One of the oldest Pa sites in the area, Tauwhare Pa is a preserved pre-European Maori occupation site. Built by Te Hapuoneone, a tribe that many of today's iwi descend from,  the name Tauwhare translates to 'the village suspended in space' and when viewed from the bottom of the southern end of the pā, you will see why as the view of the village gives this impression.

Sweeping views of the Ohope and Ohiwa Harbour can easily enjoyed from the pa terraces.

This Scenic Reserve is easily accessible with a small walk only minutes from the Ohope - Opotiki road (Wainui Road). The parking for the pa site is just around the corner from Ohope Beach.

In times of occupation houses and a marae or meeting-house were positioned in the heavily defended top terraces. The lower terraces were used for cooking houses and drying fish.

For more information see the Interpretation Panels from the Department of Conservation.