Ranfurly Bay Scenic Reserve

The reserve, named after an early New Zealand Governor, is at Pekapeka Bay, just inside the Whangaroa Harbour’s North Head. It can be reached through Totara North. The reserve includes all the old Mangonui State Forest and makes up a wilderness of around 1700 hectares. A track begins in Campbell’s Road and follows a 'paper' road to reserve’s boundary.

Premier Richard John Seddon took the governor, Lord Ranfurly, to the bay for a naming ceremony in March 1899.

From there is a tramping track to where the Wairakau Stream emerges, roughly where the fresh and sea waters meet. From a lookout above Ranfurly Bay there are superb views of the Whangaroa Harbour, of Stephensons Island, which, from the sea, almost hides the harbour entrance and makes it difficult to find, and out to sea. Also lookout for the Duke's Nose, and Lane Cove Hut, and 'mushroom rocks', a geological feature of the harbour.

Another walk includes a World War II observation post and mine control base, whose concrete structure is rock camouflaged. The entire reserve is dotted with sites of archaeological interest, many are old Pa sites, and whaling stations. You can get more information for this popular walk from the Department of Conservation.

A description and a photograph are always welcome at NZPlaces.

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