# Moehau Range

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Mountain range in North Island of New Zealand

Moehau Range Moehau Range from south of Amodeo Bay Highest point Elevation 892 m (2,927 ft) Coordinates 36°32′25″S 175°24′08″E / 36.54015°S 175.40215°E / -36.54015; 175.40215 Geography Approximate extent of Moehau Range Geology Rock age(s) Jurassic/Cretaceous, about 150 million years ago Mountain type(s) mixed sedimentary greywacke with some plutonic and andestic formations Rock type(s) Predominantly Manaia Hill Group greywackeˌ sandstones and siltstones (Waipapa terrane) Volcanic arc Coromandel Volcanic Zone Last eruption ~ 15 million years ago

The **Moehau Range** is the northernmost range on the [Coromandel Peninsula](/source/Coromandel_Peninsula), extending from the settlement of [Colville, New Zealand](/source/Colville%2C_New_Zealand) northwards to the tip of the peninsula. Mount Moehau is the highest point of the range, at 892m above [sea level](/source/Sea_level).

## Physical geography

The Moehau Range is the central feature of the Colville Ecological District. [Environment Waikato](/source/Environment_Waikato)'s local area planting guide describes the area as "long ridges and steep streams radiating out to the coast, steep and broken hillslopes, floodplains, harbours and estuaries." The Colville Ecological District takes in 77,201 hectares (190,770 acres), 59% of which is in indigenous vegetation, and 8% of which is virgin forest.[1] To the south the range is drained by [Waikawau River](/source/Waikawau_River_(Thames-Coromandel_District)).

### Geology

Most of the range is made up of [metamorphic](/source/Metamorphic_rock), [prehnite-pumpellyite](/source/Prehnite-pumpellyite_facies) [Manaia Hill Group](/source/Stratigraphy_of_New_Zealand#Basement_rocks_(Austral_Superprovince)) [greywackeˌ](/source/Greywacke) [sandstones](/source/Sandstone) and [siltstones](/source/Siltstone) (Waipapa terrane) of [Jurassic](/source/Jurassic)/[Cretaceous](/source/Cretaceous) age, formed about 150 million years ago. They have few fossils,[2] but are [interbedded](/source/Interbedding) with feldspar-lithic volcanic sandstone, siltstone and mudstone/argillite, with minor conglomerate and coarse sandstone.[3] To the south west of the range the Paritu [Pluton](/source/Pluton) is exposed. It consists of 17 million year old mid [Miocene](/source/Miocene) [sub-volcanic](/source/Subvolcanic_rock) intrusions, including [hornblende](/source/Hornblende)-[pyroxene](/source/Pyroxene) [granodiorite](/source/Granodiorite), pyroxene-hornblende [quartz](/source/Quartz) [diorite](/source/Diorite) and [biotite](/source/Biotite)-pyroxene.[4] Several dikes of [andesite](/source/Andesite) [porphyry](/source/Porphyry_(geology)) and quartz porphyry were intruded into the Manaia Hill rocks around 15 million years ago.[3]

#### 'Granite' quarries

Coromandel granite was first advertised in 1900.[5] It has been quarried in the plutonic area, on the coast between Port Jackson and Waiaro, at Paritu quarry,[6] The quarry was taken over by the Coromandel Granite Company[7] in 1918, when a wharf was built about a kilometre to the south.[8] Although called granite, it is a [quartz diorite](/source/Quartz_diorite) rock. It has been used for many monuments and buildings, including [Parliament House](/source/Parliament_House%2C_Wellington), [Auckland Chief Post Office](/source/Britomart_Transport_Centre), [Auckland War Memorial Museum](/source/Auckland_War_Memorial_Museum), [Auckland Ferry Terminal](/source/Auckland_Ferry_Terminal) and [Auckland Railway Station](/source/The_Strand_Station). Quarrying ended in the 1960s, though in the early 1990s Moehau quarry was reopened for the refurbishment of Parliament House.[9]

