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151km from Opotiki
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Welcome to Hicks Bay |
183km from Gisborne
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Hicks Bay – There is a sudden and dramatic change and this bay, originally named Te Wharekahika and renamed after one of the crew of the “Endeavour” is a truly lovely place.
In Ngāti Porou history it gains its importance as the place the most famous of Ngāti Porou fighting chiefs, Tuwhakairiora first made his home on entry into the area.
In times past a freezing works and port were established at the western end of the Bay under the lee of Matakaoa Point. With forestry development on the East Cape, maybe the port will be developed again. Hicks Bay marks the start of the large sheep and cattle stations which extend from here to the south of the North Island along the East Coast and for many miles inland.
A left turn off the main road you will find a playground and toilets. If you continue straight you will come to the Hicks Bay Wharf (take care, narrow road & old wharf) or a right turn will take you to Onepoto Bay a beautiful quiet secluded bay, it is an ideal safe family recreational beach. Swimming and popular with surfers. Onepoto served as the local boat landing bay pre-European and during early settlement, prior to the Hicks Bay Wharf being established.
In Ngāti Porou history it gains its importance as the place the most famous of Ngāti Porou fighting chiefs, Tuwhakairiora first made his home on entry into the area.
In times past a freezing works and port were established at the western end of the Bay under the lee of Matakaoa Point. With forestry development on the East Cape, maybe the port will be developed again. Hicks Bay marks the start of the large sheep and cattle stations which extend from here to the south of the North Island along the East Coast and for many miles inland.
A left turn off the main road you will find a playground and toilets. If you continue straight you will come to the Hicks Bay Wharf (take care, narrow road & old wharf) or a right turn will take you to Onepoto Bay a beautiful quiet secluded bay, it is an ideal safe family recreational beach. Swimming and popular with surfers. Onepoto served as the local boat landing bay pre-European and during early settlement, prior to the Hicks Bay Wharf being established.
On leaving the flat as you wind up the hill some real views are revealed. Here you will come upon Ngā Puriri Bed & Breakfast. Just opposite on the hill is one of New Zealand’s largest Puriri trees.
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Nga Puriri Bed & Breakfast
Self-contained cottage overlooking beautiful Hicks Bay. 5138 Te Araroa Rd, Hicks Bay, East Cape. P: 06-864 4035 or M: 021-286 1861 W: www.ngapuriri.nz |
A short journey over the hill, Pukeamaru, with brilliant views leads you down to the Tokata flats, where you will find the well equipped and friendly Te Araroa Beachside Holiday Park & Motels and the interesting East Cape Manuka Visitors Centre & Cafe is well worth a stop. Between here and Te Araroa there is a Caravan Dump Station on the seaward side of the road.
