Tahawai – Te Poho Pā and Tahawai Scenic Reserve

Tahawai combines a significant cultural site with a varied landscape in Tahawai Reserve. The reserve is at the corner of Tanners Point Road and State Highway 2, about 8 km north of Katikati. One of its points of interest is Te Poho Pā; open grass areas, a track between different areas and views of prominent local landmarks also shape the landscape. This can help you decide whether you are especially interested in cultural history, a walk through the grounds or scenic views for your trip.

Te Poho Pā and the open grass area

Te Poho Pā is a significant cultural site in Tahawai Reserve. Together with other wāhi tapu, it includes areas of importance to Ngāti te Wai. The historic site is at the far end of the reserve. A preserved ditch separates it from a large fenced grass area. This visible division is part of the distinctive layout of the place: the ditch marks the separation between the site and the open area, so they do not appear to be one and the same place.

Te Poho Pā is protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. The open grass area also contains a wooden pou and an old tennis court. These features tell different stories about the reserve: the cultural site and its protected status invite visitors to consider the significance of the place, while the pou and tennis court are part of the visible features of the grass area. If you are mainly interested in cultural sites in Tahawai, this is a clear focus to consider when choosing your trip.

Reserve, landscape and views

The name Tahawai Scenic Reserve also has a specific legal background. Under the Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui Claims Settlement Act 2025, Tahawai was removed from Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park and from its protected-area status under the Conservation Act 1987. The area was designated as a reserve and named Tahawai Scenic Reserve. The reserve covers about 10 hectares in the Western Bay of Plenty District. For orientation, it is useful to distinguish the name from this background: the area is called Tahawai Scenic Reserve, while its size is given as about 10 hectares.

The elevated grass banks offer views of Matakana Island and Hikurangi Mountain. These provide two distinct landscape features: an island and a mountain. If you would like to experience the surroundings not only through the cultural site but also from its viewpoints, these elevated grassy areas are among the reserve’s described features. Holiday accommodation in Tahawai may therefore be of particular interest if you want to base your choice of location on a combination of cultural heritage and landscape.

Track route and other things to discover

In the lower part of Tahawai Reserve, a grass track follows the eastern escarpment. It loops around to the west side and connects the lower and upper areas. The route is easy to follow from the description: the track first follows the eastern slope, then leads to the west side, connecting two elevation levels of the reserve. When planning your day, this can help you assess whether the route suits your interest in a walk around the grounds, without associating it with a particular walking time or difficulty.

Nearby in Tahawai, Tanners Point offers a 30-minute loop walk through a picturesque harbour-side reserve. This is another walking option with its own local character. In addition, the concept plan for Tahawai Reserve provides for community and rongoā gardens with full public access. These are elements in the concept plan; the gardens should be understood as planned features. You can use these different themes to help choose between a stay focused on Te Poho Pā, the tracks and views in Tahawai, or further exploring the surrounding area.

More places: Athenree, Whakamarama, Pyes Pa, Aongatete, Waihi Beach, Katikati, Pukehina, Te Puna.

For the broader travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.