Nga Tapuwae o Toi is a walkway which captures the essence of the Whakatane district. It includes pa sites of major historic significance, native forest, spectacular pohutukawa stands, coastal views, seabird colonies, forest birds in abundance, plantation forest and rural vistas.
Nga Tapuwae o Toi twists and turns 10 kilometres up and over the bush-clad ridge behind the town of Whakatane and around to the glorious expanse of Ohope Beach. The track’s name is Maori for ‘in the footsteps of Toi’ - Toi was a paramount chief who arrived here by waka 1000 years ago. The site of Kapu-te-rangi, Toi’s hilltop stronghold, offers a panoramic view stretching from the volcanic peaks of Whaakari (White Island) to Mt Tarawera – over 100km apart.
After about an hour’s walking, including some pretty steep ups and downs, you’re overlooking Kohi Point, where DOC-managed Motuhora (Whale Island) looms close. A little further is the track’s highlight for a real sense of holiday magic. Otarawairere beach is a secluded paradise cove where the waves crash in over broken-shell sands, gnarled pohutukawa push out from the hill behind - and 10 other people amounts to a crowd.
