Image:
Coastal view.
Paparahi Reserve Access Track

Located in Mimiwhangata Coastal Park in the Northland region

Take a short walk into Paparahi Point Recreation Reserve - a hidden gem tucked away inside the Mimiwhangata Marine Park, and great for exploring with children.

The track leads north along the beachfront from Ngahau Bay. At the end of the beach it heads up the slope following the bush edge and on to farm land.

Once in the Paparahi Reserve, roam as you please - there are no formed tracks.

From the high ground at the back of the pā at Paparahi Point, the views on a fine day are truly remarkable.

The track starts from the car park at the end of Ngahau Bay Road, off Webb Road on the way to Mimiwhangata. It's approximately 45 km north of Whangārei.
  • Beware of cliff edges - danger of falling. Take care and supervise children.
  • There are no marked tracks through the Reserve so be sure to orientate yourself.
  • Keep to the Reserve and respect private property.
  • Parts of the Reserve are grazed - leave any gates as found and respect the livestock.
  • No fires.
  • Be familiar with Northland reserve bylaws | Mimiwhangata Marine Park Regulations.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Mature pohutukawa trees line the coast and some large Puriri and Karaka are sprinkled amongst the grassy paddocks. A stand of Totara is resident at the pā situated on Boat Shed Point.

There is with abundant birdlife around the Reserve. With Mimiwhangata Marine Park nearby, there is also a rich and diverse variety of marine life around the rocky coast, sandy beaches and numerous small offshore islands.

The Reserve, along with much of the surrounding coastline, has a long and rich history of Maori occupation and associated traditional use.

Once the preserve of the chief Wehiwehi, the pā at Paparahi Point was noted for its extremely strong defences. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the only access by land was across a narrow causeway and along a cut path that would leave any attacking forces exposed to the defenders weapons and boulders rolled down from above. In addition to the physical defences, a lookout is said to have been permanently stationed on the high ground at the back of the pā.

Evidence of the past occupation of the land can be found throughout the Reserve, including a smaller pā on the peninsular, otherwise known as Boat Shed Point.