Hello everyone, i am a suburb of the city of Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, located on a peninsula to the north of the city, and north west of fellow suburb Papamoa. I am also the name of the extinct volcanic cone which rises above my town (which is now officially known by its Maori name Mauao). I am colloquially known in New Zealand simply as The Mount. My town itself is located on top of a sand bar that connects Mauao to the mainland, a geographical formation known as a tombolo. Because of this formation, my residents are lucky enough to have both a harbour beach (Pilot Bay) and an ocean beach to take advantage of, within a short distance (At the base of Mauao, the distance between the harbour and ocean side is a couple of blocks).I am regarded as a coastal resort town, although a major port is also located on my western (harbour) side. I am also well-known for the quality of my surfing conditions, though parts of my beach are notoriously dangerous. The harbour bridge was opened in 1988, linking myself with mainland Tauranga. Currently, a duplication bridge is being built which will form the link in Tauranga's growing motorway system.My conical headland which gives my town its name is 230 metres in height, and dominates the mostly flat surrounding countryside. This part of me was formerly a Maori pa, and the remains of trenches can be seen in the ridges, as well as ancient shell middens. Today, it is open to the public year round, and is a popular place to either walk around, or climb up. From my summit, a good stretch of coastline can be seen in either direction, as well as the Kaimai Ranges to the west.I am proud to be a firm favourite with holiday makers and others wishing to retire. I have many activities and my hot salt water pools at the end of Pilot Bay provides an excellent opportunity to unwind and relax before travelling further afield.New Zealand's first artificial reef has been installed at my Mount. Construction of the reef was hampered by lack of funds and ironically, too many waves.Every year I host the National Surf Championships, and other events like the NZ Under 14 Ocean Athlete Championships and the Pro Volleyball Tour.I think I'm bloody beautiful mate!
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