Immediately south of Ferry Landing at the end of Purangi Road, an interesting track goes up Whitianga Rock. This was a Maori pā site with reasonably obvious remnants, including a big defensive ditch near the base of the hill. There are also explanatory panels describing the history of the area.
The track steeply ascends a rock promontory with sheer drops on both sides. It seems a little scary the first time and is not recommended when wet. But the ancient pohutukawa trees are stunning, as is the view to Whitianga. The holes drilled in the rock on the path at the top were used to help hold down pā buildings(!)
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