Discover Pōhaturoa Rock in Whakatāne
Pōhaturoa Rock is an iconic and historic landmark in downtown Whakatāne in the Bay of Plenty. rising dramatically from The Strand, the town’s main street. Ancient pōhutukawa and karaka trees frame its steep, near-vertical cliffs, the latter believed to have been brought to the area aboard the ancestral waka Mātaatua.
One of Pōhaturoa’s unique features is a small tunnel running through its base, known as Te Arikirau. Just south of the rock is the starting point of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway, making this a great place to begin a journey through Whakatāne’s scenic and cultural sites.
Cultural and Historical Significance
To the iwi of Ngāti Awa, Pōhaturoa is more than a geological feature; it is a sacred site and part of their tūrangawaewae (ancestral standing place). In Māori tradition, the rock has spiritual origins linked to Tāne, god of the forests, and Hinetuparimaunga, a mountain goddess. Their union is said to have given rise to a spiritual entity embodied in the land around the rock.
Historically, the cave (now tunnel) within the rock was used for sacred rituals, including initiation ceremonies and traditional tattooing (tā moko) carried out by tribal tohunga (priests). The nearby Waiewe Stream, which once flowed alongside the rock, was used for ceremonial bathing and anointing of warriors. Much of the stream was diverted or covered during 19th-century road developments, which also damaged parts of the rock.
A Site of Historical Events
Pōhaturoa was the site of a major historical event in 1840, when 12 Ngāti Awa chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi near the base of the rock. This signing is commemorated each year at a dawn ceremony held by the iwi on June 12.
In 1920, the rock was chosen as the official war memorial for Whakatāne. This decision reflected its longstanding association with sacred rites and warrior traditions. Local soldiers departing for World War I were farewelled at Pōhaturoa, and a memorial was later added to honour those who died in both World Wars.
Memorial to Te Hurinui Apanui
On the south-western side of Pōhaturoa stands a memorial dedicated to Te Hurinui Apanui, a highly respected Ngāti Awa rangatira who passed away in 1924. He played a pivotal role in mediating relationships between Māori and European authorities during a tumultuous period following land confiscations in the 1860s. His advocacy helped protect iwi interests, and he earned respect across both Māori and Pākehā communities. His funeral drew more than 2,000 attendees, a reflection of his significant legacy.
How to Get There
Pōhaturoa Rock is located on The Strand in the heart of Whakatāne and is easily visible and accessible from the town centre.
For those wanting to explore further, the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway takes you to historic pā sites and amazing views on the hills above the town centre. You can walk all the way to Kohi Point, and then to Ōhope Beach. Another option is to follow the edge of the Whakatāne Harbour to Muriwai's Cave and the Wairaka Statue.
