This weekend we went up the Mount. Mount Maunganui is 232 meter high. Mauao it is called in Maori which means 'caught by the morning sun'. There is a beautiful legend about the mount which is explained on a sign the entrance of the mount. Read more about the legend here: http://www.newzealand.com/uk/article/the-legend-of-mauao-mount-maunganui/
It was a stunning winters day. We choose the "easy" route up which avoids the steep steps and starts at the camping ground and continues around the mount and then follows part of the 4 wheel drive track. It will take about 45 minutes if you are not one of those fanatic runners.
I have been told that there are races where people run from Leisure island to the top of the mount and back in 19 minutes. I have to admit I can't even roll of the Mount in 19 minutes let alone run up and down. Luckily the friends we walked with aren't fitness gurus either so we enjoyed the walk, the talk, and the amazing views.
If you have the choice I would avoid the busy weekends. This walk is even more beautiful if it can be enjoyed in relative peace. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with amazing views of the entire area, the Mount, Tauranga and Papamoa.
If you go down take the steps that is a lot quicker and easier down than going up.
There is even the chance you can see dolphins or Orcas!
A great morning enjoying the outdoors.