Tapeka Point Track

The Tapeka Point track climbs a high promontory to a spectacular view of the whole Bay of Islands north and west of the Russell Peninsular.

This track is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or unsure of foot.

Location, Grade and Duration

Follow Tapeka Road and just before reaching Rocky Bay turn left into Du Fresne Place. Just above the right hand curve in the road you will find the start of the track well signposted.

The track climbs steeply along the cliff edge above Tapeka Beach and then follows a ridge line with sharp dips and climbs finally reaching a small plateau at the end of and high above the Tapeka Point headland.

The return trip is about one kilometre.

Restrictions

The track is steep, narrow and slopes sideways in parts. It is close to very, very high steep drops on either side with no safety barriers. It is not safe for uncontrolled children or animals, anyone with a fear of heights or unsure footing.

There are no facilities on the track.

Interests

The big headland of Tapeka points almost due north, like an arm thrust out into the bay. The name 'Tapeka' means to 'wrap around' and the point gives shelter to the communities of the inner harbour.

Sightseeing, photography, exercise.

History

Captain Cook landed at Tapeka and was invited to inspect the pa on the headland. By the time Marsden came to NZ, the pa had gone. No-one understands why the pa was deserted. One fight is known to have taken place there when a tribal party from Kerikeri encountered another from Te Rawhiti, and a hand-to-hand fight took place, spilling warriors from canoes on to the rocks at the foot of the cliff. Some of the warriors escaped and climbed the cliff, and some reached the pa to fight another day. Blood may have been spilt there in that fight, a common cause for deserting a pa.

Last century a skin diver hunting around the rocks at the foot of the cliff found a patu, a Maori club, wedged in a crevice.

The reefs below Tapeka Point have been guarded by the Tapeka (or Fraser Rock) light since September 1936. Fraser was Engineer Secretary of the Whangarei Harbour Board and responsible for the installation.