Tahawai: Culture, Reserve and Landscape

Tahawai Reserve shapes the local landscape with a significant cultural site, open grassy areas and walking tracks. It is located at the corner of Tanners Point Road and State Highway 2, about eight kilometres north of Katikati. This location information helps you place Tahawai in relation to Katikati when planning your trip.

Te Poho Pā and the cultural history of Tahawai

Te Poho Pā is a significant cultural site in Tahawai Reserve. Together with other wāhi tapu, it includes areas of importance to Ngāti te Wai. At the far end of the reserve is the historic site of Te Poho Pā; a surviving ditch separates it from a large fenced grassy area. The site is also protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.

An upright wooden pou and an old tennis court are located in the open grassy area of the reserve. Together with the historic site, these provide distinct points of reference within the reserve: Te Poho Pā is the culturally significant, protected site, while the pou and tennis court are features of the open grassy area. This distinction helps locate the described features without combining them into a single structure.

The designation of the protected area also has a statutory basis. Under the Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui Claims Settlement Act 2025, Tahawai was removed from the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park and from protected-area status under the Conservation Act 1987. The area was designated as a reserve and named Tahawai Scenic Reserve. Tahawai Scenic Reserve covers about ten hectares in the Western Bay of Plenty District.

Landscape, views and walking tracks

The elevated grassy banks offer views of Matakana Island and Hikurangi Mountain. In the lower part of the reserve, a grassy track runs along the eastern escarpment. It loops around to the west side and connects the lower and upper areas. The viewpoints on the elevated banks and the connection between the two areas describe different aspects of the landscape: one looks outward, while the other describes the route through the reserve.

Alongside the main facilities, the concept plan includes community and rongoā gardens with full public access. Implementation is planned in stages. The gardens are part of the reserve’s proposed development; their plans are distinct from existing features such as the track and the wooden pou.

Nearby in Tahawai, a 30-minute loop track in Tanners Point passes through a picturesque reserve by the harbour. Check track conditions before setting out. The loop track is a separate option in the area and should not be confused with the track within Tahawai Reserve.

More destinations in the Western Bay of Plenty District

The wider Western Bay of Plenty District offers other distinct themes for trip planning. In Katikati Town Centre, a loop track leads from Haiku Park along paths with haiku verses carved into rocks and paving. It follows the Uretara Stream, crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing and then runs along the main road to murals and other artworks in the town centre. This loop track therefore combines literature and art in Katikati, while Tahawai is distinguished by Te Poho Pā and Tahawai Reserve.

The Orokawa Bay Walk starts at the northern end of Waihī Beach and leads over coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay. It takes about 45 minutes each way. The track passes through dense bush with pōhutukawa, kauri and pūriri trees, as well as native nikau palms. Orokawa Bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. Tides and swell affect access.

The time estimates for the regional tracks describe different route types: Tanners Point is a 30-minute loop, while the Orokawa Bay Walk takes about 45 minutes each way. Keep this difference in mind when planning the time for an outing, and check track conditions before travelling.

Another regional highlight is the Katikati Cuisine Trail. Visitors can meet local artisan food producers and sample their products on site. Individual producers and offerings may change.

Discover more destinations: Whakamarama, Pyes Pa, Waihi Beach, Aongatete, Te Puna, Pukehina, Katikati, Paengaroa.

For the broader travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.