Download Mimiwhangata Coastal Park brochure

NZ dotterel
Okupe beach
Variable oystercatcher
Mimiwhangata
Coastal Park
- a place to treasure
NORTHLAND
Photo DOC
Photo Chris Moretti, DOC
Threatened Shore Birds
Photo DOC
Conservation Watch
The NZ dotterel is a wading bird unique
to New Zealand. Sadly its numbers have
declined because of habitat destruction,
predation and harassment by people and
dogs during its summer breeding season.
Phone the emergency number 0800 362 468 for
conservation related law enforcement e.g. vandalism of
tracks, signs etc., removal of plants on DOC land, killing
or catching of native wildlife, fishing in Marine Reserves,
disturbing marine mammals, or stranding, sick or
injured wildlife:
Nest scrapes contain 2-3 speckled eggs. Breeding pairs
attempt to lead predators away from nests and chicks
using conspicuous ‘rat running’, ‘broken wing and
‘dying bird’ displays. If you see these behaviours, leave
the immediate area as quickly as possible.
For fire and search and rescue emergencies: Phone 111
The variable oystercatcher (torea) varies in colour from
pure black to pied, and has an orange bill. It nests
in sand dunes and on the beach at the height of the
holiday season.
Both the NZ dotterel and the variable oystercatcher’s
nests are just simple scrapings in the sand, and the
eggs blend in perfectly with the surrounding sand
or broken shell. A sitting bird forced to leave a nest
exposes its eggs or chicks to many dangers - chilling off
or cooking in the sun and attacks from dogs, gulls and
other predators.
To keep the disturbance to a minimum, temporary
fences are erected every year around nesting sites to
prevent people from unknowingly encroaching on the
birds’ territories
Please keep away from fenced-off areas and watch
where you walk. Sand dunes are fragile, as are many of
the creatures that inhabit them.
DOC HOT
0800 362 468
Report any safety hazards or
conservation emergencies
For fire and search and rescue call 111
For bookings or further information contact
Mimiwhangata Coastal Park between 9.00am - 4.30pm
Phone: (09) 433 6554
Fax: (09) 433 6553
Postal Address: RD4 Hikurangi 0181
Email: [email protected]
www.doc.govt.nz
Published by
Department of Conservation
Whangarei
December 2007
Cover image: Mimiwhangata Beach
Photo: Lynda Leigh - No9 Communications
Kiwi
Photo Chris Moretti, DOC
Photo DOC
The recreated ponds and surrounding wetlands near
the farm tracks are home to the rare brown teal,
spotless crake and bittern.
Photo DOC
A Place to Treasure
Mimiwhangata Coastal Park is an aweinspiring and special place. It has a
wonderfully varied land and seascape low, steep ridges pointing in almost every
direction, each cut sharply into headlands
of cliffs, or fading into chains of islands,
stacks and reefs.
The intervening coastal stretches are filled by broad
beaches and sand dunes with a few areas of boulders,
shingle and swamp.
Beaches and dune areas are favoured nesting sites for
threatened shorebirds.
Around the hard, greywacke rock cliffs are large
pohutukawa and kowhai trees, both of which attract tui
in the flowering season.
Significant pockets of coastal forest remain on the hills
above the beaches, dominated by kanuka, kohekohe,
totara and taraire. Patches of karaka trees are generally
associated with sites of Maori habitation.
In the valleys, large puriri trees are favoured by kukupa
(native wood pigeons). One of the most colourful birds
to be seen, the eastern rosella, is a recent introduction
and native of Australia. Native parrots, or kaka, are
occasionally seen in the forest. These birds are visitors
from offshore island populations. At night the calls of
brown kiwi and moreporks are often heard.
The marine areas around Mimiwhangata are just as
varied in topography and biology as the land area.
They include exposed and sheltered waters, rocky
and sandy coasts.
These environments support a typical Northland open
coast biota. Sub-tropical reef fish, such as spotted
black groper, are also known in the area.
Photo Roy Moretti
All linen is supplied except beach towels. It is usually
booked well in advance for the holiday season.
The Cottage and the Beach House provides
comfortable accommodation in a beach setting.
Linen is not supplied.
There is no cellphone coverage close to the
accommodation
Bookings are essential.
The Lodge
The Cottage
Oral history and archaeological evidence shows
Mimiwhangata was once inhabited by a substantial
Maori community. Major pa sites are spread over the
peninsula and in the right light it is possible to see the
patterns of long gone vegetable gardens on the hills.
Getting there
Mimiwhangata Coastal Park is 48 km from Whangarei
and 52 km from Russell. Take the old WhangareiRussell coastal road, turn-off at Helena Bay and
continue on Webb Road. After Teal Bay the road is
unsealed, narrow and winding, and unsuitable for
towing caravans. Mimiwhangata Coastal Road is after
the Ngahau Bay turn-off.