## Demographics

The area is sparsely populated. In the area north of Port Charles Road, which includes the whole of the range, the 2013 population was only 129, living in 63 houses.[10] However, it is part of [Te Rerenga](/source/Te_Rerenga) census area, where are 2,028 dwellings were occupied, but 3,897 unoccupied.[11]

The main settlements are Port Jackson[12] and Port Charles.[13]

### Port Jackson

[Port Jackson](/source/Port_Jackson%2C_New_Zealand) is a bay on the north coast, just south of [Cape Colville](/source/Cape_Colville).[14]

### Port Charles

[Cook](/source/James_Cook) named Port Charles as he sailed by on 17 November 1769.[15] A sawmill opened in 1865 and closed in 1890,[16] later belonging to the [Auckland Timber Co](/source/Kauri_Timber_Company)[17] and with a tramway.[18] The population was 67 in 1901.[19] [Northern Steamship Co](/source/Northern_Steamship_Company). vessels used to call at Port Charles.[20] The road from Colville opened in 1928.[21] A volunteer fire fighting group is based locally.[22] There were severe floods in 1950[23] 2002 and 2016,[24] the 1950 flood moving the school off its foundations, bringing about its closure[25] and 2002 flooding 23 homes.[26] The beach is also being eroded.[27]

## History

Mt Moehau is sacred to the [Marutūāhu](/source/Marut%C5%AB%C4%81hu) tribes of [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people). Many important chiefs, including [Tama-te-kapua](/source/Tama-te-kapua) of Te Arawa, are buried on its summit. The full name of the mountain is Te Moengahau-o-Tamatekapua (the windy sleeping place of Tamatekapua).[28]

## Folklore

Mt Moehau was reported by Māori to be the most sacred of the mountains of the [Patupaiarehe](/source/Patupaiarehe) (or tūrehu, karitehe or kōrakorako),[29] an elusive and mystical light-skinned mountain folk.[30]

## Biodiversity

The Moehau Range is considered one of New Zealand's six '[biodiversity](/source/Biodiversity) hot spots'. The Moehau peak contains a selection of indigenous vegetation that is unique for a North Island forest, and is home to [silver](/source/Manoao) and [pink pine](/source/Pink_pine), [kaikawaka](/source/Kaikawaka), [sweet hutu](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sweet_hutu&action=edit&redlink=1) (*[Ascarina](/source/Ascarina)* sp.) and [southern rātā](/source/Metrosideros_umbellata), and is the northern limit for many [southern montane](/source/Montane) species such as [mountain toatoa](/source/Phyllocladus_alpinus) and [mountain cedar](/source/Pahautea) (pahautea). The range is also noteworthy for the rare native [Archey's frog](/source/Archey's_frog) *(Leiopelma archeyi)*, whose young hatch from eggs, bypassing the tadpole stage. Moehau is also home to the Moehau [stag beetle](/source/Stag_beetle) (*[Geodorcus](/source/Geodorcus)* sp.), the Moehau [wētā](/source/W%C4%93t%C4%81) (*[Hemiandrus](/source/Hemiandrus)* sp.) and a population of approximately 500 [brown kiwi](/source/North_Island_brown_kiwi).[31][32]

