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The base walking track of Mt Maunganui is one of the most popular attractions of this beautiful peninsula. About 3km in circumference, the track is relatively gentle and useable for most fitness levels, taking about 45 minutes to an hour to walk.
It offers superb scenery, from the inner harbour and busy port, the main harbour entrance, through to the ocean and main beach under the shade of the ancient pohutukawa’s (New Zealand’s Christmas tree).
The Mount, or Mauao as it is also known, is home to a variety of native birds and the conical dormant volcano is coated with a mix of bush and grazing sheep. It has great historical significance in that it was a logical pa site, its natural advantages compounded by a narrow pass which served as the summit's only means of access and which could be held by a mere handful of defenders.
In the 1700s a series of minor incidents led a party of Ngaiterangi to attack the pa. Daring strategy was called for and the Ngaiterangi proved equal to the task. They divided into three parties; the first feigned friendship and was admitted by night in to the pa and held the attention of its inhabitants while the second party disabled canoes moored on the beach below.
In the meantime the main body arrived by canoe to launch an attack on the narrow pass at the same moment as the party inside the pa began to set fire to its raupo buildings. Of those defenders who managed to escape, many were to drown as the disabled canoes sank under their weight. The victory was overwhelming and the Ngaiterangi were able to conquer the rest of the district.
You can also hike to the summit, some 232 metres, which while only two kms, is for those with an average or more fitness level. The view at the top is superb, offering awesome scenes of surrounding islands and the Mount beaches and harbour. Allow 1 1/2 hrs return. (The record for the annual New Year's King and Queen of the Mountain race up and down the Mount is about 19 mins!)
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