Akeake Historic Reserve
This fortified headland pa has commanding views of the western portion of the Bay of Islands and guards the entry to the Kerikeri and Te Puna inlets.
Midway along this headland is a large defensive ditch that would have been surrounded with tall palisades. Within the inner bank is a cluster of well defined house platforms that are separated by small drain like channels.
Today, the pa is preserved under regenerated bush predominantly kanuka and manuka.
Human history
Akeake/Tareha point looking east
towards Moturoa Island and the Purerua
Peninsula
The inhabitants of this pa interacted with the earliest missionaries who sailed past the pa on the way to the Kerikeri Basin mission station.
The accounts during this early contact period tell us of a chief named Tareha of Akeake pa.
Tareha was an ally of the chief Hongi Hika and gave his support to the missionaries in the Bay of Islands. Tareha was revered for his bravery and skill in leading warriors into battle.
He was also known for his immense size and large appetite. When missionary leader Samuel Marsden invited Tareha onboard the ship Dromedary, "there was not an armchair in the cabin which he could sit".
Artist impression of the pa
View larger (JPG, 83K)
The first locality to attract pacific whalers was Te Puna the domain of Te Pahi. There was good anchorage inside the Mangonui inlet (Te Puna). Akeake would have had contact with these whalers through observation from the pa and perhaps trade.
DOC's work
- Recent track upgrade to lookout point
Visiting Akeake Historic Reserve
At the tip of the headland is the Tareha lookout point that offers spectacular views of the Te Puna inlet and black rocks, Motupapa Island, Moturoa Island and the Kent passage. There are also two lovely beaches, perfect for relaxing or swimming.
Getting there
The loop track begins at Opito Bay, 13 km from Kerikeri.
References
Cruise, R.A., 1824. Journal of 10 months stay in New Zealand
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