Mokau

Mokau is a small town to the north of the Mokau River on the North Taranaki Bight.

There might be two or three motels and cafes for visitors. Activities include fishing, in particular white baiting, surfing, and there are tours available up the wide and wild Mokau river.

Once Mokau was only accessible from New Plymouth by following the beach.
3km from Mokau, on the north bank of the river a sign marks the site of the Te Mahoe Mission Station visited by Donald MacLean in 1845. Cowan's account mentions the death of the Rev. John Whiteley the Wesleyan Missionary, who was one of Donald MacLean's earliest friends in New Zealand, and was killed by a small party of Maoris from Mokau, at Pukearuhe, near the White Cliffs.

Image Credit: Derek Smith and Maclean Barker Photographers and NZPlaces