Ngati Paoa waka taua carrying Mayor Len Brown arrives at Tawhitokino Beach for the launch of Te Ara Moana.

Media release
5 April 2013

Southern kayak adventure opens

Mayor Len Brown today (Friday 05 April) opened Auckland Council’s first multi-day kayak trail at Tawhitokino Regional Park on Auckland’s south-eastern coast.

Te Ara Moana – the seagoing pathway, takes kayakers from Omana Regional Park near Maraetai to Waharau Regional Park in the foothills of the Hunua Ranges near Kaiaua with camping options at purpose-built campgrounds along the way.

“We are delighted to open up another opportunity for families and groups to get out, get active and explore our stunning coastline – this time, from the water,” says Len Brown.

“Te Ara Moana follows the traditional sea-going trails of mana whenua and we acknowledge the support of Ngai Tai, Ngati Paoa and Ngati Whaunaunga in sharing this experience with the public,” he says.

The idea of creating a southern kayak trail was first explored six years ago and has included researching demand for sea kayaking in the Auckland region, selecting a suitable route and planning the infrastructure to support it.

Councillor Sandra Coney, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Heritage Forum, has been a supporter of the concept from the outset and is pleased to see this well-planned trail becoming a reality.
“Just like the Hillary Trail for trampers on our west coast, Te Ara Moana offers people a multi-day adventure and a wonderful character-building outdoors experience.

“We are also delighted to include Waitawa Regional Park in the trail. This park is not yet open to the public but we have arranged limited access, just for kayakers, to the bay.

“We hope that Te Ara Moana will be the start of a network of kayak trails around the region; joining up public open space and getting more people into our parks,” she says.

A pou, symbolising a paddle, was unveiled to mark the launch of Te Ara Moana. From L-R: Cr Sandra Coney, Franklin Local Board Chair Andy Baker; Mayor Len Brown, James Brown (Ngai Tai), Hauauru Rawiri (Ngati Paoa), Auckland Council Chief Operating Officer Ian Maxwell and Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation Mace Ward.

The self-guided trail starts at Omana Regional Park, where kayakers can spend a night or just launch from the park or boat ramp. It continues to Duder Regional Park, Waitawa Regional Park, Tawhitokino Regional Park and Tapapakanga Regional Park, finishing at Waharau Regional Park.

• Purpose-built campgrounds have been built at Duder, Waitawa and Tapapakanga and a new shelter has been added at the back-country campground at Tawhitokino.
• Campground bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
• Dedicated kayak campsites at Duder, Waitawa, Tawhitokino and Tapapakanga cost $6 per night for adults and $4 for children and regional park campgrounds (Omana and Waharau) cost $12 per night for adults and $6 for children.
• The trail takes five days (four nights) and is 51km long, covering between 8km and 14km per day. Additional camping nights can be added at each end at Omana and Waharau.

Auckland Council advises kayakers to plan their trip carefully, check tides and weather forecasts before setting out, prepare equipment thoroughly and ensure they have left details of their journey with family or friends. A checklist, Te Ara Moana care code and kayak safety code is available on the trail brochure and council website.

More information is available on the Auckland Council website.

ENDS

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