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Waipatiki Beach, north of Napier
1.5 km
30 minutes
50 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of coastal paradise that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Waipatiki Beach Coastal Walk (South Track) is an absolute gem. Nestled just 35 kilometres north of Napier, Waipatiki Beach is a place where time seems to slow down. The South Track is a short but incredibly rewarding out-and-back trail that offers a concentrated dose of everything that makes the Hawke’s Bay coastline so spectacular: towering limestone cliffs, golden sands, and the rhythmic roar of the Pacific Ocean.
Your journey begins on the soft, golden sands of Waipatiki Beach itself. As you stand facing the vast expanse of the sea, turn your gaze to the right. Here, the rugged cliffs begin their ascent, framing the southern end of the bay. The track is well-defined, though it possesses a wild, natural character. As you transition from the sand onto the path, you’ll find yourself climbing gently along the cliff face. While the elevation gain is a modest 50 metres, the track can be narrow and occasionally steep in sections, so it’s worth keeping a steady foot—especially if you’re distracted by the breathtaking views unfolding to your left.
The experience of walking this trail is a sensory delight. On a clear day, the air is thick with the scent of salt spray and the sweet, earthy perfume of the surrounding native scrub. To your right, the limestone walls rise up like ancient fortresses, while to your left, the turquoise water crashes against the base of the cliffs. About 15 minutes into the walk, you will arrive at a charming, secluded little bay. This is the natural turnaround point for many, though the track does technically continue a little further. This small cove is a world of its own, filled with large, weather-beaten rocks and hidden treasures. It’s the perfect place to sit for a moment, listen to the pebbles rattling in the surf, and feel the sheer scale of the Hawke’s Bay landscape.
Despite its short 1.5km length, the Waipatiki Beach Coastal Walk (South Track) punches well above its weight when it comes to scenery. The absolute standout feature is the spectacular limestone cliffs. Reaching heights of over 100 metres, these white-gold giants provide a dramatic backdrop that feels almost prehistoric. Look closely at the cliff faces to see the intricate layers and geological formations that have been carved out by the elements over thousands of years.
Parking is available at the beach picnic area at the end of Waipatiki Road. Spaces are free but can be limited. Public toilets are located at the carpark.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
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
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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.
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.
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.
The Waipatiki Beach Coastal Walk (South Track) is a beautiful destination throughout the year, but each season brings its own flavour.
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.
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 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.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus
This native New Zealand gull is a common sight in coastal towns, easily identified by its bright red bill, eye-ring, and legs.
Best time: Year-round
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round
Circus approximans
New Zealand's largest bird of prey, the kāhu (Swamp Harrier) is often seen soaring slowly over open country, wetlands, and farmlands.
Best time: Year-round