The oceanfront beach at the foot of Mount Maunganui (also known as Mauao) provides excellent surf. New Zealand's first artificial reef was installed at the Mount, however due budget restrictions and escalating costs it was never completed. Ironically, the reef has been blamed for creating dangerous rips and may have to be removed.

Mauao is an extinct volcano that is featured extensively in Maori culture. The name translates to "caught by dawn" which is said to have been given to the volcano by patupaiarehe (night fairies).

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Mt Maunganui Main Beach at Near surf club and 8,000 other beaches.