The walk was through subtropical bush with fantastic views across the harbour, Matakana Island, Tauranga, and Mount Maunganui beach towards Papamoa beach. At the summit, the 360 degree view of the paradise we have chosen for our home was both beautiful and breathtaking and we were able to see the smoke from the crater of White Island in the distance. We asked someone at the top to take our photo, which he did after saying "Of course......no problem......sweet as!"
Mauao is steeped in history. The scientific community believes it was formed as a result of volcanic activity but we prefer the Maori legend........unrequited love drove an un-named hill (now called Mauao) to ask the fairy people (the patupaiarehe) to haul him overland and into the sea. With the first rays of the sun the fairies fled, leaving Mauao paralysed where he stands today, caught by the dawn as the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean. Mauao was later renamed Maunganui, "the big hill".
Mauao is steeped in history. The scientific community believes it was formed as a result of volcanic activity but we prefer the Maori legend........unrequited love drove an un-named hill (now called Mauao) to ask the fairy people (the patupaiarehe) to haul him overland and into the sea. With the first rays of the sun the fairies fled, leaving Mauao paralysed where he stands today, caught by the dawn as the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean. Mauao was later renamed Maunganui, "the big hill".There are many pohutukawa trees (New Zealand Christmas trees) growing on Mauao and we are looking forward to seeing them in their full colour glory next Christmas. On future climbs of Mauao we may be lucky enough to see dolphins, which are frequently seen close to the shore, the occasional shark and blue penguins which come onto the rocks for shelter in the winter.
Lifestyle? Definitely!
More to follow soon..............................................................................
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