Learn about the whale scratching rock, other pa sites in the area, and the Kaitawa shipwreck.

The whale scratching rock

Otangawhiti (Sandy Bay) links the local iwi Ngati Kuri to whale culture. The place is known for whales entering the bay to scratch themselves on the protruding rock. South of the bay is Otangawhiti pa overlooking this rock. The type of whales calling into the bay are known to Ngati Kuri today as paraoa or tohora.

Tohora or whales are the descendants of Tangaroa, the god of the oceans. Tohora were thought of in awe, as supernatural beings, and often deemed tapu, or sacred. Māori have a long association with whales.

Pa sites

West and inland from Otangawhiti (Sandy Bay), located in the valley, are a number of lowland pa that predate other pa in the surrounding areas. The dune systems are full of middens - evidence of seafood collection. The rich food sources nearby (wetlands/sea) and the protective natural landscape explain why the area was heavily populated.

Kaitawa shipwreck

On 23 May 1966, near Cape Reinga, the collier Kaitawa was lost with all 29 hands.
In foul weather with westerly winds up to 43 knots and heavy seas, the Kaitawa drifted on to the north end of the Pandora Bank to the north and was completely wrecked, drifted north and sank some hours later.