Tohu Whenua Explore Huriawa
Ready to explore via foot or waka, Huriawa has recently been recognised as a Tohu Whenua site – acknowledging it as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s must-see heritage experiences. Located in the seaside village of Karitāne (between Dunedin and Ōamaru) Huriawa offered a strategic vantage for early Māori settlers and is an actively treasured site to mana whenua.
Home to layers of Kāi Tahu stories, Huriawa visitors will explore the compelling history of the area including the legendary Huriawa siege, the Waikouaiti Whaling Station that led to the depletion of the Southern Right Whale population and the first Mission Station in the South Island.
Huriawa is one of 12 Tohu Whenua sites in Otago including the storied paths of the Otago Central Rail Trail and the timeless elegance of Olveston Historic Home. Each site on the Tohu Whenua itinerary has a unique story that enables travelers to soak up history where it happened, with the promise of offering exceptional visitor experiences for all ages. Huriawa is the first site of specific significance to mana whenua in Otago, making it a very special addition to the programme.
As you drive into the quaint seaside town of Karitāne, you’ll pass by charming coastal homes and the iconic 100-year old Karitāne General Store. The peaceful town is framed by the picturesque Huriawa Peninsula, which is one of many unique landscape features in the region that link members of the local hapū (subtribe) Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Kāi Tahu whānui to their tūrakawaewae. Huriawa has been a special place for Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki since the first footprints of tīpuna Māori in the Waikouaiti area, and Karitāne Māori Tours, owned and operated by the local rūnaka, now offers guided tours for visitors of all ages, including school groups.
You can take your pick from a Māori pā experience, Māori waka experience or an immersive 4-hour package including both. A guided tour will allow you to walk with the people of Huriawa and hear firsthand stories of the region.
The unique waka journey will guide you onto the Waikouaiti river in waka unua (double-hulled waka) where you’ll paddle your way upriver, then spend some time on the Ohinepouwera Spit, where the rūnaka has developed a 200-year planting plan to replenish the area with native plants. As part of their coastal restoration programme, you’ll transport and plant native trees as you make your way through native bush to a hidden white sand beach.
Visitors can also access the free Huriawa Pā Walk (a 2.4km loop track) to explore the spectacular views of the peninsula and read information panels about the area’s rich history along the way – and checking out the blow hole is always a highlight for tamariki.
Tohu Whenua will encompass all regions across the motu in time, with the growing list currently including 27 Tohu Whenua sites in three regions; Te Tai Tokerau Northland, Te Tai Poutini West Coast and Otago. A must-see in every Otago road trip, Tohu Whenua is thrilled to welcome Huriawa into its growing itinerary of sites around Aotearoa.
Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
