Whataroa
In 1860, 6.5 million acres of land were sold by Poulini chiefs
to the Crown in exchange for 12,000 acres of reserves and a £300
cash settlement. 300 acres of land were set aside at Whataroa
for the Maori.
In the 1880s, during the early days of the Gold Rush, Whataroa was were Tastae and his family lived and worked from the Whataroa River upto the snow line.
Whataroa is probably best known for it's White Heron (Kotuku) Sanctuary along the Waitangiroto river - where the birds come to nest from September to March - and it's introduced species of wild deer, thar and chamois.
When in Whataroa, do take the Stone Grill at the Pub.
Related websites
- New Zealand Tourism
Official website of New Zealand Tourism - Department of Conservation
Official website of the Department of Conservation - charged with many of New Zealands finest conservation areas and tourism sites - Save the Kiwi - Bank of New Zealand
The Bank of New Zealand campaign to Save the Kiwi - New Zealands national icon