Storytelling Walk Around Rangihoua

A fabulous loop walk from the delightful local Museum, through wetlands, fields and native bush, as you circumnavigate Rangihoua Pā site. An optional track to the summit for 360 degree views of the area adds 20 minutes.

Be swept away by stories, from early Māori settlement to recent environmental and modern history. Listen to stories told and read by locals including Paul Monin, Colin Gordon, Malcolm Philcox, Nalayino Brito, Sue Fitchett, Ivan Kitson, Flynn Washington and Gary Wilton.

Track summary:

This fabulous loop walk is 100% on tracks and trails and passes through wetlands and native bush, skirts the golf course and crosses areas of the sports park. The wetlands have lovely oioi grass (a grass found in estuaries where the sea water and fresh water meet), raupo (bull rush), mangrove and toi toi.

There is an optional side trail up to the summit of Rangihoua pā. (Please respect this tapu area, no food should be consumed). For more information on the Māori history, flora and fauna click https://discover.stqry.app/en/story/31699

• Look out for the fabulous kowhai tree as you skirt around the golf course. They flower in late winter and early spring and often are full of tui and silvereyes.

Location:

This track starts and finishes at the Museum of Waiheke, 165 Onetangi Rd, close to many of the island’s wineries. There is parking at the museum, and please go in, pay a small koha (donation) and have a look around, and let them know you are going for walk .The museum is open on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday from 11 – 3pm. It’s a wonderful museum showcasing a slice of the Old Waiheke and the historic village, and they would love our support. http://www.waihekemuseum.org.nz)

This track is dog friendly, and dogs are allowed off-lead under control on the tracks around Rangihoua, but not allowed on the golf course or sports fields.