A newly published map and guide showcasing heritage sites on the northern part of the Te Papa peninsula has opened up a treasure trove of stories from early Tauranga days.

The Historic Tauranga Nga Tapuwae ki Te Papa | Footprints on Te Papa map and guide highlights 72 heritage buildings and locations from 6th Ave through to Sulphur Point.

'This map and guide show that the entire area contains significant heritage locations,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga – HNZPT - Lower Northern area manager Ben Pick.

'It is great that these cultural and historic heritage sites are being recognised for their unique and special heritage values.”

Ben says the work of HNZPT is aimed at promoting the value of our distinct history and traditions inclusively to New Zealanders, and those with an interest in New Zealand.

'I believe this map and guide are important because it will give people the opportunities to identify and connect in a meaningfully way with the rich resource of local historic and cultural heritage places located in the Te Papa peninsula.”

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Lower Northern area manager Ben Pick in The Bond Store, the oldest remaining commercial building in Tauranga. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Entwined throughout the printed guide are elements of natural, cultural and built heritage found on Te Papa peninsula.

There are also wildlife and fauna to keep an eye out for.

The self-guided tour, designed for pedestrians, riders and drivers explores aspects of Tauranga's historical pathway, including historic buildings that now house barristers, cafés and retailers.

'It's very exciting to partner with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Tauranga City Council, Tourism Bay of Plenty, Sun Media Ltd and other key heritage partners to bring ‘Nga Tapuwae ki Te Papa | Footprints on Te Papa' to residents and visitors,” says Taonga Tū |Heritage Bay of Plenty chair Bruce Farthing.

'I thank fellow trustees, Binnie Brown and Stan Gregec, who, together with researcher and writer, Debbie McCauley and designer Michelle Reynolds, have worked hard to deliver this valuable CBD heritage resourse, printed by Kale Print, with accompanying website by MōCA.”

Stan Gregec says the heritage map is long overdue to as a missing piece of Tauranga's social, cultural and visitor identity.

'Most people have little awareness of Tauranga's history and the rich heritage that is concentrated on the Te Papa peninsular. It was time to give this its due recognition,” says Stan.

Debbie says the guide and map honours the footprints of Tauranga's first peoples settling here in the 13th Century through to today, as we leave our footprints for future generations.

'Tauranga has such an incredibly rich history and heritage, across natural, built and cultural heritage- this guide is a fantastic resource for locals and visitors alike, to help reveal some of the stories and sites that make our city unique,” says Tauranga City Council arts and culture manager James Wilson.

Tauranga City Council arts & culture manager James Wilson and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Lower Northern area manager Ben Pick. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

'I'm particularly excited about the way that this map will encourage people to notice and seek out the stories and places that have shaped Tauranga, and discover parts of Te Papa that they have perhaps walked past or not noticed previously.”

The oldest remaining commercial building in Tauranga is The Bond Store, established in 1883, and located at 1 The Strand.

The building which is a listed Category 1 Historic Place, was originally sited on the waterfront before land reclamation took place, and today is home to Sun Media.

'It's wonderful that at long last heritage is becoming a much more visible part of Tauranga's identity,” says Stan.

'With all the things underway in rejuvenating the city centre, I think the city's heritage will finally find its rightful place. All credit to the city leaders and heritage partners who have worked tirelessly to recognise this and make it happen.”

'With the recent changes to the school curriculum, bringing a greater focus on NZ Histories, this map will also be a fantastic resource for students wanting to know more about their city,” says James.

The Historic Tauranga Nga Tapuwae ki Te Papa | Footprints on Te Papa map and guide has a section on wildlife in the area. Photo: Supplied.

'We are seeing a real desire amongst our younger generation to learn the stories of Tauranga, and this map plays a key role in enabling these stories to be passed on. The map creates opportunities for inter-generational exchange, as those who have lived in Tauranga for many years can use the map to share their stories and connections to places in the city.”

'I would like to thank all the stakeholders involved in this piece of work,” says Ben.

'A really good resource has been developed from all their efforts.”

The Weekend Sun will be publishing a series of stories based on some of the 72 locations.

The Historic Tauranga Nga Tapuwae ki Te Papa | Footprints on Te Papa map and guide has 72 locations listed. Photo: Supplied.

The Historic Tauranga Nga Tapuwae ki Te Papa | Footprints on Te Papa map and guide is available from Tourism Bay of Plenty, Sun Media, Tauranga City Library, EVES Cameron Road, and Tauranga i-Site, with the website www.footprintsontepapa.nz launching soon.

The Historic Tauranga Nga Tapuwae ki Te Papa | Footprints on Te Papa guide has a map showing the 72 locations. Photo: Supplied.