This large peninsular ‘mainland island’ has been treasured and enhanced, making it arguably one of Auckland’s most beautiful and beloved regional parks.
Set on a prominent peninsula in the northern Hauraki Gulf, Tawharanui boasts some of Auckland’s most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native forest and regenerating wetlands.
Tawharanui Regional Park is 588ha area of which 170ha is farmed with sheep and cattle. The park includes diverse coastal forest, wetlands and coastal dune ecosystems. These areas provide important habitat for re-introduced species and are the model for restoration programs within the park. The beautiful coastal forest features kauri and rimu on the ridges, and puriri, taraire, tawa, rewarewa and nikau in the valleys. Magnificent stands of pohutukawa forest are found on coastal cliffs.
A large campground caters for tents and campervans and there is a network of tracks to explore. A Marine Reserve, established in September 2011, covers much of the northern coastline.
The Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI) was formed as a restoration group in 2002. Along with Auckland Council, the society’s goal is to conserve the heritage assets of the area and to create a multi-purpose farm, recreation park and wildlife reserve. TOSSI are a community based organisation with charitable status and have been a huge success, contributing much value and improvements to the park over time.
For more information about Tawharanui, please visit the Auckland Council website here.
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