Sightseeing
With 660m long this is the longest wharf in the Southern Hemisphere. Locals love the wharf because it's part of Eastland history, and because it's a most excellent place to catch a fish. In recent years the wharf has undergone extensive restoration work, which will help to ensure that locals and travellers can dangle a line for many years to come.
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Tolaga Bay Wharf
160 Wharf RdWith 660m long this is the longest wharf in the Southern Hemisphere. Locals love the wharf because it's part of Eastland history, and because it's a most excellent place to catch a fish. In recent years the wharf has undergone extensive restoration work, which will help to ensure that locals and travellers can dangle a line for many years to come.
🏇Kaiaua Beach Races🏇
Tolaga Bay Beach Races, annual horse racing held on the beach at Kaiaua Beach, East Coast. An event that is a highlight of the district every summer. Trophies and Prizes to be won for Thoroughbred and Non Thoroughbred races. Equalizer betting available.
Tolaga Bay beach races started in 1876 and has been an ongoing annual event attracting hundreds of spectators to enjoy the day of racing.
A start line in marked in the sand with 2 finishing posts poked into the sand at the end, there are 7 races in total graded for non thoroughbreds and thoroughbreds and a consolation race at the end for the non place getters in the first 6 races.
All horses are given a number and coloured bib.
Betting is available on an equalizer system where all bets are $1 you get a letter which is then allocated to a horse.
All proceeds from the day go back into the local community such as the restoration of the Tolgaga Bay Wharf, Church etc
This event is run by volunteers and all prizes donated by sponsors.
Event organiser is Chris Ovenden 06 862 6871
Event secretary is Ira Ngerengre 06 06 862 6311
Commentator Ken Uruera
Race Starter and Handicapper Rocky Moran
Check each year for the date and time of the beach races
Kaiaua Road
Kaiaua Road🏇Kaiaua Beach Races🏇
Tolaga Bay Beach Races, annual horse racing held on the beach at Kaiaua Beach, East Coast. An event that is a highlight of the district every summer. Trophies and Prizes to be won for Thoroughbred and Non Thoroughbred races. Equalizer betting available.
Tolaga Bay beach races started in 1876 and has been an ongoing annual event attracting hundreds of spectators to enjoy the day of racing.
A start line in marked in the sand with 2 finishing posts poked into the sand at the end, there are 7 races in total graded for non thoroughbreds and thoroughbreds and a consolation race at the end for the non place getters in the first 6 races.
All horses are given a number and coloured bib.
Betting is available on an equalizer system where all bets are $1 you get a letter which is then allocated to a horse.
All proceeds from the day go back into the local community such as the restoration of the Tolgaga Bay Wharf, Church etc
This event is run by volunteers and all prizes donated by sponsors.
Event organiser is Chris Ovenden 06 862 6871
Event secretary is Ira Ngerengre 06 06 862 6311
Commentator Ken Uruera
Race Starter and Handicapper Rocky Moran
Check each year for the date and time of the beach races
Parks & Nature
From the Tolaga Bay Wharf you can hike across farmland and through regenerating forest to Cooks Cove where, in 1769, Captain Cook halted to repair his ship, the Endeavour, and take on fresh supplies. The track crosses private land, so please respect the property and do not disturb or approach farm animals.
The walkway is closed for the lambing season each year from 1st August until the start of Labour Weekend in late October.
13 abantu bendawo batusa
Cooks Cove Walkway
128 Wharf RdFrom the Tolaga Bay Wharf you can hike across farmland and through regenerating forest to Cooks Cove where, in 1769, Captain Cook halted to repair his ship, the Endeavour, and take on fresh supplies. The track crosses private land, so please respect the property and do not disturb or approach farm animals.
The walkway is closed for the lambing season each year from 1st August until the start of Labour Weekend in late October.
Dive Tatapouri
Reef Ecology Tour
Snorkelling with Stingrays
Rere Rock Slide – Heading down to the Wharekopae River will bring you to the Rere Falls and the Rere Rock Slide (we should mention that these are two different parts of the river just in case you're wondering if people really slide over the falls). This is one of the free major attractions of the river, which can be used by almost all age groups. The rockslide is a 60-metre-long natural water slide. The rocks have been smoothed by the constantly running water of the Wharekopae River. Boogie boards, inflatable mattresses and inner tubes can be used to slide on and it's a wild ride. Care should be taken and check in with the locals first, if you're feeling unsure about racing down it.
28 abantu bendawo batusa
Rere Rockslides
Wharekopae RoadRere Rock Slide – Heading down to the Wharekopae River will bring you to the Rere Falls and the Rere Rock Slide (we should mention that these are two different parts of the river just in case you're wondering if people really slide over the falls). This is one of the free major attractions of the river, which can be used by almost all age groups. The rockslide is a 60-metre-long natural water slide. The rocks have been smoothed by the constantly running water of the Wharekopae River. Boogie boards, inflatable mattresses and inner tubes can be used to slide on and it's a wild ride. Care should be taken and check in with the locals first, if you're feeling unsure about racing down it.
