Northland

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Northland
- Kaitaia area

Ara Pou (pou trail)

Track category

Description

A pou marks the entrance to an
interpretation site

As you travel towards Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) you see pou (large posts) indicating places of interest where you can stop and learn about the unique stories and natural beauty of this spectacular landscape.

At each pou point you visit, you will discover beautifully crafted panels. Each panel unveils a facet of the rich natural and historical kaleidoscope of Te Paki.

These are the stops as you travel towards Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga):

Pou 1 - Te Paki intersection

This is the first stop along the Ara Pou (pou trail) on your journey to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). It welcomes and introduces you to the area. Learn about the Māori history, Te Paki Farm, climate, flora and fauna, and geology of the area.
View information from pou 1

Pou 2 - Pae Totara

This second site is a great spot for a picnic with views over native forest. The interpretation panels tell you about Pae Totara Pa, a WW II radar station, Radar Bush, Bartlett's rātā - one of the world's rarest trees, and the effects of fire on bush regeneration.
View information from pou 2

Pou 3 - Te Ketekete

Get spectacular views of the Te Werahi wetlands and the Te Paki dune system from this third stop on the Pou Trail. Find out more about the Te Paki sand dunes and Te Werahi wetlands, and learn about the katipo spider and Te Ara Wairua (spiritual pathway).
View information from pou 3

Pou 4 - Otangawhiti (Sandy Bay)

You can see picturesque Sandy Bay from this fourth stop on your journey to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). You might even catch a glimpse of whales scratching themselves on the rock. To the south immediately at the end of the bay is Ngatongawhiti, a very old pa site overlooking this rock. Learn about the whale scratching rock, other pa sites in the area, and the Kaitawa shipwreck.
View information from pou 4

Getting there

Cape Reinga and Te Paki Recreation Reserves are located at the northernmost area of New Zealand on the small, narrow Aupouri Peninsula. It is the neck of land between Rangaunu Harbour on the east and the southern sweep of the Ninety Mile Beach on the west. Follow State Highway 1 north.