Travel with Meghan
September 2024
TRAVEL WITH RASHI BUNNY
Miracles of Mount Maunganui
A hike to Mount Maunganui in New Zealand filled Rashi Bunny with a sense of awe and wonder equivalent to witnessing the glory of the Divine Himself
Crowning glory
But if there is one place that can directly take you
to an ascension portal, it is Mount Maunganui!
Mt. Maunganui or Mauao, is an extinct volcanic
cone located on the Bay of Plenty coast. Standing
at 232 meters, it offers panoramic views of the
surrounding ocean and landscape. The mountain
Travel is more than just a physical journey;
it is a profound exploration of the self and the world. As Pico Iyer beautifully states, “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves.” This duality encapsulates the essence of travel: the quest for discovery and the longing for healing.
My solo trip to New Zealand was exactly that! It is difficult to capture New Zealand in words, but let me try to lure you and inspire you with a few facts!
Kiwi Land
New Zealand is a breathtaking tapestry of diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and rugged mountains to pristine beaches and serene lakes. Its unique geography, shaped by volcanic activity and glacial movements, creates a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. The vibrant flora and fauna, including the iconic Kiwi bird and ancient kauri trees, add to the country’s allure, making it a paradise for
is not only a popular hiking destination but also holds cultural significance for the Maori people, symbolising strength and unity.
When a new found friend dropped me to Mt Maunganui, I was totally blank. The town was literally a mountain and sea around it with a few houses, shops, hotels and boats. I looked at the Mt Maunganui from my hotel balcony and felt a fervour in my heart. The Sun was setting, casting a halo behind the mountain top. I decided to climb it the next morning and went for a walk near the sea. The nearby beaches, including the famous Main Beach, are renowned for their surf breaks, attracting surfers from around the world.
I was alone and feeling very vulnerable. When I reached the beach, I felt a huge embrace by the sea. The seagulls, a few tourists, the locals with their pets by the sea was a sight to behold.
The call of Mauao
One night ago, I did not even know there existed a place like Mt. Maunganui, so after I returned from the walk, I crawled into my bed. switched on the electric blanket and started to read all the brochures. The geology of Mount Maunganui, formed from volcanic activity, creates a unique environment that resonates with visitors. Climbing the mountain allows individuals to connect with the earth’s raw energy, fostering a sense of grounding and clarity. The act of hiking, combined with the breathtaking views, can evoke feelings of awe and inspiration, encouraging introspection and personal growth. Surfing the waves of the Pacific Ocean further enhances this connection to nature, as the rhythm of the sea invites a meditative state, promoting mindfulness and presence. The evening exploration of all the beaches, sea fronts and finding a place to eat was already exhilarating. I slept dreaming of what the morning was to bring.
As I started to climb the mountain the next day, I felt palpitations in my heart. After every few minutes I would stop and look back and down the view was perfect, as if from a movie shot! The green pastures lay slanting on the hills, with white woolly sheep meandering away, the sea at the bottom rippling the sunshine and the large sky almost stopping to meet the horizons… I knew this was a scared pilgrimage and I was not just climbing a mountain, I was almost tiptoeing on the legend and myth of the Maoris.
Unfortunately since I did not read the board, I had landed up on a secret trail that was cordoned off. In just 30 seconds I realised that I had a made the wrong decision as the path had taken me to a harsh and dangerous climb. Now it was impossible to turn back and go downhill. The pebbles and pieces of rock that fell from under my shoes as I had mini slips, went rolling down into
an infinite abyss of ocean waves. For the first time in my life, my every breath turned into a prayer. Yes, I did reach the top alive and un-injured, but my heart was beating like a 4000 amp speaker. I sat down on the only wooden bench present there for a long time, just recalling the horror of what I had attempted. And then I saw the most glorious sunset, the largest 360 degrees of sea and sky I have ever seen and that is when I got to know the myth of Mount Maunganui.
Connecting to the beyond
When you are in such a beautiful setting, you can experience a profound spiritual awakening. When we open our hearts to the natural world, we become more attuned to its rhythm and wisdom.
The combination of climbing the mountain and surfing the waves creates a perfect space for reflection, healing, and connection to something greater than ourselves. New Zealand, and particularly Mount Maunganui, offers a sanctuary for those seeking to deepen their relationship with nature and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
And if you are not already lured by natural beauty, I am sure the myth and legend of the “nameless one” or Maunganui, which translates to ‘Caught in the light of the day” will inspire you to tread uncharted paths for the love and longing of your soul. Today, Mauao stands tall and proud, a symbol of strength and unity for all the tribes of Tauranga Moana. It’s a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that weaves through this stunning landscape with the sound of waves crashing in the background. It’s pure bliss! May the Miracle of Mount Maunganui touch your soul too.
Rashi Bunny, loves the majesty of the planet and the human enterprise. As an explorer, she writes on various themes- sacred spaces being her passion. Meghan is also a quantum energy healer and a clairvoyant channel.
Rashi Bunny, loves the majesty of the planet and the human enterprise. As an explorer, she writes on various themes- sacred spaces being her passion. Meghan is also a quantum energy healer and a clairvoyant channel.