Nau mai, welcome to Maketū

Maketū is about as authentic of a Kiwi town as they come. It’s a slice of New Zealand history in more ways than one. This seaside settlement was established after the landing of one of the seven original waka (seafaring canoes) that brought Māori (New Zealand’s indigenous peoples) to Aotearoa around 1250 CE. 

Take time to explore the sandy inlet, cliffed coastline, and salt-of-the-earth people of Maketū.

Kaituna 1

KAITUNA WETLAND LOOP

Lace up your shoes and head to the Kaituna wetland loop track, just outside of Maketū. The 4.4-kilometre trail meanders through a waterfowl-filled wetland, and kids will love spotting the abundance of wildlife from the viewing hide. It’s also a chance to learn about the wetland inhabitants, migratory birds who pass through for a pit stop and a rest, and the importance of their habitat’s ecosystem. Walkers will discover the information display boards located along the track.

Find more information on the Department of Conservation website. Be aware that hunters occupy the area for the game bird season from the first weekend in May until 30 June, so choose another Bay of Plenty trail at that time.

Kotukutuku Gully Maketu 2

KOTUTUKUKU GULLY

Walk in the footsteps of Maketū conservation volunteers who dedicated countless hours restoring and planting the Kotukutuku Gully track for locals and visitors to enjoy. After starting at the corner of Hapimana and Little Waihi Roads, you might even score yourself some fruit from the trees for a picnic. Keep an eye (and an ear) out for fruit-nectar and nut-loving birds such as tūī, korimako (New Zealand bellbird), and tauhou (silvereye or wax-eye).

Find more information on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council website.

Te Arawa Monument Maketu11 1

HUMBLE HISTORY

After strolling through the Kotukutuku Gully, continue up Little Waihi Road for a scenic hīkoi (walk) through the village. Along the way, you’ll be guided by seven markers sharing details of some of New Zealand’s most significant historical events that took place in Maketū. You can also enjoy fantastic views as you walk up to Pukemaire Pā. On your way back to town, an essential stop is the Maketū Takeaways fish & chip shop (1 Little Waihi Road), immortalised by celebrated New Zealand artist Dame Robin White in her iconic 1975 oil painting. A photo here is a perfect memento of classic Kiwi culture! A bit further, you'll also find Te Arawa monument, which marks the landing point of the Te Arawa canoe.

Deon Muir from Muirs Tours

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL


If fishing is on your itinerary, head to the Kaituna Mole. Following a recent major renovation, this scenic and convenient fishing and viewing platform at the mouth of the Kaituna River is ideal for both river anglers and sea fishers. 
To get a true understanding of Maketū, its people, and the stories of those who first came to New Zealand’s shores, take a tour with ex-Māori All Black rugby-player-turned-cultural-guide-and-chef Deon Muir of Muir’s Tours.

 

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Kids big and small will love the pipes, ramps and rails at the Maketū skatepark (643 Maketū Road). The view out to the estuary and Pacific Ocean beyond also provides a scenic spot for mum and dad too.

Maketū Park Road Reserve (14 Park Road) is the perfect place for kids to build sandcastles and enjoy hours of imaginative play. The large ‘sand play’ playground – with its sand-covered surface – features child-sized diggers, a climbing rope tower, slides, swings, and a ‘flying saucer’ basket swing.

Maketu Beachside Cafe 2 1

DINE WITH A VIEW

For a drink or bite to eat with a view, head to the Maketū Beachside Café & Restaurant. True to its name, you can park yourself metres from the ocean and listen to the sound of the waves while you enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in their newly renovated space.

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BEACH PLEASE

Maketū Beach

Enjoy sandy shores, rockpools, surf-casting, swimming and shellfish-gathering (check the rules first and observe the limits) at Maketū Beach. The beach at the mouth of the Kaituna River is patrolled by surf lifeguards every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday during peak season; times vary so check their website first and always swim between the flags.

Newdick's Beach

Head up the hill on the private access road to beautiful Newdicks Beach. After donating your toll to the landowner for track upkeep, you’ll find a picturesque five-kilometre stretch of white sand – perfect for surfing, surf-casting, or simply strolling along the shore.

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WHAT TO DO IN MAKETŪ

EXPLORE THE BAY