The History of the Area

Hikutaia translates to 'end of the tide' and is situated at the bottom of the Marartoto valley. It is an area with a rich and varied history. The Maratoto was an important route across the Coromandel from Hikutatia to Wentworth Valley, Whangamata.

The area has been logged for Kauri, mined for gold and farmed. One of the best known parts, 'The Wires,' was named after the telegraph line diverted through this part of the valley during the Waikato Maori Land Wars. The original line was erected in 1872. Some of the original Totara posts can still be seen today.

The Wires track eventually became a pack-horse route, hence the size of the steps cut into the walking track at the upper end (approximately 99 steps). The Loop track circles the eastern part of the Wires Plateau crossing the Tairua river twice giving extensive sea views over Whangamata. Waipaheke track is also known by off road motorcyclists as 'The Gut Buster'. It descends steeply into the Waipaheke Valley and exits back into the Maratoto Valley.