The Tauranga Direct Road, which this ecological area adjoins, has an interesting history. It was formed in 1869 as part of a central North Island military road that linked Napier, Taupo, Rotorua and Tauranga. The Rotorua/Tauranga section took 10 hours by coach and a watering trough still remains as a sign of these times.

This area was also occupied by Tapuika and the streams and forests were sources of food and places of sanctuary and shelter.