The Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve, located on Wainuiomata’s southern coast, is a unique natural area showcasing earthquake-raised terraces and stunning coastal landscapes.
The Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve is a remarkable natural area located on the southern coast of Wainuiomata, near the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River. Known for its unique geological and ecological features, the reserve is a site of both scientific and cultural significance. It is most famous for its series of earthquake-raised terraces, which provide a visible record of tectonic uplift caused by major earthquakes over the past 7,000 years. These terraces are considered one of New Zealand’s most significant coastal geological features, offering a glimpse into the region’s dynamic seismic history.
The reserve is also home to a thriving New Zealand fur seal colony, which inhabits the rocky coastline. The area supports diverse plant and bird life, with native species adapted to the rugged coastal environment. The reserve’s remote and wild landscape is both dramatic and serene, with sweeping views of Cook Strait and, on clear days, the South Island.
Turakirae Head is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, often explored via the Wild Coast Track. The reserve can be accessed from Coast Road in Wainuiomata or from Ocean Beach in the Wairarapa, though the walk from Ocean Beach is significantly longer than the Wainuiomata route.
The perimeter of the scientific reserve is Cook Strait to the south, Palliser Bay to the east, the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River to the west, and the vehicle track at the base of the Remutaka range. Just below and on the hillsides is private land belonging to the Ōrongorongo Station.
The primary objective of the reserve’s management is to protect its unique geological features, including the best example of tilted, raised beach ridges in New Zealand. The reserve also provides protection for the largest non-breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals on the Wellington coast, two rare lizard species, a small locally-distributed freshwater shrimp, diverse plant life, and a sequence of vegetation and soils across the raised beach ridges of different ages.
To support conservation efforts, it has been recommended that the reserve be fully fenced on the landward side after the current grazing lease ends. At present, sheep are preventing the regeneration of shrubs beneath the karaka forests and manuka shrubland, while cattle continue to encroach on the wetlands.
Additionally, it is proposed that the reserve’s boundaries be expanded to include the karaka-mixed forests on the slopes to the east of Barney’s Whare, as this type of forest is not currently represented in other mainland reserves within the Wellington region.