The Beach and where to swim plus
Tatarahake Cliff walk: 200 m | 1 km | 30 minutes return
Ernest Reeve Walkway (Tatarahake Cliff) at the northern end of the Tolaga Bay beach leads to a high lookout and rewarding epic views with panoramic views over the bay and from the top, views of inland to the pastured hills and even Mt Hikurangi on a clear day.
It is a steep, stepped climb of some 200m to the lookout. The steep track is aided by steps. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the lookout.
The northern headland walk is accessed by walking or driving north along the main beach. At the beach head left to the roadend carpark, the track is visible rising up the hill. There are toilet facilities all along the grass reserve between the dunes and the road.
Beach time: Swimming at the beach is scattered over the whole length of the beach but safest at Blue Waters (by the Freedom Camping Grounds) where Surf Life Saving Club members patrol weekends and public holidays during summer. Swimmers need to be aware of the hazards around the wharf and also the large Uawa Rivermouth.
The sands of Tolaga Bay are sprinkled with driftwood, seaweed and other flotsam. Low marram grass covered dunes flank the foreshore and a line of Norfolk Island Pines borders the road.
Ask your host about the best fishing spots ;)
Earnest Reeve Walkway
The Beach and where to swim plus
Tatarahake Cliff walk: 200 m | 1 km | 30 minutes return
Ernest Reeve Walkway (Tatarahake Cliff) at the northern end of the Tolaga Bay beach leads to a high lookout and rewarding epic views with panoramic views over the bay and from the top, views of inland to the pastured hills and even Mt Hikurangi on a clear day.
It is a steep, stepped climb of some 200m to the lookout. The steep track is aided by steps. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the lookout.
The northern headland walk is accessed by walking or driving north along the main beach. At the beach head left to the roadend carpark, the track is visible rising up the hill. There are toilet facilities all along the grass reserve between the dunes and the road.
Beach time: Swimming at the beach is scattered over the whole length of the beach but safest at Blue Waters (by the Freedom Camping Grounds) where Surf Life Saving Club members patrol weekends and public holidays during summer. Swimmers need to be aware of the hazards around the wharf and also the large Uawa Rivermouth.
The sands of Tolaga Bay are sprinkled with driftwood, seaweed and other flotsam. Low marram grass covered dunes flank the foreshore and a line of Norfolk Island Pines borders the road.
Ask your host about the best fishing spots ;)
Arts & Culture
Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday and Public Holidays 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Closed – Easter Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Admission
Adults $5
12 years and under and Friends of the Museum free entry
Free entry for local residents
37 abantu bendawo batusa
Tairāwhiti Museum
10 Stout StOpening Hours
Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday and Public Holidays 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Closed – Easter Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Admission
Adults $5
12 years and under and Friends of the Museum free entry
Free entry for local residents
Food scene
Wharf Rd, Tolaga Bay
Pizza, Smoothies, Tea and Coffee with a view
Orders 021 276 7831
Broad Bills, Uawa
Wharf RoadWharf Rd, Tolaga Bay
Pizza, Smoothies, Tea and Coffee with a view
Orders 021 276 7831
Cafe 35
41 Waitangi StBest Paua Pies on the coast
Cottles Cafe
Cook StreetCottles Cafe and Bakery. Best pies in Tolaga Bay, coffee and treats
Shops
George & Mildreds Supermarket
20 Cook StGroceries and Convenience store, Post Office, ATM, Liquor shop
Groceries and Convenience store, Fishing gear and Bait, Lotto, Pharmacy depot
24 Cook Street, Tolaga Bay 4077
Phone: 06-862 6889
John's Superette & Lotto
24 Cook StGroceries and Convenience store, Fishing gear and Bait, Lotto, Pharmacy depot
24 Cook Street, Tolaga Bay 4077
Phone: 06-862 6889
Local e-cigarette product retailer. E-liquid, pods, hardware and accessories. Purchase in-store or online. Stockist of IRIS CLOTHING
45 Cook Street, Tolaga Bay
022 560 6116
http://www.vapevault.co.nz/
Vape Vault
45 Cook StreetLocal e-cigarette product retailer. E-liquid, pods, hardware and accessories. Purchase in-store or online. Stockist of IRIS CLOTHING
45 Cook Street, Tolaga Bay
022 560 6116
http://www.vapevault.co.nz/
Emergencies and Medical
For any emergency please dial 111.
The nearest main hospital is in Gisborne at 421 Ormond Rd, Gisborne - Phone 06-869 0500
There is a smaller hospital in Te Puia Spring at 4 McKenzie Street, Te Puia Springs. - Phone 06 864 6803
Healthline 0800 611 116
Finally Tolaga Bay private clinic is at 40 Banks Street - Phone (06) 862 6650
Open Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
No doctor on Thursday and Friday. Nurse only clinic on these days that no Dr is in
Tolaga Bay Volunteer Fire Brigade
Solander StreetFor any emergency please dial 111.
The nearest main hospital is in Gisborne at 421 Ormond Rd, Gisborne - Phone 06-869 0500
There is a smaller hospital in Te Puia Spring at 4 McKenzie Street, Te Puia Springs. - Phone 06 864 6803
Healthline 0800 611 116
Finally Tolaga Bay private clinic is at 40 Banks Street - Phone (06) 862 6650
Open Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
No doctor on Thursday and Friday. Nurse only clinic on these days that no Dr is in