Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkways

Nga Tapuwae o Toi, or the "Footprints of Toi", is a walkway which captures the essence of the Whakatane district. It includes pa sites of major historic significance, superb native forest, spectacular pohutukawa stands, unsurpassed coastal views, seabird colonies, forest birds in abundance, plantation forest and rural vistas.

Nga Tapuwae o Toi includes three major scenic reserves – Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Ohope Scenic Reserve and Mokorua Scenic Reserve. (link)  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 7 hours. Information boards placed in strategic locations tell much more of the district's natural and historic heritage. Click here for more information.

Whakatane River Walk

Bordered by the Whakatane River on one side and bush-clad cliffs on the other, Whakatane's commercial centre must have one of the most scenic settings any town could wish for. The major historic and scenic features of the town are included in this interesting and easy walk, which follows the river to the Whakatane Heads where the river meets the sea.

The walk starts at Landing Road and follows the southern bank of the river to the Whakatane gardens, the Skate Park and Ocean Playground. The Whakatane Wharf was once a busy coastal shipping cargo and passenger port. The wharf and estuary are now homes to many commercial and recreational fishing boats, the Whakatane Sports Fishing club and restaurants.

The riverbank path leads downstream through the Mataatua Reserve. This reclaimed land covers the original landing place of the Mataatua waka and includes a shelter, which houses a replica of the Mataatua waka.

Further on is the big game fishing weigh station and launching ramp, often a hive of activity as the waters offshore are renowned for tuna, billfish and shark fishing. Past the playground is "The Heads" where the Whakatane River rushes into the sea through a narrow gap studded by rocks. Across the river, a bronze statue of Wairaka stands atop the largest rock. This commemorates her courageous defiance of tradition which not only saved the Mataatua waka but gave the town and district its name.

Returning towards the town centre along the road, is Muriwai's cave. Muriwai was an aunt of Wairaka and lived in the cave in the latter part of her life. A famed priestess, her advice was much sought after.

Tauwhare Pa

Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Tauwhare Pa was built several hundred years ago and overlooks the western arm of Ohiwa Harbour.  This strategic location lies between two tribal territories – Ngati Awa in the west and Whakatohea in the east.  Both iwi needed access to the harbour and considerable mana was attached to the control of its resources.  Not surprisingly, during its 200 or so years of occupation, Tauwhare was fought over a number of times. The walk around Tauwhare is an opportunity to learn something of the district’s history and enjoy brilliant views over the harbour to Ohakana Island, Port Ohope and the East Cape.  Access to the walkway is approximately 300m on the left, past the start of Wainui Road, Ohope.

Whakatane Heritage Trail

Duration: Up to 2 Hours

Take a scenic and informative walks around important historic sites, many of which are located in central Whakatane.  Each site has a plaque detailing the history and significance to the area.

Click here for more information

Puketapu Lookout and Papaka Redoubt

Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Access to both these tracks is at the intersection of Seaview and Hillcrest Roads directly above the town centre.  The Puketapu Lookout was once an ancient Maori fortification and it now provides superb views of the town, river, sea and offshore islands and the Rangitaiki Plains.  The Papaka Redoubt is also the site of an ancient Maori fortification.  Here the Armed Constabulary built a stronghold to protect the town after it had been raided by Te Kooti in 1869.

Latham's Hill Track

Duration: 1.5 - 2 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate

This track begins at the Latham property 17 kms south of Whakatane on State Highway 30. There is a small car park available.  The walk starts with a relatively gentle climb over rolling farmland which leads up to native bush and a trig station where you can enjoy superb views over the Rangitaiki Plains.  The track ends here, however an unauthorised route descends to the Awakeri Hot Springs complex.

White Pine Bush

Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy. Designed specifically for wheelchairs

Located on White Pine Bush Road, 20km south of Whakatane is a remnant of a superb Kahikatea (white pine) forest, which include a wide variety of native trees and birds.  This 4.5 hectare reserve includes a wheelchair walkway into the heart of the reserve and a school nature trail.