Tahawai: Cultural Site, Grass Trails and Views

Tahawai brings together a significant cultural site, open grassy areas, and views from elevated grassy banks. Te Poho Pā and the trail route give Tahawai Reserve distinct points of interest: cultural history and terrain. For families who want to consider both when planning a trip, the area offers practical ideas.

Te Poho Pā and its cultural significance

Tahawai Reserve is at the corner of Tanners Point Road and State Highway 2, about 8 km north of Katikati. Te Poho Pā is a significant cultural site in the reserve and, together with other wāhi tapu, includes areas of importance to Ngāti te Wai. The historic site is at the far end of the reserve; a surviving ditch separates it from a large fenced grassy area. Te Poho Pā is protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.

An open grassy area features a wooden pou, as well as an old tennis court. These specific features sit alongside the site's history and cultural significance. Families travelling with children who want to give equal consideration to culture and landscape when planning can view Tahawai from both perspectives, without making any one activity the measure of the entire destination.

Grass trail, loop, and views

A grassy trail runs along the eastern slope in the lower part of Tahawai Reserve. It loops around to the western side and connects the lower and upper areas. The elevated grassy banks offer views of Matakana Island and Hikurangi Mountain. The landscape therefore combines the trail along the slope with viewpoints from the higher grassy banks. If you plan to walk the trail, check its current condition before visiting.

Protected status and planned gardens

The Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui Claims Settlement Act 2025 removed Tahawai from Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park and from its protected-area status under the Conservation Act 1987; the area was designated a reserve and named Tahawai Scenic Reserve. Tahawai Scenic Reserve covers about 10 hectares in the Western Bay of Plenty District.

Community and Rongoā gardens with full public access are planned alongside the main facilities at Tahawai Reserve. Implementation is staged; the gardens should be understood as a planned project. This distinguishes them from the existing features described here, such as the grassy trail, pou, and old tennis court.

A loop walk nearby

Nearby, Tanners Point offers another walk through a reserve area beside the harbour. A 2018 walk description gives a 30-minute loop and describes the surroundings as scenic. Check current trail conditions before your trip. The difference in the information provided is also useful for planning: the route through Tahawai Reserve is described, while a duration is also given for the Tanners Point loop.

More experiences in the Western Bay of Plenty District

In the Western Bay of Plenty District, a loop walk in Katikati Town Centre leads from Haiku Park along paths featuring haiku verses carved into rocks and the pavement. The route follows Uretara Stream, crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing, and then continues along the main street to murals and other artworks in the town centre. Individual installations may change. The loop walk thus combines outdoor poetry with artworks in the town centre.

The Katikati Cuisine Trail offers a different kind of regional discovery: visitors can meet local artisan food producers and sample their products on site. The producers and offerings included may change. The Western Bay of Plenty District therefore offers a choice of different themes, from art and verse in the town centre to meeting food producers.

The Orokawa Bay Walk starts at the northern end of Waihī Beach and leads across coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay. The walk takes about 45 minutes each way; tides and swell affect access. The trail passes through dense bush with pōhutukawa, Kauri, and Puriri trees, as well as native Nikau palms. Orokawa Bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. The Tanners Point loop takes 30 minutes return; allow about 45 minutes each way for the Orokawa Bay Walk.

Find hotels to suit your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pukehina, Athenree, Whakamarama, Katikati, Aongatete, Waihi Beach, Pyes Pa, Te Puke

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