Te Ārai

For Te Arai statistical area, see Manutūkē § Te Arai statistical area.

Te Ārai is a small community on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, near the northern end of the Auckland Region (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.^[1]

Te Ārai
Horse riders and surfers on Te Ārai Beach
Coordinates: 36.198°S 174.581°E / -36.198; 174.581
Country	New Zealand
Region	Auckland Region
Ward	Rodney ward
Community board	Rodney Local Board
Subdivision	Wellsford subdivision
Government
• Territorial Authority	Auckland Council

Kaiwaka	Mangawhai	Ārai Point
Topuni	Te Ārai	Tomarata
Te Hana	Wellsford	Whangaripo

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.^{[citation needed]}

Te Ārai Beach is the exact antipode of Gibraltar.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]} Auckland Council manages Te Ārai Regional Park.^[2]

History

The Arai Road District was formed on 20 February 1868, it governed Te Arai until c.1886 when it was dissolved.^[3]

Economy

Tourism and farming are the predominant activities in the area.^{[citation needed]}