2025 a Year in Action at Te Akau
Sand ladder providing access from carpark to Elliot Bay. Photo credit: Chris Jenkins 2025
2025 saw another year of great progress at Te Akau, Elliott Bay. The improved on-site car park has proved popular, along with the beach access and sand ladder. The adjacent sand dunes have been roped off to protect the vegetation and prevent erosion.
The manager's cottage is now in its new location on the north side of the entry, along with a new garage and campsite office. A small visitors’ toilet block has been installed adjacent to the car park.
Our annual planting programme continues with plants sourced from “Trees that Count” and assistance from local Bay of Islands College students.
Pest control on the Te Akau property is entering a new phase in partnership with the Northern Regional Council. The sika deer have been eliminated, and Te Akau is strategically positioned between the Russell Forest and the Whangamumu and Rakaumangamanga lands, to assist in providing a barrier to significantly reduce predation across the entire peninsula.
Bay of Islands College Students planting native seedlings sourced from Trees that Count at Te Akau. Photo credit: Chris Jenkins 2025
Early August saw the completion of the first sector of walking track, running from the beach up to the hill overlooking Elliot Bay. The second section, running from the hill lookout, across the coast road, and up to the bush edge near the skyline—is designed and presently going through the consenting process. If all goes to plan, and subject to funding this next section will be underway in late autumn 2026.
First section of walking track overlooking Elliot Bay, Photo credit: Chris Jenkins 2025
Local community leaders are working on a vision for Te Taitokerau and the Bay of Island’s precinct, to coincide with the 2040 – 200year anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The development of the Great Walk, incorporating Rakaumangamanga Cape Brett, Whangamumu and our Te Rakau Elliot Bay walkways are integral to this vision.
Sincere thanks to our dedicated Trustees in closing out another successful year at Elliot Bay.