Whakatiwai

Situated on the Firth of Thames/Tikape Moana is the small and undeveloped Whakatiwai Regional Park. It is characterized by a series of gravel ridges, which are unique in the Auckland region and internationally significant.

Some remnant patches of the original kowhai forest grow on the gravel ridges. Whakatiwai also features a shelly foreshore, which attracts migratory birds such as godwits (kuaka), knots (huahou) and turnstones (tikape moana).

The steep Whakatiwai and Workman tracks provide links to Hunua Ranges Regional Park as well as spectacular views over the First of Thames to Coromandel Peninsula/TeTara o te Ika a Maui.

History

An archaeological survey in 1975 recorded five sites, mostly pits, middens and terraces. A strong fortified pa was located on a spur near the Mangatangi River. Defended by three ditches and internally terraced, the pa rises to a high tihi and house platform flanked by 12 small pits.

Wildlife

Eighteen species of native land birds are recorded for the eastern side of the ranges including kaka, robin, pied tit, bellbird, North Island kokako and New Zealand falcon. Large numbers of tui have been observed feeding while the kowhai is in flower. There are large transient populations of migratory birds offshore, including godwits, knots and turnstones.

Modest barnacles, rock oysters and oyster borers are common on cobbles. Snakeskin chitons, snails and anemones shelter underneath. Towards low-tide mark, tube worms and coraline turf cover the rock surfaces.

Native bush

Small scattered patches of kowhai occur on the gravel ridges, as well as lemonwood, tanekaha, red mapou, cabbage tree, ribbonwood and flax. The kowhai association on the gravel ridge is a unique and rare ecological unit.

This is the only known location of plant associations of this type in the Auckland region. Other vegetation associations occurring in the foothills of the Ranges include: manuka-kanuka scrub, taraire and tawa forest, kauri-hard beech-tanekaha forest and marsh associations.