Waipatiki Beach Coastal Walk (South Track)

Out and back

For the photographers and view-seekers, the panoramic vistas from the elevated sections of the track are unbeatable. On a clear day, you can look north across the curve of the bay toward the distant, hazy silhouette of the Māhia Peninsula. Turning south, your eyes can trace the coastline all the way down to the iconic jagged cliffs of Cape Kidnappers. It is one of the few places where you can truly appreciate the grand scale of the Hawke’s Bay coastline in a single glance.

If you timing your walk with the falling tide, the small bay at the 15-minute mark reveals a playground of rock pools. These miniature ecosystems are a highlight for families, offering a chance to spot anemones, small crabs, and various shellfish clinging to the reef. It’s a fantastic "nature’s classroom" moment for the kids and a peaceful spot for adults to appreciate the smaller details of the New Zealand coast.

Getting There

Finding your way to this coastal sanctuary is part of the adventure. From Napier, head north on State Highway 2 towards Wairoa. After about 20 kilometres, you’ll reach the turn-off for Waipatiki Road. The drive from the highway down to the beach is stunning, winding through lush farmland and patches of native forest, but do take care as the road is narrow and curvy in places.

Follow Waipatiki Road all the way to the end, where you will find a dedicated beach picnic area and carpark. Parking is free, but because Waipatiki is a local favourite, it can fill up very quickly on weekends and during the summer holidays. It is always a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. You’ll find public toilets and rubbish bins located at the carpark, making it a convenient base for your day out. The track starts right from the southern end of the beach—just look for the signs pointing towards the coastal track.

Wildlife Spotting

The Waipatiki area is a haven for New Zealand’s feathered residents, thanks to the nearby Waipātiki Scenic Reserve. While you are walking the coastal cliffs, keep your ears open for the melodic chime of the Korimako (Bellbird) and the loud, confident call of the Tūī. These birds are common year-round and are often seen flitting between the flax bushes and coastal trees that line the track.

The Pīwakawaka (Fantail) is almost guaranteed to make an appearance, often following hikers to catch the insects stirred up by their footsteps. If you look up towards the clifftops, you might see a Kāhu (Swamp Harrier) effortlessly riding the thermals, searching the scrub below. Down on the shoreline and around the rock pools, keep an eye out for the Tōrea (Variable Oystercatcher) with its distinctive bright orange beak, and the ever-present Tarāpunga (Red-billed Gull).

For the best wildlife experience, try to start your walk in the early morning. The birds are most active then, and the "dawn chorus" in the adjacent bush is something quite special. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along—you might even spot a pod of dolphins passing by in the deeper waters of the bay.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Waipatiki Beach Coastal Walk (South Track) is a beautiful destination throughout the year, but each season brings its own flavour.

• Spring: This is arguably the best time for birdwatching. The native kōwhai trees may be in bloom, attracting Tūī and Bellbirds in droves. The weather is usually mild, perfect for a walk that is almost entirely exposed to the sun.
• Summer: The most popular time to visit. The golden sand is at its most inviting, and the swimming at the main beach is world-class. However, the track can get very hot. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun, and always carry plenty of water.
• Autumn: Expect stable weather and crisp, clear views. The golden light of autumn makes for incredible photography against the white limestone cliffs.
• Winter: Don’t rule out a winter visit! On a calm, blue-sky day, the air is incredibly fresh, and you’ll likely have the entire track to yourself.

• Sun Protection: There is very little shade on this track. Even on overcast days, the New Zealand sun is fierce. Wear a hat and apply high-SPF sunscreen.
• Footwear: While the walk is "easy," the track can be narrow and slippery after rain. Sturdy sneakers or walking shoes are recommended over jandals.
• Safety: The cliffs are high and the drop-offs are real. If you are walking with children, keep them close and under supervision at all times.
• Water & Snacks: There are no shops at the beach (aside from a small seasonal selection at the local holiday park), so pack everything you need for the day.
• Dogs: While your furry friends are allowed on the beach (on a leash), they are strictly prohibited on the scenic reserve tracks and this coastal walk to protect the local wildlife.

Local & Regional Context

Waipatiki is more than just a pretty beach; it is a place of significant ecological and geological importance. The name Waipātiki translates from Māori to "water of the flounder," reflecting the area's history as a rich food basket for local iwi. The surrounding hills and valley have been occupied for centuries, and you can feel that sense of history as you walk the ancient shoreline.

Geologically, the cliffs are part of the massive limestone deposits that characterise much of the Hawke’s Bay coastline. These cliffs were once part of the seabed, pushed upwards by tectonic forces over millions of years.

The adjacent Waipātiki Scenic Reserve is a must-visit if you have extra time. It contains some of the last remaining remnants of original coastal forest in the region. Here, you can stand beneath the shadows of Kahikatea trees that have lived for over 600 years. The presence of Nīkau palms creates a tropical atmosphere that feels distinct from the rugged, salty environment of the South Track. Together, the coast and the bush form a rare, unbroken sequence of New Zealand’s natural heritage.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your 30-minute return stroll, there’s no better way to cool off than a dip in the ocean. Waipatiki Beach is a fantastic swimming spot and is patrolled by lifeguards during the peak summer months. For those with young children, the freshwater creek that flows across the sand into the sea is a safe, shallow place for them to splash around.

Because Waipatiki is a small settlement, it doesn't have a high street full of cafes. However, there are some great options on your drive back towards Napier:

• The Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park Shop: During the summer season, you can often grab a real-fruit ice cream or a cold drink here—perfect for an immediate post-hike treat.
• Snapper Jack’s (Bay View): Located about 20 minutes away in Bay View, this is a local legend for classic New Zealand fish and chips. Grabbing a scoop to eat on the beach at Bay View is a great way to end the day.
• Valley d’Vine (Eskdale): If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, this restaurant in the nearby Esk Valley offers fantastic food and a beautiful vineyard setting. It’s a great spot to sit back, enjoy a glass of Hawke’s Bay wine, and toast to a successful hike.

The Waipatiki Beach Coastal Walk (South Track) might be short, but the memories of those towering cliffs and the endless blue horizon will stay with you long after you’ve brushed the sand off your shoes.