The story of Mauao (pt1)

Mauao , also known as Mount Maunganui, is a place of deep cultural and spiritual importance in Māori tradition. Long ago, he was a nameless mountain who fell in love with Puwhenua, a beautiful mountain admired by many. However, Puwhenua chose Otanewainuku instead, leaving Mauao heartbroken and filled with sorrow. Desperate and unable to bear his pain, Mauao decided he no longer wished to live. His story is remembered as one of longing and loss, tied closely to the landscape of Tauranga Moana.

• Sacred landmark site
• popular tourist destination
• rich in history

The story of Mauao (pt2)

In his sadness, Mauao called upon the patupaiarehe, the fairy people of the night, to help him end his life. They agreed to drag him to the ocean so he could sink beneath the waves and be freed from his grief. Throughout the night, they pulled him across the land, but before they reached the sea, the sun began to rise. At the first light of dawn, the patupaiarehe fled, and Mauao was frozen in place at the edge of the harbour. From that moment, he was named Mauao, meaning “caught by the dawn,” where he still stands today as a sacred reminder of the story

1. culturally significant
2. rich maori culture
3. natural beauty