Last updated July 2026
Hicks Bay, also known officially as Wharekahika / Hicks Bay, is a remote coastal settlement on the East Cape in the Gisborne District of New Zealand’s North Island. It features a sheltered bay ideal for swimming, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic views from Matakaoa Point. The area holds deep cultural significance for the Ngāti Porou people and offers a quiet rural setting along State Highway 35. Visitors appreciate its blend of natural scenery, Māori heritage, and outdoor opportunities in a predominantly Māori community.
Practical Information
| Location | Wharekahika / Hicks Bay, Gisborne District, East Cape |
| Distance from Gisborne | Approximately 183 km north via State Highway 35 |
| Population | 186 (2023 census) |
| Iwi / Hapū | Ngāti Porou; Hinemaurea ki Wharekahika Marae |
| Heritage Status | Hicks Bay Freezing Works Ruins and Wharf listed as Category 2 Historic Places |
| Access | Scenic drive on SH35; winding roads |
| Activities | Swimming, fishing, hiking, kayaking, cultural experiences |
About Hicks Bay
Hicks Bay lies between Matakaoa Point and Haupara Point on the rugged East Cape coastline. The sheltered western waters under Matakaoa Point include the historic wharf area and Onepoto Bay, providing a tranquil setting for swimming and relaxation amid steep cliffs and coastal scenery.
The settlement is home to the Hinemaurea ki Wharekahika Marae, which serves Ngāti Porou hapū including Ngāti Tuere, Te Whānau a Te Aotakī, and Te Whānau a Tuwhakairiora. This connection underscores the area’s longstanding Māori cultural and historical importance.
In the 2023 census, Hicks Bay recorded a population of 186, with 95.2 percent identifying as Māori. The median age is 25.7 years, reflecting a young community with strong ties to local traditions and land.
The bay was sighted by Zachary Hicks of James Cook’s Endeavour in 1769. Its official dual name Wharekahika / Hicks Bay was adopted in 2019. Remnants of early 20th-century economic activity, including a short-lived freezing works and wharf, remain as listed heritage sites.
History
Hicks Bay, traditionally known as Wharekahika or Te Wharekahika, features in Ngāti Porou ancestral narratives. The area supported early settlement and later agricultural development.
In the early 20th century, a freezing works and associated wharf operated briefly to export meat, flax, and lime, representing local aspirations for economic growth. The works closed after a short period, leaving industrial ruins now recognised by Heritage New Zealand as Category 2 Historic Places.
These sites illustrate the region’s industrial past and resilience. The wharf and ruins stand as tangible links to early 20th-century East Coast farming history.
Natural Environment and Scenery
Hicks Bay showcases classic East Cape coastal features, including open bays, eroding cliffs, and pohutukawa-lined shores. Matakaoa Point provides striking viewpoints over the Pacific Ocean and the bay’s dramatic geography.
The mild climate with frequent rainfall supports lush coastal vegetation and rich marine environments. Clear waters and sheltered spots enhance the area’s appeal for nature observation and quiet exploration.
Activities and Attractions
Swimming is popular in the sheltered bay waters, while fishing opportunities exist both from shore and by boat in the abundant coastal waters. Kayaking allows exploration of secluded coves and marine life.
Hiking and scenic walks reveal rugged cliffs, native forests, and panoramic ocean views. Cultural engagement is possible through community events and marae experiences that highlight Ngāti Porou traditions and storytelling.
The remote setting and scenic SH35 drive make Hicks Bay a rewarding stop for those travelling the East Cape route.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Hicks Bay as a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track spot with beautiful sheltered swimming beaches and striking coastal views. Many appreciate the strong Māori cultural presence and welcoming community atmosphere.
Travellers note the scenic drive along SH35, opportunities for fishing and kayaking, and the sense of history at the heritage ruins. The quiet rural charm and natural beauty are frequently highlighted as highlights.
Where to Learn More
Heritage New Zealand: Details on the Category 2 listed freezing works ruins and wharf.
Wikipedia (citing census and primary sources): Population statistics, demographics, and marae information for Hicks Bay.
Gisborne District Council: Local government information, road updates, and community resources for the Tairāwhiti region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of Hicks Bay?
The bay is officially named Wharekahika / Hicks Bay, with the dual name adopted in 2019.
How far is Hicks Bay from Gisborne city?
It is approximately 183 km north of Gisborne along State Highway 35, a scenic but winding drive that typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
Who are the tangata whenua of Hicks Bay?
Ngāti Porou are the tangata whenua, with the Hinemaurea ki Wharekahika Marae serving local hapū.
What heritage sites are at Hicks Bay?
The ruins of the early 20th-century freezing works and the wharf are listed as Category 2 Historic Places by Heritage New Zealand.
What activities are available at Hicks Bay?
Popular activities include swimming in the sheltered bay, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and experiencing local Māori culture.
What is the population and demographic profile?
The 2023 census recorded 186 residents, with 95.2 percent identifying as Māori and a median age of 25.7 years.
Is there accommodation in Hicks Bay?
Yes, options include motels and lodges offering views of the bay and surrounding coastline.
Are roads to Hicks Bay affected by weather?
SH35 and local roads can experience closures or difficult access after severe weather; check Gisborne District Council updates before travel.
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