We're here at Mt Maunganui, known as 'the Mount' which is how I'll refer to it from now on. Located in the Bay of Plenty across the harbour from Tauranga, 'the Mount' is almost surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. 

This iconic landmark is treasured by Maori. Mauao means ‘caught by the dawn’ and the mountain is steeped in Maori history. Several historical pa sites (villages) have been built on this extinct volcanic cone, the evidence of which can still be seen today.

What a beauty of a morning! The view from our friends beach house was simply breathtaking as the sea glistened in the sunlight. It was calm and refreshing but telling clouds were hovering along the horizon creating a stunning backdrop for two ships waiting to come into port. A very different view for me and one I just couldn't keep my eyes off, I wouldn't get any house chores done if I lived here! 

As soon as those ships were on the move, we headed down to the harbour. I had wanted to capture them coming through the channel but they moved too fast and to see them we would need to walk the Base Track round the Mount, which we did later. The first ship was a vehicle carrier from the Bahamas called Firmament Ace, requiring two yellow tugs. She left port at 5.15pm headed for Lyttleton which upon tracking took her two days. The other ship was 'Spirit of Canterbury', a container ship based in Auckland. She also left port at 5.15pm headed for Auckland and was moored by 8am the next day. I've found tracking ships quite interesting, hubby is now calling me a 'ship spotter' :)

Being such a lovely day and the school holidays, the walking tracks round the Mount and to the top were very popular with all ages. Some people were using them for hard out exercise, running and brisk walking while others ambled. Some were lazing in the sun finding picnic spots or just sitting and contemplating as they looked out to sea. I was taking photo's, (extra's), probably far too many and hubby was as patient as ever, he's a keeper :) Every corner held a breathtaking view of the sea framed by Pohutukawa trees - stunning!

By the time we finished our walk it was mid-afternoon and had clouded over. My iconic shot of The Mount wasn't a good one as it really needed to be a morning shot.....looking forward to exploring Tauranga tomorrow :)

Extras:
Ship - Firmament Ace waiting to come into port
Ship Ivory Girl - known as a Reefer from Vanuatu
Walking the Base Track round 'the Mount'
Port of Tauranga - Ships Firmament Ace on left, Spirit of Canterbury on right
The iconic shot of the mountain - Mauao