Mount Maunganui, also known by its Māori name Mauao, is a prominent coastal landmark in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island. The mountain rises sharply from a narrow peninsula near Tauranga and is surrounded by beaches, parkland and tourism facilities, making it one of the country’s most visited outdoor destinations.
Mauao is an extinct volcanic cone and a sacred site for local iwi. It is also a major recreational area, attracting walkers, swimmers and tourists year-round. At its base are hot pools, walking tracks and holiday parks that cater especially to campervans and families.
Why Mount Maunganui Is a Major Camping Destination
Mount Maunganui has long been popular with campers because it offers something rare: coastal camping within walking distance of amenities. Holiday parks near the mountain allow visitors to park campervans or pitch tents just metres from the beach, hot pools and cafés, while also having easy access to scenic walking tracks.
During summer and holiday periods, these campsites are often at capacity, with families and travellers choosing Mount Maunganui for short stays or stopovers. Many campers are drawn to the location for its reputation as a safe, scenic and well-managed destination.
What Happened at Mount Maunganui Today
In today’s incident, that close proximity to the mountain became a critical factor.
After days of heavy rain across the North Island, a section of hillside on Mauao collapsed, sending earth, trees and debris down onto a holiday park at the base of the mountain. The landslide struck shortly after 9.30am local time, damaging buildings, crushing an ablution block and shifting campervans and tents from their positions.
Emergency services confirmed that several people were unaccounted for in the aftermath, including a young girl. At the time of the slip, campers were believed to be using facilities near the base of the slope, raising fears that some may have been caught inside structures or nearby vehicles when the ground gave way.
Search and rescue teams were immediately deployed, but efforts have been slowed by unstable terrain and the risk of further movement. Sniffer dogs and heavy machinery have been brought in, while authorities continue to work through campsite records to determine how many people were present when the landslide occurred.
Why Heavy Rain Played a Key Role
The incident followed extreme weather conditions, with New Zealand’s national forecaster MetService issuing rare red warnings in parts of the North Island for a “threat to life” due to flooding and landslides.
Mauao has a known history of slips during periods of intense rainfall, and parts of the mountain were closed for nearly a year in 2012 because of similar concerns. When prolonged rain saturates the soil, steep slopes like those at Mount Maunganui can become unstable, increasing the risk of sudden collapse.
A Popular Site Facing Natural Limits
Today’s landslide has underscored the tension between Mount Maunganui’s role as a premier camping destination and the natural hazards associated with steep coastal terrain. While the area remains one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist spots, the incident has renewed scrutiny on safety measures around campsites located close to unstable slopes.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to stay clear of affected areas and to follow official advice during severe weather events.