The Moehau Environment Group [\[1\]](https://web.archive.org/web/20070928121253/http://www.meg.org.nz/index.html) works to protect and enhance the natural environment of the Northern Coromandel Peninsula.[33][34] In 2020 the group were given $400,000 to do [possum](/source/Common_brushtail_possum_in_New_Zealand), [mustelid](/source/Mustelidae), rat and cat control on up to 15,000 ha (37,000 acres).[35]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Environment Waikato, [What to Plant in Coromandel Ecological Region](http://www.ew.govt.nz/enviroinfo/land/biodiversity/plantingguides/documents/coromandel1.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215106/http://www.ew.govt.nz/enviroinfo/land/biodiversity/plantingguides/documents/coromandel1.pdf) 2007-09-27 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** D. N. B. Skinner (1972). "Subdivision and petrology of the Mesozoic rocks of Coromandel (Manaia Hill Group)". *New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics*. **15** (2): 203–227. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/00288306.1972.10421955](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F00288306.1972.10421955).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_3-1) ["GNS Science - Geology Web Map Client"](https://data.gns.cri.nz/geology/). *data.gns.cri.nz*. Retrieved 16 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** D. N. B. Skinner (1975). "Miocene intrusive Rocks of Moehau Range, Coromandel". *Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand*. **5** (3): 329–351. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/03036758.1975.10421854](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F03036758.1975.10421854).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Auckland Star"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19000228.2.64.7). *paperspast.natlib.govt.nz*. 28 February 1900. Retrieved 16 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["MapsPast | Current and historical topographic maps (topomaps) of New Zealand"](http://www.mapspast.org.nz/?zoom=14&x=1810240&y=5954648&layerid=NZMS1%201959). *mapspast.org.nz*. Retrieved 16 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Memory Boxes"](https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/waikato-times/20150420/281861527039301). 20 April 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2019 – via PressReader.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["TCDC District Plan Appendix 3 Historic Heritage"](https://docs.tcdc.govt.nz/store/default/3716892). *Thames Coromandel DC*. 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Paritu Stone Wharves"](https://www.thecoromandel.com/explore/listing/paritu-stone-wharves). *The Coromandel*. Retrieved 16 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["2013 Census map – QuickStats about a place"](http://archive.stats.govt.nz/StatsMaps/Home/People%20and%20households/2013-census-quickstats-about-a-place-map.aspx). *archive.stats.govt.nz*. Retrieved 18 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["2013 Census QuickStats about a place"](http://archive.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/profile-and-summary-reports/quickstats-about-a-place.aspx). *archive.stats.govt.nz*. Retrieved 18 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Port Jackson, Waikato"](https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz9210/Port-Jackson/). *NZ Topo Map*. Retrieved 18 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Port Charles, Waikato"](https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz9226/Port-Charles/). *NZ Topo Map*. Retrieved 18 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Port Jackson, Waikato"](https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz9210/Port-Jackson/). *NZ Topo Map*. Retrieved 19 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["THE TREASURY James Cook"](https://thetreasury.org.nz/Cook/cook.htm). *thetreasury.org.nz*. Retrieved 19 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["THE TREASURY Sawmilling"](https://thetreasury.org.nz/Sawmilling/sawmilling.htm). *thetreasury.org.nz*. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["NEW ZEALAND TIMBER INDUSTRY. AUCKLAND STAR"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18830827.2.31). *paperspast.natlib.govt.nz*. 27 August 1883. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Showing forestry workers grouped on and around a bush locomotive near Port Charles"](https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/364419). *Kura Heritage Collections Online (Auckland COuncil Libraries)*. Retrieved 17 April 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["1901 census results"](https://www3.stats.govt.nz/historic_publications/1901-census/1901-results-census/1901-results-census.html). *StatsNZ*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["NORTHERN S.S. CO.'S MOVEMENTS. AUCKLAND STAR"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19020712.2.13.6). *paperspast.natlib.govt.nz*. 12 July 1902. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Coromandel Peninsula. Auckland Star"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19280403.2.151). *paperspast.natlib.govt.nz*. 3 April 1928. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Port Charles's new 'smoke chaser'"](https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/111263-port-charless-new-smoke-chaser.html). *sunlive.co.nz*. Retrieved 19 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["May 1950 Waikato Flooding"](https://hwe.niwa.co.nz/event/May_1950_Waikato_Flooding). *hwe.niwa.co.nz*. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Heavy rains highlight losses but also wins"](https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/whats-happening/news/media-releases-archived/heavy-rains-highlight-losses-but-also-wins/). *waikatoregion.govt.nz*. April 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["The little Port Charles School"](https://natlib-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?vid=NLNZ&docid=INNZ7129938700002837&context=L&search_scope=INNZ). *natlib-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com*. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["2002 Upper North Island Weather Bomb"](https://hwe.niwa.co.nz/event/June_2002_Upper_North_Island_Weather_Bomb). *hwe.niwa.co.nz*. Retrieved 20 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Dahm, Jim (October 2009). ["Review of Primary Development Setback at Selected Beaches"](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Global/1_Your%20Council/_2014%20Standing%20Committee%20Order%20Papers%20and%20Minutes/District%20Plan%20Hearings%20Panel/Technical%20report%201%20-%20Primary%20Development%20Setback%20review.pdf) (PDF). *Thames Coromandel District Council*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Marutūahu tribes - Origins"](https://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/744/mt-moehau). *Te Ara : The Encyclopedia of New Zealand*. Retrieved 1 December 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Homer, Lloyd. ["Moehau mountain, Coromandel"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/2400/moehau-mountain-coromandel). New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu Taonga. Retrieved 9 July 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** [Grey, George](/source/George_Grey) (1849). *A story of patupaiarehe [fairy-like people] on Moehau*. New Zealand: Manuscript number: GNZMMS 7.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Ecotours: Wildlife: Bay of Plenty: [Coromandel](http://www.ecotours.co.nz/Brian/wildlife/bayofplenty/coromandel.htm), accessed 28 May 2007

