Keen explorers will be able to learn while they walk, as the rich history is set to come alive through the creation of the Te Matau a Maui Arts & Heritage Trail.
Just last week, the first series of marker post storyboards and public artworks was unveiled at Black Bridge, where the trail will follow the cycleway to Cape Kidnappers, taking in two coastal communities, Haumoana and Te Awanga.
The trail complemented the council's Cape Coast Reserves Management Plan, which proposed significant landscaping, planting, scenic views, resting places and seating for tourists.
Cape Coast Arts & Heritage Trust trustee Martin Bates said the idea was for the trail was raised during preparation of the Hastings District Council's Cape Coast community plan when locals agreed on a project that best represented what they liked about their area.
"We have unique and compelling stories to tell: stories that until now have largely been hidden. We believe that by sharing these stories along the very public and well-used trail we will keep them alive both for the coming generations and for visitors," Bates said.