For Maori, the mountain Moehau is sacred and the summit waahi tapu – the resting place of Tama-te-kapua, captain of the waka Te Arawa. In pre-European times coastal areas were heavily populated with large communities at Otautu bay, Waiaro and Port Charles.
Moehau Te Maunga has given its taonga (wealth) to people since the first human occupation. People have made the journey here for centuries, for the abundance of food and water as well as the climate. Holiday makers and permanent residents have joined them, relishing the simple yet remote lifestyle and the recreational opportunities available.