SummaryWaikorire is the original Māori name for the area which extends along the beach front and the base of Mauao. Main BodyWaikorire is the original Maori name for the area which extends along the beach front and the base of Mauao, where the present camping ground and hot pools are situated.
The area is remembered for the musket war raids by Ngapuhi from the north. Armed with muskets they attacked Ngai Te Rangi, first in 1818 and then in 1820. Many Ngai Te Rangi were killed or captured and taken north.
In 1910 Mount Maunganui became the base for the construction of the East Coast railways. A workshop and camp were established and a “horseshoe” wharf built for large ships bringing timber and steel for the railway construction.
Today the area is better known as Pilot Bay. The pilot boats guide large ships in and out of the busy harbour, ensuring safety at all times.
Below are photos of Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui - situated on the Tauranga Harbour entrance side of the Mount. Just down from this Bay is now the central hub of the Port of Tauranga, New Zealand's largest port. Click on each picture to open a full sized version in a new window.
Photos sourced from the New Zealand Room Digital Images Collection, Tauranga Cty Libraries.