Kōrero: Geology – overview

Mt Maunganui (Mauao), at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour, is a large lava dome formed by the upwelling of rhyolite lava about two to three million years ago. The urban area in the foreground occupies a narrow neck of dune sand – called a tombolo – that linked Mt Maunganui to the mainland several thousand years ago after sea level rose to its present height.