10 Best Walks in Whitianga & Hahei

1. New Chum Beach / Wainuiototo (30-40 Minutes One Way)

Often seen as one of the most scenic beaches in the Coromandel, Wainuiototo New Chum Beach is only accessible on foot or by boat. The walk begins just north of Whangapoua and takes walkers through lush nikau and pohutukawa forest. The track leads to a lookout where you’ll be able to get “that picture” before descending onto the beach. For more beaches worth finding, see our 10 Coromandel Beaches You Can’t Miss.

Location: The walk starts on the north end of Whangapoua Beach, approximately 36 km (22 mi) from Whitianga. You will need to wade through an estuary.

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2. Te Pare Point Historic Reserve (15-30 Minutes One Way)

Take as little or as long as you want to explore these two pā sites, Hereheretaura Pā and Hahei Pā. Hereheretaura is at the tip of the headland with steep cliffs on all sides and distinct manmade terraces, while Hahei Pā is on a ridge above the walking track leading to Hereheretaura Pā.

Location: Southern end of Hahei Beach on Pa Road, Hahei. 35 km (22 mi) from Whitianga.

© New Zealand Department of Conservation

3. Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track (1 Hr 30 Mins Return)

Named after the shape of its main cave, the cove is one of the most well-known spots in the area. Its white sand beach and rising cliffs make it an icon of the region. Cathedral Cove is also the main access to the stunning Gemstone Bay, where visitors can snorkel amongst an incredible variety of marine wildlife.

One of the most popular ways to get to Cathedral Cove is via a 30 to 40-minute one-way walk hugging the coast (in our experience, the best walk is from Grange Road, but those needing to park can access Cathedral Cove via an alternative farm trail from Lees Road). Alternatively, boat and kayak tours also visit the beach (see below). For more walks in the area, see 10 Best Walks in Whitianga.

Location: Grange Road, Hahei, approximately 35 km (22 mi) from Whitianga. Note that parking is not permitted at Grange Road. Paid car parking is available at Cathedral Cove Adventures, 150 Lees Road, Hahei.

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4. Black Jack Track and Opito Point Pā Walk (20 Mins and 1 Hour Return)

After spending time relaxing on Kuaotunu Beach, find the Black Jack Reserve and a 20-minute bush walk offering spectacular views across the coast. Nearby is also the Opito Point Pā Walk, where you’ll climb 196 steps (we counted) to Opito Point and awesome views of the Mercury Islands.

Location: Black Jack Track – East end of Kuaotunu at the beginning of Black Jack Road, 15 km (9 mi) from Whitianga. Opito Point Pā Walk – End of Opito Bay Road.

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5. Waiau Kauri Grove and Waiau Falls (30 Minutes Return)

Take a scenic drive down the 309 Road and find the Waiau Kauri Grove and Waiau Falls walks among the lush regenerating forest. When coming from Whitianga, you’ll come across the Waiau Kauri Grove walk first, which is just a 15-minute walk to a stand of kauri, including a “Siamese” kauri. 1 km (0.6 mi) further up the road is Waiau Falls, just a short stroll from the side of the road.

Location: 309 Road. 20 km (12 mi) from Whitianga.

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6. Waitaia Track (1 Hr 30 Mins to 2 Hour Loop)

Once a bustling hub of mining and logging, this area has been transformed into a lush, regenerating forest. Now, you can explore its beauty on the 2 km loop Waitaia Track. As you wander through the verdant landscape, you’ll encounter a few stream crossings (most of which are conveniently bridged) and even stumble upon some fascinating old mining tunnels. It’s a perfect mix of nature and history that we love discovering!

Location: Waitaia Road, Whitianga. 14 km (8.7 mi) from Whitianga.

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7. Whitianga Town Walk (1 Hr 30 Mins to 2-Hour Loop)

Explore more of Whitianga town with interpretation panels that explain its history. A good place to start is Whitianga Wharf, and walk north along Esplanade to enjoy views of Buffalo Beach and the Mercury Islands. Check out the sign next to the giant anchor, then either continue on a pathway by the beach or cross Halligan Road onto Cook Drive. Down Cook Drive is a signposted walkway to the School Road Reserve. Walk along School Road to Eure Road to Hannan Road, then to the end of Kenneth Avenue. The signposts will lead you onto Albert Street, which you can follow back to the Wharf to complete your loop.

Location: Whitianga town centre. A good place to start is Whitianga Wharf.

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8. Maramaratotara Track/Whitianga Rock Walk (20 Mins Loop)

Either take the ferry across the river at Whitianga to Ferry Landing or drive around to Cooks Beach to access the Whitianga Rock Walk. From Ferry Landing, walk for about 10 minutes down Purangi Road to a track that starts on your right. Enjoy a spectacular bush walk to Back Bay. After that, the walk continues around to Whitianga Rock, a historic Maori pā site.

Location: Purangi Road, 37 km (23 mi) via road or 2 km (1.2 mi) via ferry from Whitianga.

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9. Rings Beach Loop Track / Matarangi Wetland Walk (4-hour Loop)

Discover the wildlife of Matarangi at this wetlands walk. The Rings Beach Loop Track, starting behind Rings Beach, steadily climbs up the hills to a couple of lookouts over Matarangi Beach and alongside an important habitat for wetland birds.

Location: Bluff Road, Matarangi,18 km (11 mi) from Whitianga. Follow the Matarangi Bluff Track and then turn to head uphill to the south – the turnoff is signposted.

© New Zealand Department of Conservation

10. Whenuakite Kauri Loop (1 Hour Return)

Get another fix of kauri on the Whenuakite Kauri Loop. Park at the Whenuakite car park and walk down to the Manuka Stream Bridge, where the loop walk begins. The walk has some hills to climb through regenerative kauri forest, and it also offers great views over the forest before returning to the car park.

Location: State Highway 25 between Whenuakite and Tairua. 28 km (17 mi) from Whitianga.

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