Waitawa

Future Park - Still under development

Not yet open to the public

Located 50 kilometres from central Auckland on the south-eastern coast of Manukau City, Waitawa is composed of three small peninsulas and fronts onto four bays.

While the park is not yet open, it will eventually offer spectacular vistas towards Pakihi MacCallum's and Ponui Islands, with the Coromandel Peninsula and Waiheke Island in the distance. Given its close proximity to the Hauraki Gulf islands, Waitawa has great strategic importance in terms of Hauraki Gulf biosecurity.

History

Waitawa has high archaeological values. Of particular significance is the well-preserved pa site on Pawhetau Point, a former residence of Te Hapua, chief of Ngati Paoa in the early 19th century. Waitawa is of great importance to Maori, especially Ngati Paoa and Ngai Tai. Since 1958, the land has been used for the importing and manufacturing of explosives and contains a number of period factory buildings and bunkers.

Native bush

There are two significant coastal freshwater wetlands and mature pohutukawa along the coastal fringe. The property has enormous potential for ecological restoration, which will be achieved without compromising the site's recreational potential or spectacular views.