Northland, Walks & Parks

Four kilometers south of Waipu Cove, Pohutukawa trees grow along the edge of this beach which is safe for family swimming or surfing and has views of offshore islands. There are toilets and a change shed near the car park.

This white-sand beach is safe for swimming and you can also fish, surf or sail. Shops are nearby with a bakery and licensed restaurant and it is not too far to get to the cinema or local attractions.

This beach is quite different from any other beach in Doubtless Bay with its pink-coral beach, rockpools and a small lagoon for the children to explore. There is a children’s playground and store nearby.

Take a walk through this park to view the wonderful forest and beautiful kauri trees. The track is easy and takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The park is managed by the Department of Conservation. During the day you can see kukupa (New Zealand’s only native pigeon), fantails and morepork. Or a guided nightwalk will give you the opportunity to see the forest at night and maybe see kiwi or bats.

This 2 km track can be walked in either direction and will take about an hour each way. The track crosses farmland and leads up a steep ridge, across stiles and an unbridged stream to a large flat grassy area which is ideal for picnics and leads to the Caves Road entrance. The Waipu Caves feature stalactites, stalagmites and glowworms near the entrance. Be careful when walking the track as there are sinkholes underground. The inner caves should only be accessed by experienced cavers.

The longest beach on the Whatuwhiwhi Peninsula at 18 km long. Good for surf casting and digging for shellfish.

This 376 hectare coastal park has an amazing view of Auckland city and the inner Hauraki Gulf. There is a wonderful variety of birdlife including peacocks, herons and tui. There is a campground and several walks. Picnic sites are available and Okoromai Bay is a normally safe swimming beach and good for children to paddle in at high tide, while Army Bay offers a sandy beach backed by cliffs and Te Haruhi Bay is a sandy beach with sand dunes. There are toilets and changing facilities available.

This short walk is quite steep but is worth it for the swimming holes along the track on the way. There are birds to see on the way before you get to the end of the walk and the 20 metre long Piroa Falls. The road to the falls is unsealed.

Resting place of The Rainbow Warrior, Matauri Bay looks out to the Cavelli Islands. This golden, sandy beach, which is over a kilometre long and has crystal clear water, is safe for swimming and excellent for surfing at high tide and fishing. Maturi Bay has its own beachfront camping ground and general store.

Two crescent shaped coves form beautiful Matai Bay. With its fine sand and safe swimming, it is a very popular beach for families and is a great place for a picnic.

This walk is easy and takes about 30 minutes return. It is suitable for most children, although younger children will need watching.

White sand and clear waters makes Taupo Bay a popular spot for swimming, surfing or fishing. There sheltered beach is ideal for a family picnic and there are rock pools for the children to explore at low tide. There is a small shop in the nearby holiday park.