Accommodation
Mimiwhangata Lodge, Cottage and
Beach House provide a great place for
a holiday beside Okupe beach and are
available on a weekly basis, from 2pm
Friday until 10am the following Friday.
The Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for up
to 8 people right on the beach.
Photo DOC
Photo DOC
Camping
Self sufficient camping is available in secluded
Waikahoa Bay with water and toilets provided.
There is no vehicle access directly to the campground
so all gear must be carried in over a steep, but short,
path (approximately 5 minutes).
Contact the Mimiwhangata Coastal Park for availability
and bookings. Peak season bookings are accepted
from September 1st for that Christmas and new year.
• The gate to the campground is locked and the
combination is provided upon receipt of your deposit
or camp fees.
• You must report to the resident ranger before
selecting a camp site.
• No fires, dogs or overnight campervan stays are
permitted within the Park.
Photo Lynda Leigh
Photo Caroline Smith, DOC
Please help us to look after
this special place
•Leave your dogs at home as they are a threat to
nesting shorebirds, brown teal and kiwi and also
disturb the farm animals.
•No fires (incl braziers) and fireworks.
•Camping is only permitted at Waikahoa Bay.
Photo Lynda Leigh
•Please remove your rubbish.
•All native plants, wildlife and historic sites are
strictly protected.
• Hand launching of boats only. There is vehicle
boat launching at Teal Bay and Oakura.
Conservation Land
Track
Road
Photo Roger Grace
•Special regulations apply to fishing and shellfish
collecting - refer ‘Permitted Species List’
Recreation and walks
The park is a great place for beach activities
such as swimming, snorkelling, picnicking or
just relaxing.
It also has some great walking opportunities:
Farm tracks around the headland give access to sandy
beaches, rocky shores, farmland, native forest and
wildlife ponds.
Peninsula Loop Walk
Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr
Distance: 4.5 km
Tohumoana Lookout Track
Time: 1hr 30 min - 2 hr return
Distance: 4 km
Mimiwhangata Marine Park
This track takes you to the high point of Tohumoana from
which you can return via the ridge or Waikahoa Beach.
Panoramic views from the top make this track worth the
effort.
Scientific studies in the 1970’s revealed
Mimiwhangata to be an area containing
exceptional marine biodiversity in near
shore habitats.
The track is sign posted from the saddle of the road that
leads over to Mimiwhangata Beach.
Protection
The track down from the lookout to Waikahoa Bay is
quite steep and passes through manuka and some large
pohutukawa before coming out onto the beach.
Please note:
Special rules in this area were designed to protect reef
dwelling fish and other species (such as paua and rock
oysters) that are vulnerable to over-fishing, are long lived
or have low reproductive rates.
The Loop Walk around the headland provides a little of
everything that Mimiwhangata has to offer, shady beaches,
rocky shores, archaelogical sites, farmland, native
vegetation and a chance to glimpse some bird life including
the rare brown teal. It is an informal route that follows the
farm road north from the main car park (please respect the
privacy of any people using the lodge). The track makes
a complete loop sidling around the hill. You can leave or
join the track at any number of places and it affords views
down the long, sweeping Mimiwhangata Beach or offshore.
Binoculars are useful for viewing the numerous ducks in
the ponds. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the
brown teal.
• Follow tracks and use stiles where provided.
• All commercial fishing is prohibited.
• The rest of the farm is open for walking. Avoid
disturbing stock and ensure gates are left as you found
them.
• Nets and long lines are not permitted,
including those set by contiki and kites.
Two bush walks, which will take you about 2 hours for
the return trip offer superb views of Mimiwhangata,
the coast and the Poor Knights Islands:
blue maomao
piper
(garfish)
flounder
(all types)
shark
(all types)
grey mullet
snapper
yellow eyed
mullet
sole
gurnard
tuna
(all types)
Puriri Track
Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr return
Distance: 4.5 km
The track starts on the right hand side of the road as you
head into the park. After crossing the fence and stream,
the track is marked clearly and heads straight towards
the bush. The track enters predominantly manuka and
regenerating tanekaha on a clay track leading quite steeply
up the side of the valley. Once you are near the top of the
ridge, there are impressive views of the peninsula and out
towards the Poor Knights Islands.
Farm hazards exist, and some fences are electrified.
Amateur fishers may use only the
following methods:
• Unweighted, single hooked lines, trolling, spearing and
hand picking.
Permitted Species List
Finfish:
barracouta
billfish
(all types)
kahawai
From here you can either make your way back the same
way or continue and go down to the coast and back to the
car park via the beach.
Photo Vince Kerr
kingfish
mackerel
(all types)
trevally
Shellfish:
common kina
green lipped
mussel
rock lobster
scallops
tuatua
• Only those species of fish and shellfish listed may be
taken.
• Potting for rock lobsters is permitted providing that
only one pot per person, party, or boat is used.
For permitted species normal regulations apply regarding
daily bag limits, sizes, closed seasons, condition, shelling
and pot escape gaps.