1 minute read
Ngā Tapuwae O Toi Walkway
Where is it?
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Walk from Whakatāne to Ōhope, starting at Rex Morpeth Park on Goulstone Rd, Whakatāne.
Terrain
There is quite of a bit of climbing, including some sections of steps, but the tracks are well formed, well maintained and well marked. If you do the entire walk you will need stamina, although you can do smaller portions.
Track Overview
Starting in Whakatāne, walk along urban paths for the first kilometre before turning onto Kohi Point Track where the uphill starts. At the top take a short detour to Kapu Te Rangi, and look out where you can see Whakaari (White Island) Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) and Mt Tarawera, then continue on down towards Ōhope Beach via Otarawairere Beach. This is much easier at low tide.
Cruising along the beach for a spell, your next track to look for is the Fairbrother Loop then keep looking for the markers that will take you back to Whakatāne. During this section there is some impressive forest, as well as some quite demanding climbing.
Once this region was the domain of the great chief Toi, when his empire was centred around Kapu-Te-Rangi, Pā of Gentle Breezes. This is one of the oldest pā sites in the country, and it was well chosen as the views make it ideal for defending.
Need to Know
No dogs, this is kiwi country
TIME & DISTANCE: 6-7hr; 16km coastal loop
FITNESS: Strong fitness required
TERRAIN: Climbing with steps
Otarawairere Bay
Bay of Plenty Tourism
