Whangape Harbour is a tranquil haven, nestled between the hills of the North Island's East Cape. It's a place where the ocean meets the shore, creating a picturesque landscape that's simply breathtaking.
The harbour has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century when it was an important fishing spot for local Maori communities. They relied on the harbour's abundant fish stocks to sustain their families and communities.
The harbour's unique shape is a result of the surrounding hills and cliffs, which have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. This natural formation creates a safe and sheltered haven for boats and yachts to anchor.
Whangape Harbour is a popular spot for fishing and boating, with a variety of fish species and sea life calling the harbour home.
Pre-European History
The Whangape Harbour has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Māori settlement in New Zealand. According to Māori traditions, the waka Māmari, captained by Ruānui, settled the Whangape area after being forced out of the Hokianga.
The Māori people established a large fortified pā at Pawarenga, which was attacked by a war party from the south. The Ngāti Ruānui were greatly outnumbered but managed to escape by setting the pā on fire and fleeing across the harbour on rafts.
The event led to the Ngāti Ruānui settling much of the far north and becoming known as Te Aupōuri, which roughly translates to 'current and smoke'. The name is a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
Edward Wakefield, a European observer, described the harbour in 1837 and estimated the local Māori population as "not fewer than one thousand souls". This gives an idea of the harbour's importance as a settlement and trading hub during that time.
Hiking and Activities
Whangape Harbour is a hiker's paradise, with its stunning coastline and scenic trails offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
The harbour's scenic coastal walkway is a must-do for any visitor, stretching for 1.5 kilometers and taking you through native bush and along the rugged shoreline.
You can also explore the nearby Whangape Beach, a picturesque spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
The harbour's tranquil atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it an ideal spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing you to explore the coastline from a different perspective.
Environmental Factors
Whangape Harbour is surrounded by a diverse range of habitats, including sand dunes, mudflats, and mangrove forests.
The harbour's mudflats are exposed at low tide, creating a unique environment that attracts a variety of birds and other wildlife.
The harbour's water quality is affected by the amount of sediment and nutrients it receives from surrounding land use activities.
Tides
Tides are a crucial environmental factor to consider when spending time near the coast. The current tide height at Whangape Harbour is 0.86 m and the water level is falling.
Next low tide will be in 5 h 14 min, so it's essential to plan accordingly. The first low tide is at 00:04 with a height of -0.90 m.
The first high tide of the day is at 06:20 with a height of 1.03 m. This is a great time to explore the coastline, but be aware of the strong currents.
The second low tide is at 12:40 with a height of -1.07 m, which is even lower than the first low tide.
Waves
The waves in Whangape Harbour are quite active, with a height of 2.4 m and a frequency of every 7 seconds, traveling in the direction of 209° SSW.
The swell waves are slightly smaller, measuring 2.0 m in height and occurring every 11 seconds, heading in the direction of 222° SW.
Wind waves are also present, with a height of 0.8 m and a frequency of every 3 seconds, traveling in the direction of 91° E.
These waves are likely influenced by the sea current, which is moving at a speed of 0.1 m/s in the direction of 115° ESE.
Weather
The weather can have a big impact on our daily lives, and it's essential to be aware of what's in store for us.
In Whangape Harbour, the weather is currently Windy, with a temperature of 16°.
The temperature range today is between 16° and 19°.
A moderate breeze with a wind speed of 6.7 m/s is blowing, with gusts reaching up to 10.8 m/s.
The air pressure is Rising, currently standing at 1021 hPa.
Solunar and Planning
The moon rises at 02:30 and sets at 15:45 local time, which can impact the tides and fishing conditions in Whangape Harbour.
The sunrise in Whangape Harbour is at 06:59, making it a great time to take in the stunning views of the harbour.
Dawn starts at 06:33, so be sure to get up early to catch the beautiful morning light.
The sun sets at 17:53, which is a lovely time to watch the colours change in the sky.
The zenith, or highest point of the sun, is at 12:26 local time, which can be a great time for photography or simply enjoying the warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Whangape?
Whangape was described as inaccessible to British troops in 1864 due to its swampy and bushy terrain. It was one of the original 5 ridings in Raglan County Council, established in 1876.
Sources
Featured Images: pexels.com
