Page 27 - 2020-ETEC-eBook

KILOMETRES FROM ŌPŌTIKI KILOMETRES FROM WHAKATĀNE

Back on the main
road, 300 metres on the
left you will find the
entrance to Tauwhare Pā OHOPE TO OPOTIKI
Scenic Reserve. Climbing
up from the roadside
carpark, visitors are met
with panoramic views
of the Ohiwa Harbour,
Ōhope Spit, and White
Island on the horizon. A
significant historical site, Tauwhare Pā - Photo NR Hutton
Tauwhare pā was built by
Te Hapuoneone, an ancient tribe from which many of today's iwi descend. The name
Tauwhare implies 'the village suspended in space'. When viewed from the bottom of
the southern end of the pā, the village gives this impression. Continuing on, the Ohiwa
Harbour and the Oyster Farm come into view. This harbour, apart from its natural beauty,
has great biological significance both for its flora and fauna and is a great source of
kaimoana. Also it has endless potential for recreation.

'Stop & Enjoy the pristine Ohiwa Harbour!'
The road continues to follow the
harbour, on the right you pass Te
Kooti Road named after a well known
historical figure. Further on is the site
of the old Wainui School. At Burke
Road, on the left is the Saltmarsh
Lookout, with a picnic area and
boardwalk, which overlooks the largest
remaining saltmarsh in the Harbour.
Unique displays of the rare bird life
found here form part of this public area.
The Cheddar Valley Walk also starts
here (2km one way – 4km return – See
Walks on Page 14). Views from the Cheddar Valley Walk
- Photo Stuart Slade
The road continues along the edge of the harbour on the right you will come across the
old Cheddar Valley Co-op Dairy Co. building, used for eleven years before amalgamation
with Ōpōtiki Co-op. In its heyday it processed the milk from 300 cows and is now used by
Cheddar Valley Pottery, which is well worth a visit.

Cheddar Valley Pottery: 1034 Wainui Rd. Domestic and garden ware. Tiles. NZ designs.
Working studio. EFTPOS. Stuart & Margaret Slade. Open most days. Ph 07-312 4583.
The road follows the Nukuhou Stream till it meets SH2 again at the Matekerepu Bridge. 27