Waikato, Walks & Parks

This is a 30 minute return walk and the track is wide and easy-going. The reserve has been extensively restored, including the re-introduction of the North Island robins.

This 20 minute walk one way will take you through a small patch of coastal forest down to Ngarunui Beach. On the way you can admire the nikau palms and there is a lookout a third of the way down with views along the coast.

This is a sheltered inner-harbour beach which is great for picnics and is safe to take children.

This twenty minute (return) walk is suitable for pushchairs (but is not wheelchair accessible) and is an easy walk to the top of the 55 metre Falls following the Pakoka River most of the way.

This is the safest beach in Raglan for swimming. It is accessible from either the road or from the footbridge at the lower end of Bow Street. The beach is black-sand but is popular with families. There is a children’s playground.

This is a great picnic spot if it isn’t too windy and you can see spectacular views of the Raglan bar. Swimming is only safe between the flags as there are strong undertows and the western end of the beach is only patrolled during the summer months.

A short walk of about 30 minutes return will take you along a board-walked track and through 14 hectares of Kahikatea forest. There is a viewing tower half-way around the track where you can see the canopy layers within the bush.

The beautiful white sands at Mount Maunganui become the main centre for such activities in the summertime as volleyball and sandcastle building, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe swimming destination. There is a parade of cafes, shops and restaurants nearby.

The 45 minute return journey is over a well-constructed track which passes through picturesque rain forest and limestone landscale with excellent views of the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel (a remnant cave). There are picnic tables and toilets at the start of the walk.

If you're looking for a tranquil picnic spot, or an opportunity to escape the bustle of the city, then Taitua Arboretum offers a relaxing retreat. The arboretum has a collection of mature trees covering 20 hectares of open pasture, lakes and woodland gardens which are linked by a network of meandering walking paths. With great views and wonderful bird life, the arboretum is ideal for a family outing or Sunday stroll. Admission is FREE.