Matiatia to Oneroa – the Mokemoke Pā headland walk Preview

Start: Ferry Terminal at Matiatia IMPORTANT: Track not accessible at Matiatia 1.5 hours each side of High Tide

From the ferry terminal go left, north toward the dinghy racks and look for the track start sign.Walk down the sealed ramp to the beach, and follow the beach around toward the red shed.

Follow the trail out to the first headland.

There is a picnic seat over looking the Mokemoke Pā. This conspicuous headland was a strategic defensive site for the people of Matiatia from the 1500s until the 1700s.Follow the path from the beach and head up around the bay, passing all the yachts moored in Matiatia Bay

1700s - Mokemoke Pā the northern headland

“Mokemoke Pā situated at the northern entrance to Matiatia bay is a powerful, conspicuous remnant of Ngāti Paoa’s history on the island. It was a strategic defensive outpost for the western portion of Te Huruhi prior to the introduction of the musket. The pā is relatively small, and supported the people of Matiatia Bay in times of warfare. Mokemoke Pā is a sentinel that watches over the Bay and its environment.”- Morehu Wilson, Ngāti Paoa

Play

Descend down to Cable Bay

Descend down to Cable Bay (where the main power cable for the island used to be). There is a fantastic sculpture to enjoy in this bay. Follow the steps up (and up!) and towards Owhanake Bay, 3.5km from the starting point.

Owhanake Bay

Village goes. There was once a thriving Māori kāinga (settlement) here, at first self -sufficient, then running sheep and growing vegetables for the Auckland market.The clay banks and the pit by the creek mouth are the result of this beach being mined for shingle in the late 1800s. This was used a building material in Auckland.

Oneroa Bay

Welcome to Oneroa village and beachYou’re in classic Beaches ‘n’ Baches territory on the Walk Waiheke network.Weave your way between intimate beaches and hidden coves. Choose to enjoy village life, or go exploring along quiet and quirky walkways full of essential island character.The name Hakaimango, for the western headland of the bay, refers to sharks once caught at Mahurangi, brought here, and sun dried to prepare a Ngāti Paoa delicacy.