Kotemaori: Landscape, Tradition and Railway Construction

Several themes come together around Kotemaori: the traditions of Maungaharuru, access to the Mohaka River and remarkable railway structures. They offer different perspectives on the area—cultural, scenic and technical. When planning your trip, it may help to decide first which of these aspects interests you most.

Maungaharuru: Landscape and tradition

Behind Kotemaori, on the right-hand edge of Maungaharuru, lies Te Heru o Tureia. This place is sacred and tapu to Ngāti Pāhauwera. There are numerous limestone outcrops and caves there, which Ngāti Pāhauwera consider burial places for their ancestors. Today, Maungaharuru itself is a maunga tapu to Ngāti Pāhauwera.

According to Ngāti Pāhauwera tradition, Tupai named Maungaharuru after the loud beating of the many birds’ wings. The story offers a cultural interpretation alongside the area’s geological formations, explaining the mountain’s name through its birdlife.

Mōhaka Viaduct and Kotemaori Tunnel

The Mōhaka Railway Viaduct was built between Kotemāori and Raupunga from 1930 to 1937. It is 95 metres high and New Zealand’s tallest viaduct. Its construction period, height and location between the two settlements make it a striking example of railway engineering in the surrounding area.

Another technical highlight is the Kotemaori Tunnel: at 2,700 feet, it is the longest tunnel on the railway line. The viaduct and tunnel illustrate different scales of railway construction—the viaduct’s height and the tunnel’s length.

Mohaka River: Access and significance

The Mohaka River can be accessed from Willowflat Road Bridge. You can reach the bridge via a turn-off from SH2 south of Kotemaori. As access involves a road bridge and a riverside setting, conditions may change; check them before travelling.

In the wider region, the Mōhaka River has long been an important food source for Māori, particularly for eels. It remains a taonga (treasure) for the Ngāti Pahauwera hapū. Thus, alongside access to the river, its cultural significance also comes into focus.

Further perspectives in Wairoa District

The wider Wairoa District offers other destinations of a different kind. The Wairoa Riverside Walkway runs from Wairoa Lighthouse to Whakamahia Beach and is 7.7 kilometres long. The one-way route takes about 30 minutes by bicycle. In Te Reinga Falls Scenic Reserve, a short walk from the car park and picnic area leads to viewpoints overlooking the 35-metre-high Te Reinga Falls on the Wairoa River. The two examples clearly differ in mode of travel and duration: a cycling route with an approximate time is contrasted with a short walk to the waterfalls.

Practical information

For bookings at Kotemaori Hall, contact Sandra McNeil on (06) 837 6559. Confirm the booking arrangements before you arrive. Kotemaori Police Station is located at 4780 State Highway, Kotemaori, Hawke’s Bay. The listed visitor policy states that access is by appointment only; you can reach the station by calling 105. Check the visitor and address information in advance.

Then make your selection based on the actual location and the details provided for each option.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Wairoa, Morere, Tuai

Return to the main travel overview: Wairoa District.