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Environment Waikato, [What to Plant in Coromandel Ecological Region](http://www.ew.govt.nz/enviroinfo/land/biodiversity/plantingguides/documents/coromandel1.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215106/http://www.ew.govt.nz/enviroinfo/land/biodiversity/plantingguides/documents/coromandel1.pdf) 2007-09-27 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Moehau Environment Group website"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070928121253/http://www.meg.org.nz/index.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.meg.org.nz/index.html) on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** Thomas Everth, [To Fence or not to Fence?: An opinion on the proposed Coromandel predator fence](http://www.te-software.co.nz/blog/fence.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070327181531/http://www.te-software.co.nz/blog/fence.htm) 2007-03-27 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Council Helps Sustainability of Community Groups With $1.63m in Grants"](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2007/S00470/council-helps-sustainability-of-community-groups-with-163m-in-grants.htm). *scoop.co.nz*. 23 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.

v t e Thames-Coromandel District, New Zealand Seat: Thames Populated places Coromandel-Colville Ward Cape Colville Colville Coromandel Kennedy Bay Manaia Motutakapu Mercury Bay Ward Cooks Beach Coroglen Hahei Hot Water Beach Kūaotunu Matarangi New Chums Beach Otama Beach Rings Beach Te Rerenga Whangapoua Whenuakite Whitianga Thames Ward Hikutaia Kauaeranga Valley Kopu Matatoki Ngarimu Bay Puriri Tapu Te Mata Te Puru Thames Thornton Bay Waiomu South West Ward Whangamatā C.B. Onemana Opoutere Whangamata Tairua-Pauanui C.B. Hikuai Pauanui Tairua Islands Aldermen Islands Castle Island Mahurangi Island / Goat Island Mercury Islands Motueka Island / Pigeon Island Motukawao Islands Poikeke Island Slipper Island Whanganui Island Geographic features Cape Colville Castle Rock Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-A-Hei Colville Channel Firth of Thames Hauraki Gulf Kauaeranga Valley Mercury Bay Moehau Range Thames Valley Whangapoua Harbour Facilities and attractions Coromandel Forest Park Driving Creek Railway Hauraki Rail Trail Kopu Bridge Pauanui Aerodrome Siamese Kauri Square Kauri Thames Aerodrome Thames railway station Thames School of Mines Whangamata Beach Hop Whitianga Aerodrome Whitianga Festival of Speed Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Organisations The Mercury Bay Informer Ngāti Rongoū Thames High School

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Moehau Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moehau_Range) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moehau_Range?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.