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07 Jul: Coastlands Aquatic Centre and Ōtaki Pool will be closed 12 and 13 July to host events. Coastlands will reopen 6pm 13 July Aquatics

Waikanae Heritage Trail

Step back in time on the Waikanae Heritage Trail. Explore historic landmarks, learn fascinating local stories, and enjoy beautiful scenery. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Join us on a journey through Waikanae's rich past!

In 1824 a group of Te Āti Awa iwi arrived from Taranaki at the invitation of Ngāti Toa. One of their settlements was on...

This area was the centre for Te Āti Awa at Waikanae from about 1849 until 1886, when its people moved to a site near the...

Whakarongotai Marae

In 1850 a meeting house, Puku Mahi Tamariki, was built at the instigation of Wi Tako Ngatata-i-te-Rangi, chief of Ngāti...

St Andrew's Church and Hall, Reikōrangi

For over 100 years, St Andrew’s Church has been an ongoing testimony to the devotion and community spirit of local...

Reikōrangi translated into English means ‘the gate’ or ‘gateway to heaven’. This originated from when a young slave was...

Waikanae District Postal Services

In 1841, letter carriers on foot began the first postal service on the coastal route between Wellington and Whanganui....

St Luke's Church

In 1877, Wi Parata Te Kakakura, a paramount Chief, built St Luke’s Church at Tuku Rākau, on Te Moana Road, near...

Frances Hodgkins

Frances Hodgkins (1869–1947) remains New Zealand's best known and much-loved expatriate artist.

Paetawa Flax Mill

Archibald Brown (1859–1941) milled flax (harakeke/phormium tenax) in these buildings from 1905 to1930. Falling prices...

Heritage trail links

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Updated 3 June 2025