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Coastal
Pohutukawa fringed beaches and golden sand. Bay of Plenty's coastal environment is beautiful.
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Bowentown Domain is a beautiful reserve of 128 hectares on a rocky headland at the
northern entrance to Tauranga Harbour. The headland has several important Maori pa sites,
as it was much sought after as a living area in early times. The Te Ho pa site on the eastern
headland has magnificent views. Te Kura a Maiapa site is on the southern headland.
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The 2ha Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve contains splendid mature trees, including a Moreton Bay
fig, the legacy of one pioneer family in the days when the shores of Tauranga Harbour were
largely treeless. The reserve is also the site of Wai Huri Pa, of historical importance to the
Waharoa people. The area offers magnificent views of the harbour and Matakana Island.
A number of walking tracks allow a circuit of much of the Omokoroa Peninsula, including a
visit to the historic reserve on the headland.
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Kauri Point has historic Maori pafortifications and trenches, as well as superb
examples of pohutukawa trees fringing the shore. Kauri Point jetty extends 196 metres
out into Tauranga Harbour and is a popular fishing spot.
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The dominant feature of the Tauranga district, Mauao rises 232m above sea level at the Mount Maunganui side of the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Mauao has been of great importance to local Maori for more than six centuries and habitation terraces, storage pits, defence
trenching, bank systems and shell middens are still visible. The British Militia made
military use of Mauao in colonial days. Traces of their occupation are visible around the
base track.
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Tiny, rugged Moturiki Island offers spectacular geyser-like displays from the Blow Hole at the
seaward end when big seas are running. The deep water beneath the island rocky shore
provides good fishing. Just across Marine Parade is Mount Drury, whose caves were used by
early Maori for burials. Terraces on the north-eastern slopes are evidence of Maori occupation.
The aerials on top of the hill are used by the Port of Tauranga watch office for communication
with ships.
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Orokawa Scenic Reserve contains uncommon remnants of coastal forest, pohutukawa-fringed
beaches, beautiful views and picnic spots, and good rock fishing. There are many historic pa
sites. Mine tunnels along the coast recall largely unsuccessful attempts to extract gold
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The coastal city of Tauranga has park, estuary and foreshore walks that offer a varied range
of views and activities for users of all ages.
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Translated as ‘the footprints of Toi the 16 kilometres of walkways on the outskirts of
Whakatane are accessible to most people,regardless of fitness, because they can be walked
in sections or as one round trip. Nga Tapuwae o Toi visits three major scenic reserves and a
historic reserve. The walkway passes through native and exotic forest, and along coastline
and riverbank.In Ngati Awa oral tradition Toi was a great chief,descendant of the legendary
voyager Tiwakawaka and founder of a great tribe. The walkway visits Toi stronghold
Kapu-te-rangi overlooking Whakatane. The walkway crosses Kohi Point Scenic Reserve,
Ohope Beach, travels through the Ohope Scenic Reserve pohutukawa forest, across remnants
of native forest to the regenerating flora of Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve.
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Tuhua (Mayor Island) is
an ancient volcano, once
prized, quarried and
fought over for it's
valuable black glossy
obsidian, now safe-haven
for some of New Zealand's
most threatened native
species. The adjacent
Tuhua Marine Reserve is
renowned for its high
water quality, diversity
of deep sea and sub-
tropical fish species and
stunning geological
features.
The island is classified
as a Wildlife Refuge and
administered by the Tuhua
Trust Board, whom
represent the owners and
are working in
partnership with the
Department of
Conservation to restore
the island as close as
possible to it's original
state.
Visitors are welcome on
the island by prior
arrangement and are asked
to follow a few rules and
biosecurity precautions,
so that the island's
natural beauty, pest-free
status and unique
inhabitants are
protected.
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The Matata Wildlife Reserve, Matata Recreation Reserve and the Thornton Wildlife Management
Reserve make up the Western Whakatane Coastal Recreation reserves.
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