Inventory of coastal areas of local or regional significance in the ...

Te Kawau Pa
Number: 3 GPS: 2649147E
6269659N
General description
Te Kawau is a small (1.0244 hectare), flat-topped, steep sided island Pa protected as a historic
reserve and archaeological site. The top of the island is 25 metres above sea level, and is
covered in thick native shrub. The sea surrounds the eroding sandstone cliffs at high tide.
The Pa is an ancient site of the Ngati Tama. The island is an attractive landmark on the North
2, 5
Taranaki coast.
Location
7 km south of Mokau and 6 km north of Tongaporutu.
Land tenure
Site: - Crown Land: Te Kawau Pa Historic Reserve (administered by the
Department of Conservation)
Site access: - Crown Land: State Highway 3 (administered by Transit New Zealand)
- District Land: Esplanade Reserve (administered by New Plymouth District
Council)
Values
Amenity High - within an area of outstanding coastal value 1
- attractive landmark on the North Taranaki coast 2
Recreational Low - accessibility to possible recreational spots is low
Cultural/ High - archeological site, protected historical reserve
Historical
2
- ancient island Maori pa site, burial site (urupa), and midden 3
- site of great spiritual and historical significance to local iwi 5
- boundary between Taranaki and Waikato tribes
Ecological/ Moderate - blue penguin common around the area, and other seabirds
Scientific
1, 4
nest on the cliffs and offshore stacks
- cliffs have high interpretive and scientific values for coastal
processes 4
Public access
Poor - The historic reserve is signposted off State Highway 3, and a car parking area
is available. No access track is available to the beach around the island. A
rough track through bush exists onto the nearby headland (Te Puia) to view
Te Kawau Pa. Access onto Te Kawau Island is forbidden.
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