Te Ārai
Te Ārai | |
|---|---|
Horse riders and surfers on Te Ārai Beach | |
| Coordinates: 36°11′53″S 174°34′52″E / 36.198°S 174.581°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Auckland Region |
| Ward | Rodney ward |
| Community board | Rodney Local Board |
| Subdivision | Wellsford subdivision |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Auckland Council |
| Kaiwaka | Mangawhai | Ārai Point |
| Topuni |
Te Ārai
|
Tomarata |
| Te Hana | Wellsford | Whangaripo |
Te Ārai is a small community on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, near the northern end of the Auckland Region (specifically within the former Rodney District). Mangawhai lies to the north, and Tomarata to the south. The name comes from Tāhuhunui-o-te-rangi, captain of the Moekākara waka, who landed here and set up a temporary shelter (arai). Tāhuhunui-o-te-rangi was later buried at Te Ārai.[1]
Geography
Te Ārai Beach is a sandy bottom beach and is a very popular surfing destination, rated one of the best surf locations in the Auckland region.
Te Ārai Beach is the exact antipode of Gibraltar.
Among the bird species found here is the critically endangered New Zealand fairy tern, of which only 11 breeding pairs are left in the world. Auckland Council manages Te Ārai Regional Park.[2]
History
The Arai Road District was formed on 20 February 1868, it governed Te Arai until c.1886 when it was dissolved.[3]
Economy
Tourism and farming are the predominant activities in the area.
References
- ^ Graham, George (1925). "TE TOKA-TU-WHENUA. A RELIC OF THE ANCIENT WAIOHUA OF TAMAKI". The Journal of the Polynesian Society. 34 (2 (134)): 175–179.
- ^ "Council profile". aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Auckland Council.
- ^ Bloomfield, Gerald Taylor (1973). The Evolution of Local Government Areas in Metropolitan Auckland, 1840-1971. Auckland: Auckland University Press. p. 123. ISBN 0-19-647714-X.
External links
- Te Arai Regional Park
- Save Te Arai- a group of locals opposing the proposed development of Te Arai beach.
- Visit Wellsford- explore Te Arai - Visit Wellsford website.