Rangihoua Heritage Park
Rangihoua Heritage Park
4.5
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4.5
33 reviews
Excellent
27
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4
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1
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1
Terrible
0
BoardingPass826429
New York City, NY15 contributions
Dec 2019
One of the most important sites in the history of New Zealand. The Christian Mission Station established here was likely the first permanent European settlement.
From the Reverend Samuel Marsden delivering the first Christian sermon in New Zealand, way back in 1814, it predates Russell and The Treaty of Waitangi.
However you may note it’s not the most hospitable site, which is why they moved to the neighbouring bay in 1832.
I do think the seed of modern New Zealand was planted here, and we should all come together as a nation to go forward. I come from the UK. We had Centuries of invaders and colonisation...the Romans, the Saxons, the Vikings.....it’s time to break the barriers for an inclusive nation.
From the Reverend Samuel Marsden delivering the first Christian sermon in New Zealand, way back in 1814, it predates Russell and The Treaty of Waitangi.
However you may note it’s not the most hospitable site, which is why they moved to the neighbouring bay in 1832.
I do think the seed of modern New Zealand was planted here, and we should all come together as a nation to go forward. I come from the UK. We had Centuries of invaders and colonisation...the Romans, the Saxons, the Vikings.....it’s time to break the barriers for an inclusive nation.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiwiana7902014
Auckland, New Zealand86 contributions
Aug 2021
Definitely worth the drive, the road is gravel for part of the way but it is very well maintained and easy driving. The simple and beautiful structure near the entrance sets a calm tone complementing the natural coastal setting. The map is very good, the signage is excellent; beautifully displayed, concise and interesting information. The location of the cross is stunning and the cross itself is powerful. The cross and information boards help you imagine the historical time and significant events that occurred here.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlisonDenton
Hamilton, New Zealand68 contributions
Sept 2020
Well worth the drive out. A lot of the road is metal, not tar seal. There is a wonderful mural by Chris Wilkie on a woolshed on the way out. The views from the top of the hill are breathtaking. The entrance to Kerikeri Inlet and the Bay of Islands are laid out in their splendor before you. The history of the area and it's early English settlers is interesting. We didn't walk to the cross but if you can face the trek, I understand it's worthwhile
Written 22 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shellonsea
UK48 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Great walk for pre school aged 4yo. Wonderful views. Excellent facilities. Off the beaten track. Walk from top of ridge, down valley to loop walk around historic settlement.
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller101193
NSW Central Coast Australia64 contributions
May 2017
Missionaries were good people - who would have thought? The plaques along the walk down to Marsden Cross tell the amazing story of the first white settlement of NZ and how these brave people got on (generally) well with the original locals. Beautiful countryside, fabulous views and definitely worth driving out to (on unsealed road)
Written 5 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sparky81
New Zealand115 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
Rangihoua was the place where from 1814, Māori and Pākehā began living together in New Zealand. The mission settlement here marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation of two peoples. You can still see the house terraces where Māori assisted the Pākehā missionaries to build the first English settlement in New Zealand. A place all New Zealanders should visit, and a place where visitors can get an appreciation of our rich history
Written 16 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCDown
Victoria, Canada259 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
We came across a brochure about Rangihoua in our Air B n B
My-Kiwi partner had not heard of this place so we took a chance to visit
Definitely worthwhile-indeed a most historic NZ site and only recently developed (2014)
The metal road getting there needs a bit of patience but the views across the Bay of Islands are fantastic-take your time
The explanatory panels are only in English but quite comprehensive
Great beach and we wished we had taken a picnic
My-Kiwi partner had not heard of this place so we took a chance to visit
Definitely worthwhile-indeed a most historic NZ site and only recently developed (2014)
The metal road getting there needs a bit of patience but the views across the Bay of Islands are fantastic-take your time
The explanatory panels are only in English but quite comprehensive
Great beach and we wished we had taken a picnic
Written 6 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiDNA
Wellington69 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
This site is not signposted from Highway 10. It is however, signposted at the next turn but will say 'Marsdens Cross'. It is one in the same. You can look it up in advance to get directions. http://www.rangihouaheritage.co.nz. It is a 21km drive through beautiful countryside. The Dept of Conservation and the NZ Heritage Trust have done an excellent job of bringing this together. It was completed in Dec 2014. There is limited wheelchair access but you will get to see the views from the top of the hill where the trail starts. I can't overstate that this is a MUST SEE for Kiwis and a bonus for tourists. The views alone are breathtaking.
It is a very important historical site for both Maori and Pakeha. The walk from the park building down to the waterfront site of the first Mission Station settlement is dotted with information boards providing you with a background on the history of the area. The carved out earth remains of a Pa are visible from most parts of the walk. The site of the original village also has information boards. It oozes history and you can feel it all around you. Take a picnic and sit on the site looking over the bay to the other islands. Tranquility plus.
It is a very important historical site for both Maori and Pakeha. The walk from the park building down to the waterfront site of the first Mission Station settlement is dotted with information boards providing you with a background on the history of the area. The carved out earth remains of a Pa are visible from most parts of the walk. The site of the original village also has information boards. It oozes history and you can feel it all around you. Take a picnic and sit on the site looking over the bay to the other islands. Tranquility plus.
Written 3 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pants1969
Auckland Central, New Zealand58 contributions
Jul 2020
A must see for anyone interested in NZ history. A beautifully presented heritage trail, tracing the footsteps of early European settlers and their relationship with local Māori. We learned a lot.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave George
Paihia, New Zealand13 contributions
Sept 2019
The walk down to the bay will take a little while but is suitable for old and young. The landscaping is impressive without being over the top and the information available on the different information ‘stations’’ alongside the track brings the area’s past to life. A little bit of exercise and interesting history goes well together!
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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