Access

Tangimoana is signposted from SH1 along Rosina Road. This turns right into Tangimoana Road. On entering the settlement, turn right into Punga Road, head left along Aru Street then left again to the end of Anga Street. Tangimoana Walkway is signposted on the left by a grassy parking area.

Track

The track is well marked with posts and directional signposts.

After rounding the attractively landscaped pond, pass the play ground and head up Paua Street, then sneak behind the campground. Over the next reserve (with picnic tables and toilets), you reach a scrubby pine area at the edge of the Rangitikei River floodplain (15 minutes).

The sandy track weaves alongside the river accompanied by the smell of pines. Tangimoana Road is close by and various exit routes arrive at picnic tables. After approximately 10 minutes head left, or if you reach the drainage channel then you’ve gone too far.

There was previously a bridge here, but it was presumable washed away in the 2004 flood. You’ll need to go back onto Tangimoana Road briefly, then follow the metalled vehicle track towards the boat launching ramp. From here to the beach is up to you to find your own way through the hummocky dunes. Power those arms on the uphill sections. The triangular boat guiding marker at the beach is a useful reference point to aim for.

European History

Tangimoana is often attacked by floods, including the most recent in February 2004. The renewal and rebuilding obviously fosters a spirit of resilience among the community, who blatantly take pride in their place.

When land north of the Rangitikei River mouth was sold to the Government in 1849, an accommodation house was set up by the Scott Family. It was said to be the best lodging on the Wellington to Wanganui ‘Beach Road’ because it had glass windows. The Scott family also set up the ferry service.

Prior to World War 2 the township was a popular holiday destination. In the mid 1930s, Gypsy Moth planes landed near the beach and often took locals on joy rides for 5 shillings.

The river often floods, and in 1897 a huge lake was created, which destroyed the thriving port at the Rangitikei River mouth. In 1967 a cutting was constructed to divert it directly to the sea. The river was notorious for its movement and between the 1920s and 1950s it caused part of the settlement to be moved several times.