Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway tracks
Walking track
Getting there
The best starting point for the Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway is the Whakatane end of the Mokorua Gorge, on the Pacific Coast Highway.
About the area
Ōhope Scenic Reserve is one of three reserves jointly managed by Te Tapatoru ā Toi.
Learn more about Te Tapatoru ā Toi - a new approach to bicultural partnership in the management of Moutohorā Wildlife Management Reserve and Ōhope and Tauwhare Pā scenic reserves.
The Whakatane Kiwi Trust promotes education and advocacy for kiwi recovery in Whakatane.
Translated as ‘the footprints of Toi' the 16 kilometres of walkways on the outskirts of Whakatane are accessible to most people, regardless of fitness, because they can be walked in sections or as one round trip.
Nga Tapuwae o Toi visits three major scenic reserves and a historic reserve. The walkway passes through native and exotic forest, and along coastline and riverbank.
In Ngati Awa oral tradition Toi was a great chief,descendant of the legendary voyager Tiwakawaka and founder of a great tribe. The walkway visits Toi stronghold Kapu-te-rangi overlooking Whakatane.
The walkway crosses Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Ōhope Beach, travels through the Ōhope Scenic Reserve pohutukawa forest, across remnants of native forest to the regenerating flora of Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve.
NB These tracks and reserves form part of the network of forested lands which are home to the flourishing local kiwi population as part of the Whakatand Kiwi Project. Dogs are not allowed on any of these tracks.
Description
Kohi Point at Ōhope, location of the
Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway
Mokorua Gorge to Toi Pa
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Easy walking. This is the best starting point for the round trip. Walkers should head north from Mokorua Gorge along Commerce Street, turning right just before Pohatoroa (the Rock) to climb the escarpment steps leading to Hillcrest Road. Turn left onto Seaview Road to find the track leading to Kapu-te-rangi.
Soon after leaving the road, the track passes the head of Wairere Falls. After climbing through an area of attractive regenerating bush, Kapu-te-rangi is on the right. From this pa, continue north-east, the track follows the cliff top above Whakatane, skirting a number of pa sites. Toward the tip of Kohi Point, the track emerges onto an area of low scrub and flax land and then follows the cliff tops to the south-east. Superb coastal vies are obtained throughout this section, but for your safety please stay to the track.
Toi Pa to Ohope Beach West End
Time: 2 hr
Easy walking. After rounding a headland, several tiered staircases lead down to Otarawairere Bay, a great place for a picnic, swim or a bit of fishing. Please note Otarawairere Bay is not accessile during high tide. (View Whakatane high tides on the Metservice website.) Access to the bay is also available via a track down from Otaraweairere Road. To continue on the walk, pass this track and rejoin the walkway near the eastern end of the bay to cross the headland to Ohope Beach.
Ōhope Beach West End to Ōhope Scenic Reserve
Time: 30 min
Easy walking. Walk along the beach to the bottom of hope Hill and West End Road intersection. Cross the road to Ōhope Scenic Reserve.
Fairbrother Loop Walk
Time: 1 hr
Easy walking. Soon after leaving Ōhope Beach, is the foundation of an old pumping station. Take the left fork for a pleasant uphill walk featuring a number of views over the forest and Ōhope Beach. At the intersection at the top of the loop carry straight on to finish the loop back at to where you started at the bottom of Ōhope Hill. Take the turn-off if you want to carry on with the Nga Tapuwae o Toi round trip.
Ōhope Scenic Reserve to Burma Road
Time: 1 hr
Easy walking. Take the same track as the Fairbrother loop described above except at the top of the hill take the turn-off sign posted as Burma Road. This track pleasantly sidles along the side of a ridge and comes out at Burma Road.
Burma Road to White Horse Junction
Time: 45 min
Moderate walking. After crossing Burma Road, the track climbs steeply before entering private land. Here, sections of raised boardwalk make for an easy and charming walk through areas of native forest and wetland featuring large pukatea, tawa and puriri trees. Further on, the track meets the Mokorua Reserve walkway at the White Horse Drive Junction.
White Horse Junction to Mokorua Gorge
Time: 45 min
Some steep sections. The walkway traverses the stream valley a number of times before climbing the high ridge overlooking Whakatane. It then follows the ridge down to a final steep descent to the walkway exit adjacent to the car park at the bottom of the gorge. This last section is locally known as the 'Bird Walk'.
Plan and prepare
You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer, day walks. Ensure you have strong comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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