Tawhitokino Beach Track

Out and back

---

Getting There

To find this coastal gem, drive towards Kawakawa Bay on Auckland's southeastern coast. Follow Kawakawa Bay Coast Road all the way to its eastern end, where you will find the Waiti Bay car park.

The car park has space for approximately 20 vehicles. While it is relatively quiet during the week, it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends and during the summer holidays, so arriving early is highly recommended. Convenient public toilets are located right at the car park, so you can freshen up before or after your hike.

---

Wildlife Spotting

The quiet, regenerating bush and protected shoreline of Tawhitokino Regional Park make it a thriving sanctuary for native New Zealand birdlife. As you wander along the trail and beach, keep your eyes and ears open for these local residents:

• Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon): These large, heavy birds with distinctive green and bronze feathers and white chests are common year-round. Listen out for the loud, heavy whooshing sound of their wings in the forest canopy.
• Tūī: Famous for their iridescent blue-black feathers, white throat tufts, and incredibly melodious, echoing calls, tūī can be seen darting through the flowering trees year-round.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These energetic, acrobatic little birds are highly curious and will often flutter alongside you on the track, catching the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Tōrea pango (Variable Oystercatcher): Look out for these glossy black shorebirds with bright orange-red bills poking around the rocky headlands and shoreline looking for shellfish.
• North Island Weka: While rare, these flightless, inquisitive brown birds are known to occasionally roam the forest floor. Keep a close eye on your picnic snacks, as weka are notoriously cheeky thieves!
• Kororā (Little Penguin) & Australasian Gannets: During the spring and summer, you might spot gannets diving spectacularly into the sea offshore, or catch a rare glimpse of a tiny kororā nesting near the quiet rocky areas.

---

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: The Tawhitokino Beach Track is a fantastic year-round destination. Summer is unbeatable for swimming and seeing the pōhutukawa trees in full crimson bloom. Spring and Autumn offer cooler, crisp hiking conditions with fewer crowds, while Winter brings exceptionally clear days, offering the sharpest views across to the Coromandel Peninsula.
• Best Time of Day: Always plan your start time around the low tide. Aim to depart Waiti Bay about 1.5 to 2 hours before the lowest point of the tide. This gives you plenty of time to walk over, enjoy a relaxing picnic or swim on the beach, and walk back without any risk of being cut off by rising water.
• What to Bring: Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the wet rocks around the headland can be very slippery. Pack a towel, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water. There are no rubbish bins on the beach, so please pack out everything you pack in.
• Dog-Friendly Etiquette: Your dog will love exploring this track off-leash. However, please note that dogs are strictly prohibited near the designated campground located at the far eastern end of Tawhitokino Beach to protect nesting shorebirds.
• Weather Considerations: The track is relatively sheltered, but strong nor'west winds can bring choppy water and spray. Check the local marine weather forecast before you head out.

---

Local & Regional Context

Tawhitokino Regional Park is part of the traditional lands of the local iwi (tribes) of the area, who have held a deep spiritual and physical connection to these shores and the wider Tīkapa Moana (Hauraki Gulf) for centuries. The seclusion of this beach is no accident; Auckland Council has deliberately kept the park free of road access to preserve its untouched natural state, protect archaeological sites, and allow the native coastal forest to regenerate. Walking here is a reminder of what Auckland’s coastlines looked like before urban development—wild, quiet, and deeply peaceful.

---

After the Walk

Once you have worked up an appetite on the trail, head back along the coast to refuel at one of these great local spots:

• Kawakawa Bay Store & Takeaways (2.8km away): Located just a short drive back up the road, this classic Kiwi dairy and takeaway shop is a local institution. It is the perfect spot to grab a hot scoop of chips, a classic burger, or a cold milkshake to enjoy by the boat ramp.
• Orere Point General Store (4.8km away): If you fancy a scenic drive further along the coast, head over to the quiet township of Orere Point. This friendly general store is great for grabbing essential supplies, hot pies, cold drinks, or an ice cream to celebrate a successful coastal hike.

4.8km away

A local store in the rural township of Orere Point, providing essential supplies and a convenient stop for snacks or drinks.