui & Suburbs (2001 census): 30,387.