Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park

Welcome to Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park, a captivating establishment and tourist attraction located in Papamoa, New Zealand. Situated in the Western Bay of Plenty, near Te Puke, this 135-hectare property offers a delightful experience for thousands of visitors each month.

At an impressive height of 224 meters above sea level, the park's summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty coastline. You can explore the park through various tracks, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and discover numerous archaeological features, including seven pa sites.

To reach us, simply follow the Pacific Coast Highway/Te Puke Highway to Poplar Lane and turn right. If you're coming from Paengaroa, take State Highway 33 towards Pacific Coast Highway/Te Puke Highway and continue until you reach Poplar Lane. Alternatively, from State Highway 2, turn left into Poplar Lane when you reach Pāpāmoa.

The main highlight of Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park is its extensive network of walking trails. Take a leisurely stroll through the farmland and savor the panoramic coastal views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The most popular track starts from the carpark on Poplar Lane and leads to the trig station at 224 meters. This track meanders through pine forests, native bush, and open grassland, showcasing terracing on several pa sites and offering awe-inspiring views from the top. The ascent takes approximately 45 minutes and includes a relatively steep incline. To enhance your experience, an information board at the carpark provides additional insights about the park.

Additionally, there are several other tracks within the park that allow you to explore its rich cultural heritage and make the most of the expansive views. Most of these tracks lead you to each of the park's six pa sites, offering a deeper understanding of the area's historical significance.

Due to the abundance of archaeological and cultural sites within the park, activities are limited to passive recreation, ensuring the preservation of these valuable assets. However, we are excited to announce that the Pāpāmoa Hills Upgrade project is scheduled for implementation in 2021. This project aims to enhance the park's entrance with upgraded landscaping, increased capacity, improved safety features, enhanced interpretation and signage, and better recognition of its cultural and historic features.

In addition to Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park, we also invite you to explore the Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park. Situated on the stunning headland between the Ōhiwa Harbour and Bryans Beach, this park was opened in 2010 by the Upokorehe hapū and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. However, please note that the rising number of visitors in recent years has placed strain on existing facilities.

We are committed to the well-being of the Bay of Plenty region, and as part of our efforts, we collect water samples from over 70 sites around the area on a weekly basis throughout the summer swim season. For any inquiries or correspondence, please reach out to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council at PO Box 364, Whakatāne 3158.

Come and experience the beauty and cultural heritage of Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park. Immerse yourself in nature, explore archaeological wonders, and revel in the sweeping coastal views that make this park a must-visit destination in New Zealand.