Tapapakanga

Acoastal farm park with a rich Maori history. A white sand, pohutukawa edged beach, camping, walks and mountain bike trails. This is a great place for a camping holiday.

The tangata whenua here are 'Hauraki Tribes', the Marutuahu, who originated from the Tainui Canoe. This spot, just south of Orere point, was the northernmost reaches of their lands. A Pakeha bushmen and kauri felling family named the Ashbys arrived and built their homestead villa here in 1900, in kitset form, having been delivered by the Matakana steamer. After having 14 children, they came to use the front room as a schoolroom and post office. It is still in good repair and forms part of the park. Their family cemetery is not far away. Council made a short film of the Ashby family's descendants visiting the park, which is well worth a look if you plan on visiting.

Tapapakanga actually still operates as a farm, with a ranger and sheep and cows. It has won a 'Green' award for the management practices employed here.

The pa site is easy to recognise and quite impressive. There are still many marae of the Marutuahu around the district.

Botanical Print Pohutukawa by Sarah Featon

Click here to download the park pamphlet.