Patea

If you’re passing through Patea, stop and ask a local to sing Poi-E for you. It’s one of New Zealand’s favourite songs and it was invented here.

The South Taranaki town of Patea is the home of the outstanding Patea Maori Club, whose 80s hit Poi-E is still one of the country’s favourite songs. Patea has a rich Maori and European history. A walk though the town will take you past many historic buildings and features, including the Aotea Memorial Waka, St George's Anglican Church and the building that houses the South Taranaki District Museum. The museum is an important archive for the South Taranaki district. Nearby Carlyle Beach and Mana Bay are popular venues for fishing, surfing and swimming.

Functional facts: Approx. population 1200, basic shopping, limited accommodation.