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Wairoa
7.7 km
3 hours
50 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself cruising through the northern Hawke’s Bay, it is easy to let the town of Wairoa pass you by as you head toward the Māhia Peninsula or Lake Waikaremoana. But to do so is to miss one of the most underrated, scenic, and culturally rich coastal walks in the region. The Wairoa Riverside Walkway, also known by its beautiful Māori name Te Araroa o Te Wairoa, is a hidden gem that stretches from the heart of the township all the way to the wild, crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Whether you are a local looking for your morning "daily bread" exercise or a tourist wanting to stretch your legs between long drives, this 7.7-kilometre (one-way) trail offers a perfect slice of New Zealand life. It is flat, accessible, and packed with stories that date back centuries.
Stepping onto the Wairoa Riverside Walkway feels like taking a deep breath. The trail is an easy-going, shared pedestrian and cycle path that follows the gentle curves of the Wairoa River. Because the total elevation gain is a mere 50 metres, it is arguably one of the most relaxing "long" walks you can do in the area.
The journey begins in the Wairoa central business district, right by the iconic Portland Island Lighthouse. This is not your average lighthouse; it was relocated here from Portland Island (off the tip of Māhia) and now stands as a sentinel over the river. From here, the path is wide and well-maintained, making it an absolute dream for families. If you have little ones, this is the perfect spot to let them loose on their bikes, scooters, or even in a buggy.
As you leave the town centre behind, the hustle and bustle fades, replaced by the rhythmic sound of the river and the rustle of flax (harakeke) in the breeze. The terrain is consistent and paved or hard-packed, winding its way through green spaces and past historic markers. You aren't just walking through nature; you’re walking through a living museum.
The 3-hour return trip (if you do the whole thing) takes you through a changing landscape. You move from the manicured edges of the town’s Marine Parade into more rugged, coastal territory. The highlight of the terrain is the approach to the coast, where the river meets the sea in a dramatic clash of fresh and salt water. It is an out-and-back trail, so you have the luxury of choosing your turnaround point, but the full trip to Whakamahia Beach is well worth the effort.
Car parking is available at the start of the walkway near the Portland Island Lighthouse in the Wairoa central business district. The Falcon's Lookout Playground & Skatepark on Marine Parade also offers dedicated car parking and is conveniently located by the river path.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus
The Silver Gull, often seen in coastal New Zealand, is a common sight in estuaries and along the Wairoa River.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
A Wairoa institution, famous for its award-winning pies and a wide range of freshly baked savoury and sweet treats, perfect for a post-walk refuel.
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Out and back
What makes this trail truly special is the blend of human history and raw natural beauty. Here are the features you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Finding the start of the Wairoa Riverside Walkway is incredibly straightforward. If you are in the Wairoa CBD, just head toward the river!
Because the trail is an out-and-back, you can also park at the Whakamahia Beach end if you prefer to do the walk in reverse, starting with the wild coast and ending with a coffee in town.
For the birdwatchers (ornithologists) among us, the Wairoa River and the Whakamahia Lagoon are absolute havens. The mix of river, estuarine, and coastal environments means you can spot a huge variety of species in a single afternoon.
Common sights year-round include the Silver Gull, the White-faced Heron (usually seen stalking the shallows with incredible patience), and the Pied Stilt with its distinctive long pink legs. In the lagoon area, you’ll almost certainly see Mallards paddling about.
If you are visiting during the autumn or winter, keep an eye out for the South Island Oystercatcher. During the warmer spring and summer months, you might be lucky enough to spot the Banded Dotterel.
The real "prize" sightings, however, are the Royal Spoonbill—a rare but majestic visitor with its unique spatula-shaped bill—and the Bar-tailed Godwit. The Godwits are legendary travellers, flying all the way from Alaska to spend their summer in New Zealand. They are usually seen on the mudflats between spring and autumn.
Pro Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars and head to the lagoon at low tide. This is when the wading birds are most active as they forage in the exposed mud.
Timing: If you can, aim to be at Pilot's Hill for either sunrise or sunset. The way the light hits the river and the black sands of the beach is nothing short of magical.
Wairoa is a place where history runs deep. The name Te Araroa o Te Wairoa translates to "The Long Path of Wairoa," and it serves as a physical connection between the town's colonial past and its ancient Māori roots.
Before European arrival, the Wairoa River was a vital highway for Māori, providing food and transport. The area was densely populated, and the walkway passes several sites of former pā (fortified villages). The information plaques along the way are a fantastic resource for understanding the significance of the river to the local iwi, Ngāti Kahungunu.
The movement of the lighthouse to the riverbank is another point of local pride. It represents the town's connection to the sea and its resilience. By walking this path, you aren't just getting exercise; you are participating in the "vibrant community life" that makes Wairoa so unique.
Note: Please be aware that this walkway is not dog-friendly. To protect the nesting birds in the lagoon and the sensitive wildlife in the scenic reserve, please leave your furry friends at home.
One of the best parts of any walk is the "refuel" session afterwards, and Wairoa has some legendary spots to choose from.
The Wairoa Riverside Walkway offers a sense of peace and a connection to the land that is hard to find elsewhere. It is a gentle reminder that sometimes the best adventures aren't the ones that climb the highest mountains, but the ones that follow the river home.
Best time: Year-round
Haematopus finschi
This striking shorebird has a long, bright orange bill and legs, which it uses to probe for shellfish and worms in the mudflats.
Best time: Autumn-Winter
Charadrius bicinctus
This small shorebird is identifiable by the distinctive double black band across its chest during breeding season.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Limosa lapponica
These incredible migratory birds undertake one of the longest non-stop flights of any animal, travelling 11,500km from Alaska to New Zealand for the summer.
Best time: Spring-Autumn
200m away
A cafe, restaurant, and bar on Marine Parade, known for its diverse menu featuring home-grown cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
200m away
Offering a delectable array of Indian-inspired pizzas and kebabs, with traditional Indian flavours and fresh ingredients. Perfect for a hearty meal after your walk.
3km away
Located at the east end of Marine Parade, this cafe offers Havana organic coffee, fresh baking with gluten-free and vegan options, and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. It's also licensed for beer and wine.