Signage Family
As part of the revitalisation of Mount Maunganui’s iconic landmark, Mauao, a new signage system was developed. With thousands of visitors each week—including locals hiking to the summit for fitness or a coveted social media photo, and international tourists arriving in droves via cruise ships—the signage had to serve two key purposes: guiding people around the mountain and telling the stories of the many significant sites along the way.
Client
Mauao
- Tauranga City Council
Year
2020-2023
The signage system is designed to address two key information types to enhance visitors' experience at the Maunga. The first is navigation, which includes clear directions to key locations, distance markers, and, due to the challenging terrain of certain tracks, difficulty levels.
The materials chosen for the signage are carefully selected to complement the natural environment. Wood, stone, and corten steel are used extensively, ensuring the signs harmonize with the surroundings. When installed, the signs are designed to be visually striking, yet unobtrusive, allowing the beauty of the landscape to remain the focal point.
The Sign Types
Entrance sign
The sign at the entrance to the Maunga provides detailed information about the future plans and aspirations for the site. It outlines the enhanced visitor experience that these initiatives aim to create, as well as the collaboration between the Iwi and the council in working together to achieve these goals.
Map Cluster
Located at the main entrances to the maunga, the map cluster serves as the flagship sign. It features a comprehensive map of the maunga, including the names, distances, and gradient profiles of all the tracks. The sign also tells the story of Mauao and provides a detailed description of the behavioural expectations for showing respect at this culturally significant site.
Ecology Pou
These pou are located at key locations as you circumnavigate the base trail. These pou feature water colour illustrations of the flora and fauna visitors may be lucky enough to encounter, with some key information on the species.
Junction Poles
Found at most track intersections. These signs provide information on direction towards key locations, distance and difficulty.
Interpretation Pou
These are found at all of the key locations of importance. The provide and image for context and description of the key features or events that have lead the location to hold specific significance.
The Concept
Low Interpretation
Providing the same information and context as the Interpretation Pou. These signs were utalised when a tall pou would risk interfering with the view.
Breadcrumbs
These signs are dotted all along the trails over the entire maunga. They are located mid trail to keep people up to date with how far until their distance.
Behavioural Pou
These are placed near the start of most trails, reminding visitors of key behavioural expectations.
