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Pāpāmoa Hills

Located in the Western Bay of Plenty, near Te Puke, Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park is a 182 hectare property explored and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each month.

The summit is 224 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views of the Bay of Plenty coastline. There are several tracks through the park which can be used to enjoy the views and explore the numerous archaeological features, including seven pā sites.

Partnerships

Bay of Plenty Regional Council works in partnership with mana whenua to support the vision of the park. Te Uepu is the shared decision-making entity for the Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park and is made up of representatives from Regional Council, Waitaha, Ngā Pōtiki, Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti He.

Historical and cultural significance

The Pāpāmoa Hills are among the most significant historical and archaeological landscapes in Aotearoa New Zealand situated in an area with a density of features and number of iwi who date back to the arrival of the Arawa canoe around 1350.

The park is a culturally rich area, with visible evidence of historical Māori occupation and links to Maketū, (Mauao) Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Moana and further afield. Māori from many iwi have long understood the strategic importance of the Pāpāmoa Hills with their commanding position over the surrounding coastline.

There are 1,630 individual archaeological features recorded within the park. Predominantly the features are terraces/tuku and platforms/papatahi, pits, middens and defensive earthworks such as ditches/maioro. The number of archaeological features present in such a small area is very unusual for New Zealand and reflects why it is necessary to protect these sites, and also tell the story of this important cultural landscape.

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Getting there

From Tauranga
20 kilometres - 20 minutes

Travel east on State Highway 2 towards Pāpāmoa. Take the Domain Road exit from State Highway 2.

Continue on Pacific Coast Highway/Te Puke Highway to Poplar Lane. Turn right into Poplar Lane. 

From Rotorua
65 kilometres - 45 minutes

Take State Highway 33 from to Pacific Coast Highway/Te Puke Highway in Paengaroa.

Follow Pacific Coast Highway to Poplar Lane in Pāpāmoa. Turn left from State Highway 2 into Poplar Lane. 

From Whakatāne
80 kilometres - 60 minutes

Follow State Highway 2 to Pacific Coast Highway/State Highway 30 near Paengaroa.

Follow Pacific Coast Highway to Poplar Lane in Pāpāmoa. Turn left from State Highway 2 into Poplar Lane. 

 

Walking tracks

Walking trails are Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park's main feature. Take a stroll through the farmland and enjoy the panoramic coastal views. 

The main and most well-known walking track is from the carpark, located on Poplar Lane, to the trig station (at 224 metres). This track leads through pine forest, native bush and open grassland and showcases the terracing on several pa sites and breathtaking views from the top. It takes about 45 minutes and rises relatively steeply. You will find an information board at the car park that provides further information about the park.

There are several other tracks which allow you to explore the cultural heritage of the park and make the most of the expansive views, with most tracks leading you to each of the six pa sites within the Park boundary. 

 

 

 

papamoa hills walking track

 

 

papamoa hills

Park Rules

Due to the high number of archaeological and cultural sites located within the Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park activities have been restricted to passive recreation.

  • No dogs permitted at all times.
  • No camping.
  • No motorbikes.
  • No mountain biking.
  • No horse trekking.
  • No fires.
  • Rubbish free park - care for our environment and take your rubbish home with you.

 

 

Things to note

  • Park opening hours are 4.30am - 9pm.​
  • Remember sunscreen and a hat for sunny days and although most tracks are well formed, good walking shoes are recommended, as is a reasonable level of fitness.
  • Take a bottle of water with you as there is no drinking water supply in the Park.
  • There is an information board at the car park that provides further information about using the park.
  • The Park is also an operational farm. Please be careful around livestock and give them space. Remember to always leave gates the way you found them.

 

 

papamoa hills view
upgrades carpark

2023 upgrade project

In 2017, Regional Council staff and iwi representatives started working together to develop a concept for the new carpark and visitor gateway.

This included the creation of an improved entry from Poplar Lane, increased carparking capacity and improved safety for vehicle access. The new entrance way to the park includes an interpretation area to help park users understand some of the cultural and historic context of the land they are visiting, and improved track signage will enhance the experience for visitors coming to enjoy the park.

The new carpark is around 400 metres north of the old one which will give easy access to some lesser used tracks. The old carpark can still be used, however the new carpark and visitor entry space are the primary access areas and provide over 80 additional carpark spaces. A visually stunning tomokanga or entryway welcomes visitors to the site. There is a new toilet block, enhanced seating and picnic areas, interpretive panels and wayfinding signage.

Ninety-five per cent of users go straight up to the top. The upgrades will open up the other trails in the 182-hectare park. Track upgrades include the construction of a wheelchair-friendly short loop track and a new 1500m walkway connecting the new carpark and existing walkway. The latter meanders alongside the Maraeroa pā site offering more spectacular views. An 80m staircase has also been built as an option for a more direct route within the new track. 

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Regional parks

Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park

The Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park, on the spectacular headland between the Ōhiwa Harbour and Bryans Beach, was opened by the Upokorehe hapū and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in 2010.

Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park

Pāpāmoa Hills Upgrade

The park is welcoming a rising number of visitors in recent years which is placing strain on existing facilities. 

Living in the Bay

Safe swimming areas

We collect water samples from more than 70 sites around the Bay of Plenty weekly throughout the summer swim season.