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Tapeka Point is a major landmark consisting a large hill commanding views
from Paihia and Waitangi across the Bay of Islands. The Tapeka Point community
is accessed via Tapeka Road 2km from central Russell. The centre top of the image
above shows the northern entrance to the Bay of Islands and to the right of the
point peak, Ninepin rock. The hill was originally a
Maori Pa (fortification) prior to European settlement. The whole area above the
houses is a public reserve with a good walking track taking a scenic route to the
highest point where
breathtaking 360' views await. With an outcrop of rocks
and lighthouse, it is a main navigation point for vessels traveling between Opua,
Paihia and Russell to the Bay of Islands. The access track (Heritage Trail No
24) to the point is
directly behind Tapeka Del Mar. The Bay of Islands
is located in the northern east coast of the
New Zealand North Island |
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Aerial view of Tapeka Point |
The public reserve under the 1830's
Norfolk Pine Trees |
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Tapeka Point from the water showing Tapeka
beach and secluded bays to the Flagstaff ( right top) |
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Tapeka Beach has fine white sand and provides
all tide swimming protected from any swells by the rocks at the point. The beach
has a boat ramp, swimming pontoon and ski lane with a large flat reserve shaded by the 1830's Norfolk
Pine trees. Tapeka is the closest boat launching location to reach the Islands
in the bay. On the other side of the point is Rocky Bay. This offers a
pebble beach and has world famous surf casting locations where record fish have
been caught. The beach community is serviced by a sealed road from Russell which
passes by the famous Flag Staff, felled several times by Hone Heke. As the road
ends at the point there is no through traffic making it safer for children
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The
pictures above and below are the coastline on the other side of Tapeka towards Long
Beach,
a popular beach of visitors as viewed from vantage points on the hill. The rocks
surrounding the point are popular
with surfcasters with many prize fish caught from this area |
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Fishing is excellent both surfcasting
from the rocks and boats off shore. The beach on the western side of the point
features an all tide boat ramp, public toilets and water ski lane. |
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Tapeka beach at low tide. Tapeka Del Mar red roof centre
right |
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Part of the small Tapeka
community of under 100 mainly holiday homes and retired locals |
See also Views
and Beaches for more pictures of Tapeka Point
Other area information includes Bay of Islands,
Russell, Paihia
Fishing |
The
top picture of Tapeka Point was featured in a two page article in the
October 2000 edition of
the prestigious German Stern magazine
claiming "The top of New Zealand is just tops".
New
Zealand Tramper Reference - Tapeka Pa
HISTORIC: Area/structure of historic importance
Grid Reference: Q05 127 612
Northing: 6661286.0
Easting: 2612739.4
Lat: 36°46′ S Long: 174°7′ E
