The famous “base track” around Mauao in Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s most popular scenic walks and one of the easiest. It's also a beautiful spot for photography with its track being right next to the ocean and having New Zealand flora and fauna surrounding you.

Mauao (Mount Maunganui) is an iconic landmark and traversing its 3.4-kilometres base track is New Zealand’s single most popular walk. Allow 45-minutes and plenty of time to enjoy the crashing ocean waves and views across to Tauranga and Matakana Island.

The 3.4-kilometres route will take you full circle around this extinct volcano and can be walked in either direction – from the white sand beach beside the ocean right around to the sheltered waters of Pilot Bay and vice versa.

Photography info: I would recommend walking that track at golden hour during sunrise or sunset and if the waves are particularly heavy sometimes the sea mist creates incredible rays from the sun. Take your wide angle lens with you for this one.