Te Poho Pā and a grassy track give Tahawai a character that brings cultural history and reserve landscapes together; elevated grass banks in Tahawai Reserve offer views of Matakana Island and Hikurangi Mountain. Tahawai Reserve is at the corner of Tanners Point Road and State Highway 2, about 8 km north of Katikati. When planning, it is worth distinguishing features of the reserve from other destinations in the wider Western Bay of Plenty District: some regional cultural and natural attractions are at other named locations.

Te Poho Pā and the history of the reserve

Te Poho Pā is a significant cultural site in Tahawai Reserve. Te Poho Pā and other wāhi tapu together include areas that are significant to Ngāti te Wai. The site is protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.

The historic site lies at the back of Tahawai Reserve and is separated from a large fenced grassy area by a preserved ditch. A wooden pou and an old tennis court are located on the reserve’s open grassy area. Cultural significance, the separation created by the ditch and the open spaces each shape a different aspect of the place.

Landscape and tracks in Tahawai Reserve

The Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui Claims Settlement Act 2025 removed Tahawai from Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park and its protected-area status under the Conservation Act 1987. At the same time, the area was designated a reserve and named Tahawai Scenic Reserve. Tahawai Scenic Reserve covers about 10 hectares in the Western Bay of Plenty District. The elevated grass banks offer views of Matakana Island and Hikurangi Mountain.

In the lower part of Tahawai Reserve, a grassy track follows the eastern escarpment. It loops around to the west side and connects the lower and upper areas. The views from the elevated grass banks are also part of the reserve landscape.

The concept plan includes community and rongoā gardens with full public access, alongside the main facilities at Tahawai Reserve. These planned facilities are intended to be implemented in stages.

A nearby loop walk

In the vicinity of Tahawai, Tanners Point offers a 30-minute loop walk through a scenic harbour-side reserve. A 2018 walking guide describes the route; check track conditions before travelling.

More places to explore in the Western Bay of Plenty District

The Katikati Town Centre loop walk runs from Haiku Park along paths featuring haiku verses carved into rocks and paving. It follows Uretara Stream, crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing, then continues along the main road past murals and other artworks in the town centre. Individual art installations may change. The Katikati Cuisine Trail offers another way to experience the region: visitors can meet local artisan food producers and sample their products on site. Individual producers and offerings may change.

For a scenic route, the Orokawa Bay Walk starts at the northern end of Waihī Beach and crosses coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay. Walking time is about 45 minutes each way; tides and swell affect access. The track passes through dense bush with pōhutukawa, kauri and puriri trees, as well as native nikau palms. Orokawa Bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. The time estimates for the routes described should be read differently: Tanners Point is listed as a 30-minute loop walk, while the Orokawa Bay Walk takes about 45 minutes each way.

Discover more destinations: Pyes Pa, Katikati, Waihi Beach, Athenree, Te Puke, Te Puna, Papamoa, Aongatete

For the wider travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.