Te Ārai

Te Ārai
Horse riders and surfers on Te Ārai Beach
Coordinates: 36°11′53″S 174°34′52″E / 36.198°S 174.581°E / -36.198; 174.581
CountryNew Zealand
RegionAuckland Region
WardRodney ward
Community boardRodney Local Board
SubdivisionWellsford subdivision
Government
  Territorial AuthorityAuckland Council
Kaiwaka Mangawhai Ārai Point
Topuni
Te Ārai
Tomarata
Te Hana Wellsford Whangaripo

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.