“Shading eyes from the setting sun.” That’s what Whakanewha means in Māori. It’s a fitting name for this special place. Whakanewha Regional Park awaits us on the south side of Waiheke Island. It is a haven of natural beauty and historical significance.
Whakanewha has been treasured by Māori for centuries. They left behind shell middens and a pā site as proof. The park’s name itself is a testament to their deep connection with this land. Imagine Māori families gathering here long ago. They watched the sun dip below the horizon. They shielded their eyes from its golden rays.
In the 1850s, Ngāti Pāoa cultivated this land. They grew fruits and vegetables. They supplied the growing city of Auckland. Whakanewha was a vital food source. Around 1855, Samuel Wood purchased part of Whakanewha. This transaction led to disputes. The Māori residents hadn’t been consulted. They felt their rights had been ignored. The government confirmed Wood’s ownership in 1858. The area transformed into a sheep farm.
For over a century, sheep grazed here. Then, in 1994, Auckland City Council purchased the land. It was to be redeveloped as a regional park. Forest regeneration began. Tracks, a campsite, and a beach reserve were created. Whakanewha Regional Park officially opened in 2007.
Today, Whakanewha is a blend of mature coastal forest and regenerating shrubland. Taraire, kohekohe, and old kanuka trees thrive here. Mānuka and kānuka are reclaiming the land once used for farming. The absence of possums on Waiheke Island aids the native tree species.
Rocky Bay Beach forms the park’s southern boundary. It is a mix of pebbles and shells. Wide tidal mudflats stretch out at low tide. The wetland areas teem with rare native birds. Keep an eye out for bittern, banded rail, spotless crake, and dotterel.
Walking trails wind through the park. They offer loops around the bay and through the forest. Popular tracks include the Nikau Track, Cascades Loop, and Tarata Track. The Te Ara Hura walkway also passes through Whakanewha.
Whakanewha Bay is divided into two sections. The southwest boasts a large wetland. Saltmarsh plants thrive there. Many native New Zealand birds nest in this protected area. Dotties Lane allows you to bypass the nesting grounds. The other side of the bay has the Poukaraka Flats campground.
Remember, dogs and fires are prohibited in Whakanewha. The absence of rubbish bins asks for carrying your waste with you.
So, take a moment to breathe deeply. Feel the sun on your skin. Listen to the birdsong. Think about the long history of Whakanewha. From Māori settlements to sheep farms to a thriving regional park. This place has seen it all. Now, it welcomes you to experience its beauty and tranquility.