Shakespear Tiri Tiri Track

Loop

• The 360-Degree Lookout: This is the crown jewel of the walk. At the highest point of the track, you will find a lookout offering an unparalleled 360-degree view. On a clear day, you can easily spot the Auckland city skyline and Sky Tower to the south, the iconic volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, and the rolling hills of neighbouring regional parks.
• Tiritiri Matangi Island Views: Looking out across the water, the world-famous Tiritiri Matangi Island wildlife sanctuary looks so close you could almost reach out and touch it. It’s a beautiful sight and a great reminder of the incredible conservation work happening in the gulf.
• The WWII Degaussing Station: Keep your eyes peeled for a subtle piece of New Zealand’s military history. Tucked away along the coast is an old World War II degaussing station, used to detect and demagnetise the hulls of passing ships to protect them from magnetic mines. It’s a fascinating, easily missed historic gem.
• Pink Beach Detour: If you manage to time your walk with low tide, take the short detour down to Pink Beach. Named for the thousands of tiny pink shells that cover the shore, it is a magical spot. Just be careful on the steep access steps and the slippery rocks at the bottom.

Getting There

Shakespear Regional Park is located at the end of Whangaparāoa Road, approximately 50 kilometres north of Auckland CBD.

To reach the trailhead, drive through the park’s main gates (passing through the pest-proof fence) and follow the signs down to Te Haruhi Bay. There is ample free parking available right by the beach. Excellent public toilet facilities, changing rooms, and drinking water stations are conveniently located near the car park and the adjacent campground area, making it incredibly easy to prep for your walk.

Wildlife Spotting

Thanks to a massive predator-proof fence stretching across the peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park is a safe haven for native species. As you walk through the forested sections and open pastures, you are highly likely to spot and hear a wealth of native birdlife:

• Tūī: Famous for their iridescent blue-green feathers and mimicry, you will hear their chiming calls throughout the bush sections.
• Kererū: Look up into the canopy of the larger trees to spot these massive, clumsy native pigeons with their distinctive white vests.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds love to flutter right alongside hikers, darting around your feet to catch the insects kicked up by your boots.
• Pūkeko: You will spot these quirky, bright-blue swamp hens foraging in the wet grassy areas near the beach and campgrounds.
• Kākāriki (Red-crowned Parakeet): If you are lucky, you might get a rare glimpse of these vibrant green parakeets feeding in the tree canopy.

Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars! The cliffs are great vantage points for spotting seabirds, and you might even see kākāriki flying across the channel from Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Shakespear Tiri Tiri Track is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season offering a unique vibe:

• Spring & Summer: Perfect for combining your walk with a refreshing swim in the calm waters of Te Haruhi Bay. The park is alive with newborn lambs, and the warm weather is perfect for a post-hike picnic on the grassy lawns.
• Autumn & Winter: The air is crisp, the crowds are smaller, and the visibility on the clifftops is often at its absolute best, offering incredibly sharp views of the distant islands.
• What to bring: Because a large portion of this walk traverses open farmland and high cliffs, there is very little shade. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a sun hat, and water, especially in summer. The coastal wind can be brisk, so a light windbreaker is always a good idea.
• Biosecurity: Before you start your walk, you must use the provided kauri cleaning stations to scrub and spray your footwear. This helps protect New Zealand’s ancient kauri trees from the devastating kauri dieback disease.

Local & Regional Context

Shakespear Regional Park is rich in cultural and ecological significance. For centuries, the peninsula was a strategic stronghold for local iwi (tribes), including Ngāti Kahu, who utilised the rich marine resources of the Hauraki Gulf.

In the 1880s, the land was purchased by the Shakespear family, who farmed the area for nearly a century before it was acquired by the Auckland Regional Authority in 1967. Today, the park operates as a successful "open sanctuary." This means conservation, farming, and public recreation coexist side-by-side. The pest-free fence, installed in 2011, has successfully eliminated pests like rats, stoats, and possums, allowing native ecosystems to bounce back with spectacular success.

After the Walk

After working up an appetite on the trail, you don’t have to travel far for a fantastic meal. The nearby local villages offer some excellent spots to refuel:

• Manly Bar & Grill (3.5km away): Located in nearby Manly Village, this is a lively local favourite with a warm, inviting atmosphere. They serve up delicious wood-fired pizzas, hearty steaks, and fresh salads, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed, sit-down lunch.
• Cherry Cafe (3.8km away): Situated in Gulf Harbour, this highly-rated cafe is a must-visit if you are craving a hearty refuel. They are famous for their authentic, steaming bowls of Vietnamese Pho, as well as gourmet burgers and classic Kiwi cabinet treats.
• Mainsail Bar & Bistro (3.8km away): Perched right in the Gulf Harbour Marina Village, this spot offers beautiful views over the canal. They serve a unique, diverse menu featuring everything from classic European pub food to authentic Indian curries.

3.8km away

A highly-rated cafe in Gulf Harbour known for its Vietnamese Pho, gourmet burgers, and classic cafe dishes, perfect for a hearty refuel. [3]