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Okura to Long Bay
4.5 km
3 hours
150 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
Looking for a coastal escape that combines lush native bush, fascinating pioneer history, and a touch of tidal adventure? The Te Araroa Trail: Okura to Long Bay - Low Tide Crossing is a fantastic day hike tucked away on Auckland’s North Shore. As part of New Zealand’s legendary 3,000-kilometre Te Araroa Trail, this bite-sized 4.5km section offers locals and tourists alike a diverse slice of Kiwi paradise.
Whether you are looking for a weekend micro-adventure with the kids or want to explore one of Auckland’s most beautiful marine reserves, this point-to-point trail delivers plenty of variety in just three hours.
Your journey begins at the southern entrance of the Okura Bush Walkway. Stepping onto the track, you are immediately enveloped in a lush, green canopy. The initial section winds through thriving native forest, where you will walk beneath towering nīkau palms, spreading pōhutukawa, and patches of majestic regenerating kāuri.
The terrain here is well-formed but characteristically clay-based, meaning it can become quite muddy and slippery after a good North Shore downpour. While the walk is rated easy, don't expect a completely flat stroll; there are undulating sections, clay steps, and gentle climbs (gaining about 150 metres in elevation) that will get your heart rate up and require a basic level of fitness. It’s an exciting, tactile walk for active kids, though you will need to leave your four-legged friends at home, as dogs are strictly prohibited to protect the local wildlife.
As you emerge from the bush, the landscape opens up dramatically into Karepiro Bay. Here, the coastal breeze greets you, and the track transitions to shell-strewn shores and mudflats.
The absolute highlight—and the defining feature of this hike—is the low-tide estuary crossing of the Okura River. Guided by a series of marker poles, you will wade or walk across the estuary floor. Timing is everything here; at low tide, it’s a fun, ankle-to-knee-deep adventure, but attempting this at high tide is dangerous. Once safely across, you will step onto the golden sands of Long Bay Regional Park, wrapping up a classic Auckland coastal crossing.
Free parking is available at the southern entrance of the Okura Bush Walkway, located at the end of Haigh Access Road, off East Coast Road. There are no public toilet facilities directly at this trailhead. Hikers should ensure they plan their journey, especially considering the tidal crossing aspect of the trail.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Haematopus finschi
An endemic New Zealand shorebird, the Pied Oystercatcher is easily spotted foraging for shellfish on tidal flats and in nearby paddocks.
Best time: Year-round
Anarhynchus obscurus
A threatened shorebird, the southern subspecies is critically endangered and breeds on sandy beaches and exposed hilltops.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
3.5km away
Situated just a short distance from Long Bay Beach, this family-friendly establishment offers elevated pub fare, craft beers, wines, and cocktails with stunning outdoor seating and ocean views, perfect for a post-hike refreshment.
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Point to point
This is a point-to-point trail, which means you will start in one location and finish in another.
To start at the northern end, head to the southern entrance of the Okura Bush Walkway, located at the end of Haigh Access Road (just off East Coast Road). There is a free gravel car park here. Please note that there are no public toilets at this trailhead, so it is wise to make a pitstop before you arrive.
Because this is a point-to-point track, you have two main options: 1. The Car Swap: Park one vehicle at Long Bay Regional Park (where there are excellent public toilets and changing facilities) and drive another to the start at Haigh Access Road. 2. The Double Back: If you have the energy, you can turn this into a 9km return walk, provided you time the tides perfectly to cross the estuary twice!
The Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve and its surrounding forests are teeming with native birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for these local residents:
Crucial Safety Tip: You must plan this walk around the tides. The estuary crossing should only be attempted within 1.5 to 2 hours of low tide. Check the local tide charts before you set out.
The Okura and Long Bay areas hold deep significance for local iwi (Māori tribes), who historically used the rich estuary and coastal waters as a valuable food basket (mahinga kai) and transport route.
In the mid-19th century, European settlers arrived, led by families like the Dacres, who farmed the land. Thanks to passionate local conservation efforts over the decades, the area was spared from heavy urban development, resulting in the creation of the marine reserve and the protection of the Okura heritage zone. Walking here today, you can truly feel the layers of history beneath your feet.
Once you have completed your coastal trek and washed the sand off your feet at Long Bay, reward yourself at one of these fantastic local spots:
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
3.7km away
Located in the heart of Long Bay Village, Kinfolk Cafe offers thoughtful, seasonal dining, specialty coffee, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, known for its refined brunches and lunches.