Where to go and what to do
Te Araroa there are plenty of things to do. Te Araroa is where contemporary tourist attractions meet heritage New Zealand. A successful apiary and honey centre is part of a community where time is measured in decades. Completing the sheer delight is a walk to one of New Zealand magnificent lighthouses, the East Cape lighthouse.
WHAT TO DO, HIGHLIGHTS
- East Cape Honey Centre should be a compulsory stop for snacks, something to eat, the gift shop and the welcoming smiles
- The truly stupendous pohutukawa tree quietly guarding the bay
- The slightly scary road to the lighthouse, it’s very narrow, potholed and seems to be on the verge of collapsing into the sea
LOCATION
It is just west of the mouth of the Awatere River, bridge constructed in 1962.
TE ARAROA
East Cape Honey Centre
- East Cape Manuka – East Cape Mānuka Company is a bucket list destination.
Original, authentic are some of the words used to describe the products produced by the East Cape Honey Centre. The manuka products are available in the well stocked gift shop adjoining the light, airy cafe and gardens. Tairawhiti Pharmaceuticals Ltd are the original pioneers of East Cape Manuka Oil. The Centre has been distilling Manuka and Kanuka Oil for over 25 years.
TIP
Look for the cheerful waving flag identifying the entrance. There is ample room for parking, including motor homes.
TE ARAROA – POHUTUKAWA TREE
- Tiny coastal settlement with Te Waha-o-Rerekohu, New Zealand’s oldest and largest pohutukawa tree. It’s around 600 years old, and stands solidly in the grounds of the local school.
HINERUPE MARAE EXPERIENCE
- Nga Taonga O Hinerupe: Discover Māori Culture & History. Immerse yourself in Māori culture and history in the first place in the world to see the sunrise. Our two experiences incorporate a wide range of traditional ceremonies and customs to discover the rich Māori history of the East Coast.
EAST CAPE LIGHTHOUSE ROAD ACCESS
- Te Araroa marks the detour to the historic East Cape Lighthouse.The very narrow gravel road to the historic East Cape lighthouse is not suitable for wide vehicles or motorhomes due to the lack of passing lanes and the road’s width. The road dips and swerves around the coastline and, in places it is a pitted, uneven surface. The 22 km road is frequented by wild horses, wild pigs and views of the occasional farms nestled against the hillsides for protection from the incessant prevailing winds. The stunted bent trees definitely indicate which way the wind is blowing. Have an adventure and drive the road. It is not suitable for motorhomes.
EAST CAPE LIGHTHOUSE
- The lighthouse is located on the most easterly point of mainland New Zealand. The historic East Cape lighthouse stands 154 metres above sea level and is accessed by a walking track with 700 steps. This is the most easterly point in NZ and along with Mt Hikurangi is the first to view the sun in the southern hemisphere.
FAME
- Te Araroa is the birthplace of Sir Apirana Ngata (1874 – 1950), who is acknowledged as a national leader encouraging Maori culture and economic development
SNACKS & SUPPLIES
- Kai Kart Takeaways
Fish & Chips, burgers, Toasted Sandwiches, Coffee, Cold Drinks. Hours Tue – Sat 9.30am to 7pm. Sun 9.30am to 5pm. Located on the main street
Need some supplies for the road there is a general grocery store, Eastern Four Square and fuel is available at Allied Petroleum
WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS
- The honey shop has yummy cakes
- The kids will enjoy viewing the school tree
- A walk along the coastline
WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE
- The school guardian, although it might be tricky fitting the tree into the background
- Your new purchases from the honey shop
- The lighthouse to prove you made it to the top
WHO TURNED UP AND NAMED THE PLACE?
- Te Araroa was the home of a military hero Ngāti Porou tipuna Tūwhakairiora. He fused the subtribes of northern Waiapu through a series of campaigns as a single entity.
WHAT KEEPS THE PLACE TICKING?
- Local horticulture, dairy and tourism
POPULATION
- Anybody who calls the place home, although they have moved away
JUDGMENT
- Definitely should be on the bucket list
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Napier & Hawkes Bay Region nearby attractions and events.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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