Tatapouri to Wainui Beach

Point to point

The final stretch brings you onto the expansive sands of Wainui Beach, a world-famous surfing hotspot. You will pass the historic Wainui Surf Life Saving Club, a hub of local beach life. If you are walking after heavy rain, or if the tide has pushed in quicker than expected, you can easily detour over the State Highway 35 Hamanatua Stream Bridge to ensure a dry finish to your journey.

Highlights & Must-See Features

• The Swirling Papa Rock Formations: As you navigate the rocky shelves near Tatapouri, look down at your feet. The ancient papa (clay-like mudstone) rock platforms feature striking, swirling patterns carved by millions of years of tidal action. It is a visual testament to the region’s turbulent marine past.
• Makorori Headland Lookout: This is the crown jewel of the walk. The elevated, 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling surf beaches, and distant headlands are unparalleled. It is the perfect spot to pause, enjoy a snack, and take some panoramic photos.
• Okitu Beach Dunes: Wander through the beautifully restored sand dunes, a testament to local conservation efforts. The native dune plants hum with insect life and offer a peaceful, sheltered contrast to the exposed beaches.

Getting There

Because this is a point-to-point walk, it does require a tiny bit of forward planning. The easiest option is to arrange a classic kiwi car swap with a mate, or have a friend pick you up at the end.

The best strategy is to leave one vehicle at the southern end of the trail on Lloyd George Road at Wainui Beach. Once that car is parked up, drive together in a second vehicle north along State Highway 35 to Tatapouri Beach to begin the walk.

There is limited parking at both ends, so arriving early—especially on beautiful summer weekends—is highly recommended to secure a spot.

Wildlife Spotting

The Tairāwhiti coastline is teeming with life, and this walk is a fantastic opportunity to spot some of New Zealand’s unique marine and bird species.

Keep a keen eye on the rocky reefs around the Tatapouri headland. You are highly likely to spot New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) basking lazily on the warm rocks or swimming playfully in the clear, shallow waters. Remember to always give these wild animals plenty of space (at least 20 metres) and never get between a seal and the sea.

• Red-billed Gulls (tarāpunga) and White-fronted Terns (tara) diving into the surf.
• Spotted Shags (parekareka) nesting on the rocky cliffs.
• Northern New Zealand Dotterels (tūturiwhatu), which occasionally nest in the sand dunes during spring and summer. Be careful where you step near the dry sand dunes to avoid disturbing these precious, camouflaged nests.
• Australasian Gannets (tākapu) soaring high above before plunging like arrows into the ocean.
• Little Penguins (kororā) can occasionally be seen nesting in deep rocky crevices, though they are shy and mostly active at dusk.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer & Spring: Ideal for warm-weather walking, beach picnics, and refreshing dips in the ocean. The coastal wildflowers in the dunes are in full bloom.
• Autumn & Winter: These seasons bring crisp, cool mornings and incredibly clear skies, offering the best long-range visibility from the headlands.

• Check the Tides: We cannot stress this enough! Only attempt the rocky sections around Tatapouri on a falling tide, starting at or after half-tide.
• Footwear: While walking barefoot on the beach is lovely, you will want sturdy shoes with good grip for the slippery rock platforms and the steep climb up Makorori Headland.
• Sun & Wind Protection: The East Coast sun is notoriously fierce. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a windproof jacket, as the coastal breezes can be brisk.
• Water: Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person, as there are no drinking fountains along the beach sections.

Local & Regional Context

The Tairāwhiti region is a place of immense historical and cultural significance. Literally translating to "the coast upon which the sun shines first", this area is famous for receiving the world's very first rays of sunlight each new day.

Looking out from the top of Makorori Headland, your eyes will settle on the distinctive silhouette of Te Kurī-a-Pāoa (Young Nick's Head) in the south. This landmark holds deep spiritual meaning for local iwi (tribes) and was also the first piece of New Zealand land sighted by the crew of Captain James Cook's HMS Endeavour in 1769.

The land you are walking on is rich with Māori heritage, and the local community remains deeply connected to the sea. The restoration of the Okitu dunes is a proud local initiative, reflecting the concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection of the environment) that is so central to life in this beautiful corner of Aotearoa.

After the Walk

After three hours of coastal fresh air, you will have worked up quite an appetite. Fortunately, there are some incredible local spots to refuel at both ends of the trail:

• Tatapouri Bay Beachfront Café: If you want a pre-hike caffeine hit or are doing a return loop, this charming container café is located right at the start of the trail. They serve superb locally roasted coffee and delicious real fruit ice-creams on sunny summer weekends.
• Zephyr Wainui: Situated just a short stroll from the end of the trail at Wainui Beach, this vibrant, plant-based sanctuary is a local favourite. Grab an organic coffee, a refreshing superfood smoothie, or some nourishing vegetarian and vegan kai (food). It has a lovely relaxed garden courtyard and a playground, making it a dream spot for families.
• Neighbourhood Cantina: Located near the finish line at Wainui Beach, this is the ultimate spot for a celebratory meal. They serve up incredible Mexican-inspired, Gisborne-infused tacos, classic fish and chips, and cold local craft beers. It is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and swap stories of your coastal tramp.

Zephyr Wainui

11km away

A vibrant, plant-based café located a short walk from the end of the trail at Wainui Beach. They offer organic coffee, superfood smoothies, and nourishing vegan and vegetarian kai. With a relaxed atmosphere and a new playground for kids, it's an ideal spot for a healthy post-hike meal.