“Shading eyes from the setting sun” is more than just a beautiful image. It’s the meaning behind the name Whakanewha. Here at the Whakanewha Regional Park Entrance, we begin a journey into a place rich with history and natural beauty.
Whakanewha Regional Park is located on Waiheke Island. It is a treasure owned and operated by Auckland Council. This park spans 270 hectares. That’s 670 acres of diverse landscapes.
For centuries, this land was home to Tāmaki Māori. You can still find large shell middens here. These are remnants of their lives. A pā site also stands as a testament to their presence. Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Te Ākitai Waiohua all have connections to this area.
In the 1850s, Ngāti Pāoa cultivated these lands. They grew fruits and vegetables to feed Auckland. But conflict arose when Samuel Wood purchased part of Whakanewha without consulting the Māori residents. In retaliation, Wood’s house was burned down. Despite the dispute, the Crown confirmed Wood’s title in 1858. He sold the land soon after. The O’Brien family then developed the area into a sheep farm.
In 1994, a new chapter began. Whakanewha was purchased to become a regional park. The park officially opened in February 2007. Today much of the land is regenerating. Mānuka and kānuka shrubland thrive here. They replace the farmland of the past.
The forest here is special. Broadleaf trees like taraire and pūriri dominate. Podocarp trees such as kahikatea and tānekaha also grow. Due to the absence of possums on Waiheke Island, many native trees thrive more successfully than on the mainland.
Whakanewha also boasts a large wetland. It provides habitat for unique species. These include the New Zealand bittern, banded rail and fernbird. The cascade stream and Poukaraka wetland were once home to the Giant kōkopu.
At Whakanewha Regional Park, the coastal forest is mature. You can see taraire, kohekohe and old kānuka trees. Cascading streams add to the beauty. The crescent-shaped beach is framed by forested headlands.
The shelly beach is often calm at high tide. It’s ideal for swimming. Nearby picnic areas make it a perfect spot for families. At low tide, a sand and mud flat appears.
Common native birds abound at Whakanewha. Look out for kererū, tūī, fantail, silver eye and grey warbler. Other species sighted include shining cuckoo, harriers, morepork and red crowned parakeet.
Please be aware Kauri dieback is a deadly disease. It kills Kauri trees. The Kauri in Whakanewha Regional Park are currently healthy. You can help keep it that way.
As you explore Whakanewha Regional Park, remember its name. Think of the setting sun and the shading of eyes. This is a place of natural beauty, historical significance and ecological importance. It is a place to be cherished.