Exploring Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
Ngā Tapuwae O Toi, meaning "the footprints of Toi," is a picturesque 16 km loop walkway in Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty. This trail follows historic Māori paths connecting Whakatāne to the Whakatāne Heads, Kohi Point, and Ōhope. A highlight of the walk is Kaputerangi Point, where Toi-te-Huatahi is believed to have established the first pā, Kapu-te-rangi, with panoramic views over Whakatāne and the wider coast.
The Walkway Experience
The walkway begins with a steep ascent from the signposted entrance opposite Pohaturoa Rock in Whakatāne's town centre. As you climb, you'll reach Hillcrest Road, where the views are already impressive. Look for signposted paths leading to ancient cliff-edge pā sites, Te Papaka and Puketapu, which have stunning vistas over the town, the coast, and Moutohorā (Whale Island). You can also spot the sacred Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) to the southwest.
Continuing along Seaview Road, the track enters the Kohi Point Reserve. Here, it winds through forest regrowth along the ridge line to a grassed reserve and Kaputerangi Lookout. You can ascend to the high point at 183 metres, but the main track heads north through forest regrowth to Kohi Point at Whakatāne Heads. From this vantage, you can see the active Whakaari/White Island volcano. The trail then leads east towards Ōhope, passing the secluded Otarawairere Bay, accessible only at low tide. From the bay, it's a short walk to Ōhope, famous for its excellent surf beach.
Completing the Loop
You can return the same way or continue on the loop trail, which resumes near Ohope Road and West End Road. This section climbs back into the hills behind Ōhope, traversing the Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Mokoroa Bush Reserve. Alternatively, a bus is available for the return journey. Each section of the loop takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Getting to Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
To start the Ngā Tapuwae O Toi walkway, head to the signposted entrance opposite Pohaturoa in Whakatāne's town centre. From Tauranga, it is an 80-minute drive, 87km, and from Rotorua, it is 80 minutes and 85 km.
While in Whakatane, take a walk along Whakatāne Harbour with visits to Muriwai's Cave and the statue of Wairaka. Muriwai and Wairaka are particularly famous Maori early settlers, whose names are also given to Muriwai Beach and Owairaka (Mt Albert) in Auckland.
