Sightseers can once again soak up one of the most iconic views of the Western Bay and beyond, with the opening of a new viewing platform at the Minden Lookout.
The new structure was officially opened with a karakia by Heta Gardiner of Pirirākau, and ribbon cutting by Western Bay Mayor James Denyer.
Representatives from Pirirākau and Ngati Taka hapu and the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club attended the event, together with Western Bay of Plenty District Councillors, Community Board Members, staff and contractors.
“This is an iconic visitor attraction. It’s an awesome spot, with beautiful panoramic views, but it’s not only for tourists - it also gives us a sense of place,” says Mayor James.
“Looking out from Te Kura a Maia in Bowentown, to Mauao, Whakaari and beyond, it really gives a sense of what our District and the wider region looks like and the geography of where we live. It reminds us that the Western Bay of Plenty is one of the loveliest places in New Zealand to live.”
The popular sightseeing location, near the corner of Minden and Junction Roads, is 286m above sea level and offers panoramic views over Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Matakana Island and the surrounding coastline.
The new covered platform replaces the original structure which was built and gifted by the former Ōmokoroa Te Puna Lions Club (now the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club), and removed in 2024 due to safety concerns.
Designed to meet modern building code requirements, the new structure has steel roof beams, compared to the original platform which was mainly made of timber. A new accessible path has also been added, to make the platform easier for everyone to reach.
Under the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan 2025, Council has committed to working with mana whenua to include heritage information at the lookout site in the future.
Ron Stephens, of the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club, thanked Council for continuing the club’s legacy, and respecting the history of the structure by retaining the original stone plinth and viewing dial.
“It has always had recognition for the wonderful view, even before structures were built to encourage the public to come and share the view,” says Ron, who was an active member of the Ōmokoroa Te Puna Lions Club when the original structure was built in 1977.
“We as Lions are thankful for this big step forward and look forward to a lot of pleasure from people coming and viewing one of the most tremendous views anywhere.”
