Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkways

Nga Tapuwae o Toi includes three major scenic reserves - Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Ohope Scenic Reserve and Mokoroa Scenic Reserve. The walkway is accessible to most people, regardless of fitness level because it can be undertaken in sections or as a 16 kilometre round trip. The total trip can be completed in 5 to 7 hours. Information boards placed in strategic locations tell much more of the district's natural and historic heritage.

History

Nga Tapuwae o Toi is aptly named for it traverses the heart of what many centuries ago was the great chieftain Toi's dominion. According to Ngati Awa oral traditions, Toi was a descendant of Tiwakawaka, a grandson of the legendary voyager Maui. Tiwakawaka, a grandson of the legendary voyager Maui. Tiwakawaka and his people were the first to settle in Aotearoa, coming to Whakatane (then named Kakahoroa) more than 1000 years ago from their homeland Mataora. Some 12 generations later Toi founded a great tribe, Te Tini a Toi (the myriads of Toi), which settled much of the North Island's east coast. His stronghold Kapu-te-rangi (the pa of gentle breezes) overlooks Whakatane and is a highlight of the walkway. Kapu-te-rangi is one of the oldest known pa sites in New Zealand. The Ngati Awa iwi, which today populates most of the Whakatane district, descend from Toi's youngest son Awanuirangi.

Kohi Point Walkway - Whakatane to Ohope

From Seaview Rd, Whakatane to Ohope Beach (West End) or reverse

This incredibly scenic walk includes ancient pa sites, native bush, stunning cliff top views and the beautiful Otarawairere beach. A must for keen walkers.

One section of the walkway is blocked by high tide. Please check with the Whakatane Information Centre (0800 942 528) for the latest tide information. If you are walking to Ohope and wish to return to Whakatane by bus, the Beach Hopper Bus can pick you up at the Ohope Beach Haven store. Phone the Whakatane Information Centre for Bus times.

Ohope Scenic Reserve

Fairbrother Loop Walk - 1 hour return
Ohope to Burma Road to White Horse Drive Junction (to Mokoroa Scenic Reserve Walk) - 2 hours

The Ohope Scenic Reserve includes one of the country's largest remaining coastal pohutukawa forests and has outstanding scenic and conservation values. During the summer flowering season, the reserve is ablaze with brilliant crimson flowers and the walk is a very special experience. Further inland the bush changes from typical coastal forest of pohutukawa, kohe,kohe, karaka, titoki, ngaio and akeake to other native trees such as rewarewa, tawa and kanuka. This walkway includes walks through wetlands and is also well known for it's native birds which include tui, bellbirds, fantails and kiwi.

Mokoroa Bush Scenic Reserve or the "Bird Walk"

Duration - White Horse Junction to the bottom of Mokoroa Gorge - 1 hour
Loop Walk - 1.5 hours
The Mokoroa Bush Scenic Reserve is a fine example of the self-healing powers of New Zealand's native forests. Most of the area was originally cleared for farming between 1910 and 1920. In 1969 it was declared a scenic reserve and now has a high canopy of native trees and is home to many native birds. This offers a number of views over Whakatane and the surrounding area.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Whakatane District Council invite you to experience the natural and historical richness along the walkway. Please respect the many taonga, or treasures, you will encounter and help us to ensure they endure for the benefit of future generations. To protect the wildlife, including kiwi, dogs are not permitted.