Eroding cliffs meet the sea at Tatarata Point. The cliffs are topped with pōhutukawa trees. This makes Tatarata Point a scenic spot. Let me tell you more about this unique place.
Tatarata Point is located on the North Shore. It separates Murrays Bay from Rothesay Bay. The area shows colorful cliffs. They make the coastal walk very special.
Imagine standing on the multi-layered rock platform. It is right at Tatarata Point. This platform is perfect for taking a break. Some visitors even jump into the sea from here.
Exploring Tatarata Point is best at low tide. More platforms and rock pools become visible. It feels surprisingly remote. This is despite the houses covering the point.
Now, let’s step back in time. The Maori story differs from other parts of Auckland. The northern side of the inner Waitemata Harbour wasn’t suited to horticulture. Vast kauri forests depleted the thin soils of nutrients. But the rich waters of the Waitemata made up for this. They provided for the early inhabitants.
Our understanding of pre-Treaty times is limited. We rely on defended promontories and shell middens. These are found around the shoreline. Pa sites were defensive earthworks. They often sat on steep promontories. These promontories were near protected beaches. Waka could land safely here.
Kauri Point is a well-known pa. It’s named for Manaoterangi, a chief of the Ngati Kawerau. He flourished from around 1720 to 1790. Excavations revealed the site was used for a limited time. Middens contained well-preserved fish bone. There were also pipi and cockle shells.
Davidson concluded the headland pa was constructed by people. They visited the bay for seasonal fishing. The pa may have had a more esoteric function. It could have been the proclamation of Kawerau Chiefs’ mana. It asserted the group’s rights to the area. It was ultimately a just in case need for defence.
There are recorded middens at Kauri Point Domain and Soldiers Bay. The Kauri Point midden is the largest in the area. It is noticeable because a stormwater drain cuts through it. Surveys found layers of shell separated by sand and clay. Hangi stones and charcoal are also present.
Other archaeological features indicate Maori use of the area. These include pits and terraces. However, development has destroyed much evidence. Colonel Boscawen noted fairly good soil near Quarryman’s Bay. He thought it appeared to be old Maori cultivation.
Oral traditions also provide insights. The name Waitemata means the waters of the Te Mata. Traditions tell of the canoe Te Arawa. It arrived in Tamaki under Tamate Kapua. He gave Tamaki its mauri. He placed a sacred rock from Hawaiki on the island called Te Mata. Before fishing, a carved sinker was taken to Te Mata. A karakia was said. The sinker was hung on the waka. The first fish caught was an offering placed on Te Mata.
The first hapu on the North Shore were the Kawerau. Their main centres were in Takapuna and Devonport. The coastal area of the Waitemata seems less populated. However, it was no less important. In the late 1700s, the Waiohua and Ngati Whatua fought for Tamaki.
Tatarata Point offers so much. It has natural beauty and a rich history. Take a moment to appreciate this unique place. The layers of history and nature combine here. It creates a special experience for every visitor.