Not far from the Nuhaka roundabout is Kahungunu Marae. From the roadside (it's not open to the public), check out the carving at the meeting house’s apex: a standing warrior holding a taiaha (spear), less stylised than most traditional carvings.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Wairoa Museum

17.2 MILES

The excellent Wairoa Museum has an Italianate facade from its former life as a bank. Inside you'll find passionately curated, creative displays on local…

2. Hackfalls Arboretum

21.86 MILES

Tree-huggers will enjoy the 3000 rare plants at Hackfalls, a 3km detour from the turn-off at the Tiniroto Tavern. Explore by yourself, or book a guided…

3. Millton Vineyards & Winery

26.86 MILES

Sustainable, organic, biodynamic... Millton makes all the right moves, and makes them well. Bring a picnic and kick back surrounded by sturdy-trunked…

4. Matawhero

28.45 MILES

Enjoy a picnic in bucolic splendour, accompanied by a flight of fine wines. Matawhero is home to a particularly buttery chardy, refined over almost 50…

5. Matawhero Church

29.09 MILES

Some 7km west of the town centre in the suburb of Matawhero, this historic Presbyterian church is the only building in the village to have survived the…

6. Bushmere Estate

29.12 MILES

Great chardonnay, gewürztraminer and cafe lunches at sassy restaurant The Vines (www.bushmerevines.co.nz; mains $25 to $34). Live music on summer Sundays…

7. Kirkpatrick Estate

29.38 MILES

Sustainable winery with lovely wines across the board, including a delicious malbec. Look forward to vineyard and valley views but call ahead to make sure…

8. Puhi Kai Iti Cook Landing Site

29.81 MILES

At the foot of Titirangi Reserve is the spot where Captain Cook first landed in NZ in 1769, and where nine Māori were killed by Cook's crew. In 2019, a $5…