Discovering Horeke in Hokianga Harbour
Horeke is a small rural hamlet located at the northeastern end of Hokianga Harbour, where the Waihou River meets the harbour. This area is characterised by tidal mudflats and mangroves, which transform into a picturesque scene when the tide is in and the weather is calm. Despite its modest and sleepy appearance, Horeke has a remarkable history.
A Glimpse into Horeke's Past
Originally named Deptford after a Royal Navy shipyard in England, Horeke was settled in 1826 by David Ramsay and Gordon Browne from Sydney, 14 years before the Treaty of Waitangi. They established a trading post and shipbuilding facility, likely drawn by the area's abundant kauri forests at the time.
Three ships were constructed here: the 40-ton schooner Enterprise, the 140-ton brigantine New Zealander, and the 394-ton barque Sir George Murray. Unfortunately, the venture went bankrupt in 1830.
Despite this setback, the timber industry in Hokianga thrived, with Thomas McDonnell's station in Horeke becoming a central hub in the 1830s. Horeke is also home to New Zealand's oldest hotel, the Horeke Hotel, which dates back to 1833, although the current buildings are from a later period. In 1828, the Wesleyan Missionary Society chose Horeke for its second mission station in New Zealand. The Mangungu Mission, a beautiful and historic site, is located about 2 km southwest of the hotel on Horeke Road.
The Changing Landscape
As the kauri forests were depleted, the timber mills vanished, and farming emerged in the surrounding rugged hills. Today, the landscape is mainly covered with exotic pine plantations or native forest regrowth, interspersed with patches of farmland.
Geological Wonders
Horeke is also notable for its geological features, particularly the basalt rock formations resulting from volcanic activity in Northland between 2 and 20 million years ago. These rocks once formed a high plateau around Lake Ōmāpere, a primary crater. Today, you can explore the eroded and exposed fluted rock formations at Wairere Boulders and Wairere Heights, accessible via Horeke Road after it turns south from the harbour. The former has a campground, and the latter offers an overnight farm stay experience.
Getting to Horeke
To reach Horeke, you can take a scenic but winding drive along Horeke Road from Ōkaihau, which lies on State Highway 1. This drive takes 27 minutes and is 21 km. Alternatively, a faster route is available via Rangiahua Road from SH1, north of Ōkaihau, and which connects with Horeke Road near the coast. This takes 20 minutes and 23.5 km. Horeke is also near the end of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, another way to explore this historic and scenic area.
Other historic places around the Hokianga region include Te Waimate Mission, the site of the Battle of Ōhaeawai at St Michaels Anglican Church near Ngawha, Rawene and Kohukohu.
