Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park (Te Rae o Papamoa) is set on hills with special cultural history and has a popular walking track that offers great views of the area.
From the park visitors can see Mauao (Mount Maunganui) and the Tauranga harbour in the west through to Putauaki (Mount Edgecumbe) and Moutohora (Whale Island) in the east. Papamoa hill is the highest point on the ridge (224m above sea level).
The walking track is relatively steep and it winds up amongst a number of paddocks; sheep will often escort you to the summit. Ten former Maori pa sites are located on the hills, and some are amongst the oldest in New Zealand.
There is an information board at the car park that provides further information about using the park.
Opening hours:
Opens: 7.30am
Closes: 6.00pm (winter) 8.30pm (summer)
