Taneatua lies at the confluence of the Whakatāne and Waimana rivers and is known as the “Gateway to Tūhoe.” The town is in the Ngāi-Tūhoe rohe. If you’re looking for holiday accommodation in Taneatua, you can centre your stay on a clear cultural focus: Te Kura Whare, the town’s history and the Mou Mou Kai Café offer different points of interest.
Te Kura Whare and Tūhoe History
Te Kura Whare is New Zealand’s first Living Building. It reflects the values of Tūhoe and Te Mana Motuhake o Tūhoe, and tells the story of Tūhoe by conveying their past, present and future. This brings together a tangible building and a cultural perspective spanning several time periods.
The cultural tradition also includes Tāneatua, the ancestor of the Urewera iwi: he was the tohunga of the Mataatua waka and settled in this area. The township, then called Ōpouriao North, was established in 1896. The tradition surrounding Tāneatua and the dated establishment of the township offer different insights into the area’s history.
Spaces for Hui and Events
Te Kura Whare offers the opportunity to hold hui or events there. The spaces vary in capacity: the Tribal Chamber can accommodate up to 500 participants, alongside three smaller hui rooms, each with seating for up to eight. An outdoor amphitheatre is available for events, with space for up to 3,000 people. The facilities therefore range from smaller meeting rooms to spaces for larger gatherings.
For events and occasions at Te Kura Whare, Mou Mou Kai Café offers in-house catering; on-site catering is available on request. If your stay is connected to an event, room size and catering are practical considerations you can plan for together.
Mou Mou Kai Café and Cuisine
At the Mou Mou Kai Café, guests can take a self-guided tour or sit down in the café. The café serves a selection of rustic modern dishes featuring flavours from Te Urewera; its food is inspired by the coast and Te Urewera. Alongside the area’s cultural history, food and a café visit offer their own points of interest.
Local History and Regional Context
Taneatua’s transport history can also be placed in context: in 1928, the town became the railhead of the Bay of Plenty section of the East Coast Main Trunk Line, a role it retained. The establishment of the township in 1896 and its role on the railway from 1928 are two distinct milestones in the area’s history.
The wider Whakatane District has further landscapes and regional highlights. The district has more than 50 km of coastline, while Te Urewera covers around 40 percent of its 4,400 km². The fertile Rangitāiki Plains are a growing area for kiwifruit, olives, citrus fruits, avocados and a wide variety of berries. Ōhiwa Harbour also offers opportunities for scenic viewing, walking, fishing and kayaking.
Consider which of these experiences suits your trip, then choose your holiday accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Minginui, Ohope, Edgecumbe, Whakatane, Murupara, Awakeri, Nukuhou, Matata
For the wider travel overview: Whakatane District.
