THE COROMANDEL, BAY OF PLENTY & EASTLAND An exceptional walkway with impressive views, history, forest, birdlife and coastal scenery.
Where is it? Walk from Whakatāne to Ōhope, starting at Rex Morpeth Park on Goulstone Rd, Whakatāne.
Terrain There is quite of a bit of climbing, including some sections of steps, but the tracks are well formed, well maintained and well marked. If you do the entire walk you will need stamina, although you can do smaller portions.
No dogs, this is kiwi country 6-7hr; 16km coastal loop Strong fitness required Climbing with steps
TRACK OVERVIEW Starting in Whakatāne, walk along urban paths for the first kilometre before turning onto Kohi Point Track where the uphill starts. At the top take a short detour to Kapu Te Rangi, and look out where you can see Whakaari (White Island) Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) and Mt Tarawera, then continue on down towards Ōhope Beach via Otarawairere Beach. This is much easier at low tide.
NGA TAPUWAE O TOI WALKWAY 6
Cruising along the beach for a spell, your next track to look for is the Fairbrother Loop then keep looking for the markers that will take you back to Whakatāne. During this section there is some impressive forest, as well as some quite demanding climbing. Once this region was the domain of the great chief Toi, when his empire was centred around KapuTe-Rangi, Pā of Gentle Breezes. This is one of the oldest pā sites in the country, and it was well chosen as the views make it ideal for defending.
Ngā Tapuwae o Toi
A trail of spectacular scenery, diverse nature and history
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Otarawairere Bay © Bay of Plenty Tourism