There are several walks you can take near Tauranga. See parklands and waterfalls at McLaren Falls Park or do the Mount Maunganui hike up the mountain, with views across the Bay of Plenty and out into the South Pacific.
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Mauoa – Mount Manganui Hike
The Mount Maunganui hike includes a 3 km walk around the base, which takes approximately 45 minutes, and two walks to the summit, 232m above sea level, which take about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level.
Both tracks start from Mount Maunganui Beach, with the base track heading off on the left. This is a much easier track, which leads you around the base, offering views over the sea, down the coast, and the Tauranga Harbour.
Going up Mount Maunganui is uphill from the start. You can go up through Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, which means you bypass the first lot of stairs. Back on the track, you head up until you reach the fork in the road where you need to make a decision: left, which is shorter but nearly all stairs, or right and up the steep path, which only has a couple of sets of stairs. You can always do this as a loop walk, walking up the stairs and down the path, or vice versa.
The lookout turnoff is approximately 100m from the top that overlooks the harbour. Still, the best views are from the summit, looking back onto Mount Maunganui and Papamoa Beaches, and down the coastline toward Whakatane.
It is well worth the walk up, but be aware that this is a challenging uphill walk, especially on a hot day, so remember to bring water and sunscreen.
How to Get Here
Mount Maunganui is a seaside suburb of Tauranga. The entrances to the hike up the mountain are from Pilot Quay or the northern end of Marine Parade. Parking is along Marine Parade.
McLaren Falls Park
Twenty minutes out of Tauranga is McLaren Falls Park, a 190-hectare parkland set alongside Lake McLaren. McLaren Falls is easily accessible for a walk.
A one-way bridge gives you a view of the cascades flowing down from the Mangakarengorengo River. Parking is on the side of the road, and the turnoff into the park is on the right after you cross the bridge.
You can drive to the attractions or park and enjoy the walks in the parkland. Picnic tables are spread out, especially alongside McLaren Lake. There are walks in the parkland and a café, as well as a walk to the McLaren Falls Waterfall.
This is a loop walk from the car park, following a stream down from the waterfall. At dusk, you can also see glowworms.
The park is either a quick stop to see the waterfalls or take in the walks, but it should be on your list of places to visit when you’re in the area. It’s also a good family day out.
How to Get Here
McLaren Falls Park is a 20-minute drive (20 km) from Tauranga on State Highway 39. Turn onto McLaren Falls Road to take you to the entrance.
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What a great place Mount Maunganui seems to be don’t think I could manage some of those steep walks but the view from the top is spectacular and those waterfalls are to behold if I was younger I could enjoy looking at the scenery and the views are too die for once again Kim beautiful photos
Thanks Kathy. Didn’t think I’d make it up Mt Maunganui but you would easily make it to the waterfalls.