Chairman of the Nga Poutiri Ao o Mauao Dean Flavell said there was no "sense of arrival at Mauao", particularly at the western entrance.
"There is opportunity to explore the development of appropriate reserve entrances to reflect the cultural significance of the area," Mr Flavell said.
"However, what that might be is yet to be determined. Reserve Management Plans are generally not about specific projects, but provide guidance for decision-making."
However, Mr Flavell said a visitor or cultural centre at the base could educate people about Mauao and its significance to tangata whenua [Indigenous New Zealanders], and to the people of Tauranga Moana.
He described the marae atea as a gathering place, such as a courtyard or open area where formal occasions of welcome can take place. It should not have any impact on the general public's use of the summit.
"It doesn't include a meeting house or building," he said.
Mr Flavell said plans, yet to be determined, had to protect historical values and meet the cultural needs of tangata whenua.
"Freedom of entry and access is a key aspect of the historic reserve classification under the Reserves Act."
Mauao trustee Buddy Mikaere said the marae atea suggested for the summit was a flat platform and intended for anyone to use in the same sorts of ways people currently enjoyed the summit.
"You only have to go up there to see how people sit around and talk to each other up there."
He said it could also have specific cultural uses.
As for the visitor or cultural centre, that could be something like kind of thing you might see at a Department of Conservation site.
"It would have all the info about what's up there and the history. It could tell you about the wildlife and the birdlife."
In the plan it was noted that Heritage New Zealand would be involved in the development of a marae atea to ensure protection of the archaeological resource as well as
recognition of the cultural values.
Members of the public can make public submissions on the plan by 5pm today.
A list of 20 actions to meet that objective included investigating the following:
- establishment of a marae atea (ceremonial space) on the summit of Mauao.
- opportunities for a visitor centre and/or cultural centre at the base of Mauao.
- feasibility of establishing a waka launching site at the base of Mauao.
- establishment of cultural gateways at the base of Mauao to reflect the cultural and historical significance of Mauao to tangata whenua.