The Mount Maunganui Hot Pools & Mauao Summit Tracks are credible activities in their own right but combining the two makes for a perfect few hours in Mount Maunganui. As a local who was born and raised in the Bay of Plenty, I can confirm that these are two ‘must-do’ activities when visiting the Tauranga area. Ending a good walk with a hot soak is the best way to start or finish your day in the Bay.

MOUNT MAUNGANUI HOT POOLS

These saltwater pools have been around for over 50 years and are a well-known icon of Mount Maunganui.
Over time they have been developed into the top class facility you see today. Awarded Trip Advisor’s ‘Certificate of Excellence’ every year since 2011 makes this one of the best hot pools in the Bay of Plenty.

Heated saltwater is known to help detoxify the body and improve mobility. This makes it the perfect activity after a walk around Mauao’s tracks. My favourite time of day to visit the pools is first thing in the morning after a walk to Mauao’s summit for the sunrise.

General admission gives you access to five pools which include a children’s pool, the passive pool, the active pools, and two spa pools. There are private pools available for hire and you can book in for a massage if you really want to treat yourself.

Regular activities at the hot pools are popular and include: Soak n Splash for the little ones, Aqua Fit, Aqua Resit and Aqua Mums for fitness as well as the Golden Hour for gold card members. You will also find occasional events that offer something a little different.

COST: General admission starts from $9.40 for 5-15 year olds and those 65+. Adults are $14.70. The private pool is $15.90 or for $22.90 you can get an adult entry private pool and general admission. Massages start from $50.

MAUAO SUMMIT TRACKS

Mount Maunganui is a historic reserve known to locals as Mauao. The reserve is owned by local Māori and managed by Tauranga City Council. There is a Māori legend that tells the story of how the mountain arrived at his current location where he was given the name Mauao. Discover more about the History of Mauao.

There are various walking tracks on Mauao that lead around and up the mountain. The easiest is the base track which is a 3.4km walk suitable for strollers and wheelchairs (as long as there are no slips blocking the way or detours are in place). This is a popular leisurely option for many. There is a picturesque sandy beach on the Tauranga side of Mauao that is great for a picnic, fishing or watching large ships pass through the harbour entrance. Cruise ships are especially impressive to see and the passengers onboard love to wave goodbye to those on the shoreline.

If you are feeling energetic then heading to the summit is where you will be truly rewarded. The views on the way up Mauao and from the top are absolutely spectacular. The views south look down onto the main beach and across to the Mount Maunganui side of the Tauranga Harbour. On the northern side of Mauao there are incredible views of the wider Tauranga Harbour, Matakana Island and further up to Waihi and the Coromandel. Looking out towards the ocean you will see several islands including Tuhua (Mayor Island), Mōtīti, Motunau (Plate Island), Whakaari (White Island) and Moutohora (Whale Island).

If you are wondering which track to take to the summit then here is my advice. The 4WD track takes you around the harbour side of the mountain and past the amazing artwork of very talented Mr G. A well known local artist, Mr G’s creativity inspires many all over the world. The Oruahine track is my favourite as it takes you ocean side, the best side of the mountain in my opinion. If you want a real challenge or to get to the summit quickly then take the Waikorire Track which has lots of stairs. Coming down I prefer to come down the Waikorire track. Heading back down to reconnect with the 4WD or Oruahine Tracks is steep and slippery which I would much rather avoid.

For a complete guide on visiting Tauranga be sure to check out my Ultimate Travel Guide for Tauranga New Zealand.

OTHER LINKS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:
Top 12 Things to do in Tauranga
Top Ten things to do in the Bay of Plenty
Explore the Karangahake Gorge
Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Sanctuary
Campgrounds in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.

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