The upper half of Mauao is closed today, Wednesday June 12, while Tauranga City Council undertakes important track renewal work.

All tracks to the Mauao summit including Oruahine, Motukauri and Waikorire closed at 5am and will remain closed until 5pm, today, Wednesday June 12.

"The Waikorire track will remain closed on Thursday June 13  until 5pm but all other tracks will be open for your enjoyment," says a council spokesperson.

A wayfinding sign on Mauao's base track which remains open today. All summit tracks are closed. Photo: Tauranga City Council.

The Mauao base track - Te Ara Tūtanga will remain open for the duration of the works.

In early March, 2024, to help make a safer walk, the Waikorire track was closed for a whole week while council staff upgraded the surface, widened two sets of stairs, improved drainage, and added edging to the track. A helicopter was used to lift track material into place.

During this week, all other tracks remained open on Mauao except for one day, when all the tracks were closed for the placement of stone sculptures across the mountain as part of the Mauao Placemaking project  - Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao.

This collaborative initiative between Tauranga City Council and Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao, (the Mauao Joint Administration Board)  set out to share the rich history and stories of Mauao. Weighing around two tonne each, the sculptures were installed via helicopter at the Karewa Hairpin, Te Toka a Tirikawa and the Beach near Te Kawa.

Alternative walks

With approximately a million visitors walking up or around the maunga each year, Mauao is currently one of New Zealand’s top scenic walks. While works are underway today, locals and visitors are encouraged to check out some other fantastic walks across Tauranga Moana including the recently opened Marine Parade Coastal Pathway, Ōmanawa Falls, or Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park.

More information about other great walks across our city is available on the Tauranga City Council website.

Timing of works

Council says it is important the track renewal works are undertaken ahead of winter when the ground conditions are colder and there’s typically more moisture around.

"We appreciate your understanding and patience while these important works take place to help protect a treasured taonga of cultural, historical, spiritual and natural significance."