[2] Local iwi (tribe) Te Kawerau ā Maki occupied this area for hundreds of years, and many settlements and fortifications were established.

[3] The name Anawhata refers to the elevated rock shelters found in the surrounding bluffs, which were used during seasonal fishing expeditions.

A 14 km tramway was built between Anawhata and Whatipu to transport Kauri logs.

As far back as 1966 the Auckland Tramping Club used the Anawhata stream for a day trip.

Trampers were dropped off in the hills above the stream, and collected many hours later from the beach in an old bus.