Arai te Uru Heritage Walk
Alert/Important notice
The walk is closed 13 - 27 February 2012.
Contractors Downer NZ Ltd will complete construction works that include grading and shaping of the access road and filling of the carpark and picnic area.
Track category
Short walk
Time:
15 min one way
Distance:
360 m
Description
Arai te Uru carpark
Arai te Uru Heritage Walk leads out to the Signal Station Point on the southern head of the Hokianga Harbour.
The vegetation is predominantly flax, manuka, bracken and cabbage trees.
The track follows the top of the cliffs, then enters tall manuka and suddenly opens out at the headland and grassed lookout. Here, a few remnants of the old signal station still stand. The remains bring to mind visions of the days when sailing ships traded in and out the Harbour and had to negotiate the treacherous harbour mouth. The station was closed in 1951 due to a decline of shipping and trading in the Hokianga.
There is access to the harbour via the Martin's Bay track.
Getting there
Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve is located on the South Head of the Hokianga Harbour on Northland's west coast. The reserve offers spectacular views of the coastline and harbour.
Access is via the end of Signal Sation Road which is signposted from State Highway 12 travelling south from Omapere.
Grassy terraces provide sheltered picnic sites and wonderful views up the harbour away from the prevailing westerly winds. The road ends at a formed area for turning and car parking.
Activities
Fishing
Historic sites
There are good fishing spots along the rocky coastline.
About the area
The South Head of the Hokianga is rich in history dating back to the arrival of Kupe. Arai Te Uru reserve provides you not only with a variety of outstanding landscape views, but it also brings a sense of history. It is a popular access point down to the coast.
The area holds great significance to Maori and should be treated with respect at all times.
The Hokianga Society published a brochure, which features excellent historical information on this beautiful area and provides details on each of the numbered sites. The brochure will enrich your experience of the visit and you can keep it as a souvenir. It can be purchased from the Hokianga Visitor Center. Further information can be found at the Omapere Museum.
Plan and prepare
- There are steep drop-offs at this site, caution is advised and children should be supervised at all times.
- Nearest toilets are at Omapere