Te Ārai is a small community on the east coast of the
North Island
The North Island ( , 'the fish of Māui', historically New Ulster) is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, islands of New Zealand, separated from the larger but less populous South Island by Cook Strait. With an area of , it is the List ...
of
New Zealand
New Zealand () is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and List of islands of New Zealand, over 600 smaller islands. It is the List of isla ...
, near the northern end of the
Auckland Region
Auckland () is one of the 16 regions of New Zealand, which takes its name from the eponymous urban areas of New Zealand, urban area. The region encompasses the Auckland, Auckland metropolitan area, smaller towns, rural areas, and the islands o ...
(specifically within the former
Rodney District).
Mangawhai lies to the north, and
Tomarata to the south. The name comes from Tāhuhunui-o-te-rangi, captain of the ''
Moekākara'' waka, who landed here and set up a temporary shelter (''arai''). Tāhuhunui-o-te-rangi was later buried at Te Ārai.
Geography
Te Ārai Beach is a sandy bottom beach and is a very popular surfing destination, rated one of the best surf locations in the Auckland region.
Te Ārai Beach is the exact antipode of
Gibraltar
Gibraltar ( , ) is a British Overseas Territories, British Overseas Territory and British overseas cities, city located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Bay of Gibraltar, near the exit of the Mediterranean Sea into the A ...
.
Among the bird species found here is the critically endangered
New Zealand fairy tern, of which only 11 breeding pairs are left in the world.
Auckland Council
Auckland Council () is the local government council for the Auckland Region in New Zealand. It is a territorial authority that also has the responsibilities, duties and powers of a regional council and so is a unitary authority, according to t ...
manages
Te Ārai Regional Park.
History
The Arai Road District was formed on 20 February 1868, it governed Te Arai until 1886 when it was dissolved.
Economy
Tourism and farming are the predominant activities in the area.
References
External links
Te Arai Regional ParkSave Te Arai a group of locals opposing the proposed development of Te Arai beach.
Visit Wellsford explore Te Arai - Visit Wellsford website.
Populated places in the Auckland Region
Rodney Local Board Area
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