Tatarahake Cliff Walk

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Tolaga Bay, Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Camping near Tolaga Bay

Information

1 km return | 30 minutes return

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.

Out to sea the sheer exposed cliffs show the distinctive bluish grey ‘papa’ rock. Determined scraps of vegetation, cling tightly to the rock in a loosing battle with the sea.

Walking Track

Access

The northern headland walk is accessed by heading north from the township and turning right into Forster Street. At the beach head left to the roadend carpark, from where the track is visible rising up the hill. There are toilet facilities all along the grass reserve between the dunes and the road. The walk up the cliff face at the northern end starts from the sign at the Tatarahake Cliff - Ernest Reeves Reserve.

Track

The steep track is aided by steps. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the lookout, with panoramic views over the bay and inland to the pastured hills.

Geology

The rock is particularly prone to erosion because the mudstone is easily eroded. Faults, fractures and crevices are exploited by the waves. Summer droughts fry the rock hard and torrential rain then loosens the blocks. Lack of native vegetation and soil hinders the binding of the structure exacerbated by stock grazing the headland. This combination of processes gives rise to the distinctive headlands of the area.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

DOC East Coast

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Tolaga Bay

Categories

Walking
Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-38.3621020131384

178.306202793121

Latitude
-38.3621020131384
Longitude
178.306202793121

Feature	Value	Info
Track Length	From 500m to 1km Track Length What is the physical length of this track? From 500m to 1km	Track Length What is the physical length of this track? From 500m to 1km
Track Duration	10 to 30mins Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 10 to 30mins	Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 10 to 30mins
Track Difficulty	Easy walk Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk	Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.
Disabled Access	No disabled access Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.	Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.
Crowd Factor	Lesser Known Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting	Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting
Track Managing Organisation	DOC Managed Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.	Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.