Ōhawe Beach to Waihi Beach Coastal Walk

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

One of the most captivating aspects of this walk is how it functions as a natural museum. Keep your eyes peeled for these standout features:

• The Waingongoro River Mouth: Starting at Ōhawe, you’ll encounter the mouth of the Waingongoro River. This area is a site of immense archaeological importance. It was one of the earliest settled areas in New Zealand, and excavations have famously revealed moa bones in ancient cooking ovens (hāngī). Standing here, it’s easy to imagine the early Polynesian settlers arriving in this fertile, resource-rich landscape.
• The "Papa" Cliffs: The sheer scale of the mudstone cliffs is breathtaking. They are constantly being reshaped by the elements, and their vertical faces provide a stunning backdrop for photography, especially when the afternoon sun hits the pale stone.
• Ancient Rock Formations and Pools: As the tide recedes, a miniature world is revealed. The rock pools here are vibrant and full of life—look for scurrying crabs, neon-hued anemones, and small fish trapped by the outgoing tide.
• Industrial Remnants: At the base of the cliffs, you may spot the rusted remains of old tram rails. These are fascinating ghosts of South Taranaki’s industrial history, used back in the day to haul shingle and sand from the beach for local construction projects.
• Ōhawe Soldiers Cemetery: Before you drop down to the beach at the start of your walk, take a moment to visit the cemetery and the memorial cairn on the terrace. It’s a poignant site marking the resting place of colonial servicemen from the 1860s Taranaki Land Wars.

Getting There

The walk is a one-way trail, so the best way to tackle it is to "car shuffle" with a friend—park one car at Waihi Beach and drive together to the start at Ōhawe Beach.

To Ōhawe Beach (The Start): From Hāwera, head west on Surf Highway 45 for about five kilometres. Turn onto Ōhawe Road and follow it down to the coast. There is plenty of parking near the boat ramp. You’ll also find public toilets and changing rooms here, which are handy to use before you set off.

To Waihi Beach (The Finish): The Waihi Beach end is accessed via Denby Road, on the western outskirts of Hāwera. Be aware that the access involves a steep gravel track descent to the car park. It’s perfectly manageable for most vehicles, but take it slow, especially in wet weather.

Wildlife Spotting

The South Taranaki coastline is a haven for birdlife, and the Ōhawe Beach to Waihi Beach Coastal Walk offers several opportunities for birdwatching.

• Variable Oystercatcher (Tōrea Pango): These are a common sight year-round. You’ll recognise them by their jet-black (or mottled) feathers and bright orange-red beaks. They are often seen probing the sand for shellfish.
• White-fronted Tern (Tara): During spring and summer, look for these elegant birds diving into the surf with incredible precision to catch small fish.
• Little Blue Penguin (Kororā): While they are shy and mostly nocturnal, you might occasionally spot tracks in the sand leading to the base of the cliffs, or if you are very lucky, see one bobbing in the surf beyond the break.
• Sooty Shearwater (Tītī): During the autumn migration, you might see these powerful flyers offshore, skimming the waves in large numbers.

Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars! The cliffs also provide nesting spots for various species, and you might see gulls and shags perched high above the waterline.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: This walk is spectacular in Summer for the warm sea breezes and rock-pooling opportunities. However, Spring and Autumn offer crisp air and often clearer views of Mount Taranaki in the distance. In winter, the Tasman Sea can be incredibly wild and dramatic, but the risk of cliff falls increases with heavy rain.
• The Golden Rule: Always, always check the tide tables. This is not a "walk at any time" track. Use the Port Taranaki or Hāwera tide charts and aim to start your walk about 90 minutes before low tide to give yourself the maximum safety window.
• Gear Up: Wear sturdy footwear with good grip. The combination of wet rocks and loose shingle can be slippery.
• Sun & Wind: Taranaki is known for its "nor'west" winds. Even on a cool day, the coastal sun is fierce. Pack a windbreaker, high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of water, as there are no freshwater stops along the way.
• Cliff Safety: The papa cliffs are notoriously unstable. Avoid walking directly under overhanging sections and keep an eye out for falling debris, especially after a period of rain.

Local & Regional Context

To walk this coast is to walk through the stories of the Aotea Waka. The river mouth at Ōhawe was named Waingongoro ("snoring river") by Turi, the captain of the Aotea Waka, who thought the sound of the water over the stones resembled a person snoring. This connection to the Great Migration makes the area sacred to local iwi.

The nearby Rangatapu Marae sits on the Ōhawe Terrace. This site has a multi-layered history, once serving as the location for the region's first Methodist Church in the 1860s. The juxtaposition of the marae, the colonial cemetery, and the ancient moa-hunting sites makes this five-kilometre stretch of coast one of the most culturally dense areas in Taranaki.

Geologically, you are walking on the "Taranaki Shelf." The papa rock you see in the cliffs is actually compressed seafloor mud from the Pliocene era. As you walk, you are literally looking at millions of years of compressed marine history, now being reclaimed by the very sea that created it.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your trek and climbed the track at Waihi Beach, you’ll likely be ready for some refreshments. Since the Waihi Beach end is just minutes from Hāwera, you have some great local options:

• Tartan Ice: A local favourite in Hāwera for a celebratory ice cream or a solid cabinet lunch.
• The Rough Diamond: A great spot for a more substantial meal and a coffee to warm up after the coastal breeze.
• Local Parks: If you still have some energy, head to King Edward Park in Hāwera. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the region, with stunning gardens that offer a peaceful contrast to the rugged coast you’ve just conquered.

The Ōhawe Beach to Waihi Beach Coastal Walk is a reminder that you don't need to climb a mountain to find high drama in the New Zealand landscape. It’s a raw, beautiful, and deeply historical experience that will leave you with salt in your hair and a renewed appreciation for the wild Taranaki coast.