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206km from Opotiki
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Welcome to Ruatoria |
128km from Gisborne
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Ruatoria is a left turn and 5 minute drive off the main highway. The heart of Ngāti Porou and the second largest iwi by population in Aotearoa. Nestled beside Maunga (Mount) Hikurangi, at 1754 metres this is the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island and the first place in New Zealand to see the sun each day. In the main street you will find Kai Kart Takeaways, and the well stocked Four Square Ruatoria. The township is humble but proud and determined. Visit Whakarua Park the “cake tin” of Ngāti Porou East Coast Rugby, the union boasts both a men’s and a women’s representative team, from a one of the smallest provinces in Aotearoa. Past players include Māori All Black legend George Nepia of the Invincibles and many others have gone on to wear the black jersey.
Sir Apirana Ngata lived here and is remembered by the Ngata Memorial College. Māori VC recipient Lieutenant Ngarimu was born here.
Sir Apirana Ngata lived here and is remembered by the Ngata Memorial College. Māori VC recipient Lieutenant Ngarimu was born here.
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Kai Kart Takeaways
Fish & Chips, Burgers, Toasted Sandwiches, Coffee, Cold Drinks. Open Tues-Fri 10.30am to 8.30pm. Sat & Sun 12 to 8pm. Stats closed. P: 06-864 8083 |
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Maunga Hikurangi
Join us for a day experience where out Ngati Porou guides tell the stories of the nine whakairo (carvings). Book at www.maungahikurangi.com. |
Maunga (Mount) Hikurangi
At 1754 metres is the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island. The mountain is sacred to the Ngāti Porou people and is the first place in New Zealand to see the sun each day. There is a walking track via private property. Access is by permission of Ngāti Porou Tourism.
At 1754 metres is the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island. The mountain is sacred to the Ngāti Porou people and is the first place in New Zealand to see the sun each day. There is a walking track via private property. Access is by permission of Ngāti Porou Tourism.
High on the mountain are nine carved Whakairo (sculptures) depicting the Whānau of Maui – Tikitiki – a – Taranga, who legend attributes to fishing the North Island up from the sea.
