Hereheretaura Pā Short Walk
Located in Hahei area and Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve in the Coromandel region
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Introduction
A short walk from Hahei beach or the end of Pa Road. The track leads into Te Pare Point Historic Reserve where you can visit the remains of two pā sites.550 m one way
Dog access
This walk will take you from the stunning white sands of Hahei Beach or through the coastal bush from the end of Pa Rd. Follow the track out to the Te Pare Point. From the point you will have uninterrupted views across the Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve and back to Hahei Beach.
The walk is located at the southern end of Hahei Beach. Turn off SH25 between Coroglen and Whenuakite. Before entering Hahei, turn right onto Pa Road. The start of the track is signposted at the end of the road.
There is no parking at the start of the walk. Park at Hahei Beach and walk south along the beach or get dropped off at the end of Pa Road.
At the southern end of Hahei Beach Te Pare Point Historic Reserve encompasses the remains of two prominent Ngāti Hei pā sites. A nearby spring and the remains of several midden suggest the site was a good location for both freshwater and shellfish.
The two pā offered protection to the Ngāti Hei people against frequent attacks from Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamatera and Ngāpuhi. However, many of these attacks led to considerable loss of life and enslavement.
Hereheretaura Pā
Hereheretaura Pā is perched on the tip of the headland and surrounded by steep cliffs. The cliffs, coupled with a ditch and bank on the landward side, created a very good defensive position. You can still see the remains of the ditch and bank, several terraces, storage pits, and the living platforms.
DOC has repaired the outer earthworks bank, and formed a staircase on to the pā to prevent damage to the midden deposits on the slopes below the terraces.
Hahei Pā
Hahei Pā is on the ridge above the track leading to Hereheretaura Pā. Steep cliffs on the south drop down to a bay, while on the north side seven terraces fan out around the main platform. Unlike Hereheretaura Pā defensive earthworks appear to have been minimal.
Contacts
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 7 867 9080 |
| kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |