- Tawhitokino Beach is a wild, undeveloped beach in Tawhitokino Regional Park, reached on foot from Waiti Bay at the end of Kawakawa Bay Coast Road, near Clevedon.
- The final stretch crosses an exposed rock platform that is only safely passable within about an hour either side of low tide, and the crossing itself can take up to 30 minutes.
- Dogs can run off leash on the track and beach, but they are not allowed in or near the Tawhitokino campground.
- A basic campground at Tawhitokino Beach can be booked ahead through Auckland Council, and there are toilets at both Waiti Bay and the beach end.
- It is the closest proper beach for people searching for a Clevedon beach, even though the actual walk starts a few minutes further round the coast at Waiti Bay.
Quick facts
Getting there
Tawhitokino Beach Track starts from Waiti Bay, at the end of Kawakawa Bay Coast Road, not from Clevedon Coast Road as some older directions suggest. From central Auckland, head south on the Southern Motorway, then follow the Papakura-Clevedon Road through to Clevedon village, and continue on towards Kawakawa Bay. Turn off onto Kawakawa Bay Coast Road and follow it to its end at Waiti Bay, where there is a car park and the walk begins. Allow about 50 minutes driving time from central Auckland.
The main vehicle gate at the Waiti Bay car park runs on set hours, open from 6am to 9pm during daylight saving and 6am to 7pm outside daylight saving. Plan your return so you are not locked in after hours. There is no direct public transport to Waiti Bay, so driving or carpooling is the only realistic option.
If you fancy more time on the water once you’re back at Waiti Bay, a single kayak hire from 1 Hour Single Kayak Hire: Auckland Sea Kayaks is a handy way to stretch the day out without needing a paddling partner.
The walk to Tawhitokino Beach
From the Waiti Bay car park, the route follows the coastline around to Tawhitokino Beach, with a section of exposed rock platform linking the two bays. That rock section only clears at low tide, and the crossing itself takes up to 30 minutes to walk, so check tide times before you leave home rather than after you arrive. Outside that low tide window, the rocks are covered and the beach is effectively cut off on foot.
Once you are across, Tawhitokino Beach opens out with the campground set back from the sand and a composting toilet at that end of the walk. Retrace your steps back over the rocks to Waiti Bay, again timing it against the tide.
If the short walk out to the beach leaves you wanting more coastline, a guided trip like the Browns Island / Motukorea Sea Kayak Tour is a solid way to keep exploring by water once you’re done on foot.
Who it is for
This suits families and casual walkers after a short coastal outing, as long as everyone is comfortable on uneven rock and the group is happy to work around tide times rather than turning up whenever suits. It is not a track for pushchairs or wheelchairs, and the tidal rock crossing means it is not one to rush with young kids in tow.
When to go
Tide is the deciding factor here, far more than the season. Time your visit for low tide, or within about an hour either side of it, and check the Safeswim website beforehand for current water quality, tide and hazard information for the beach. Outside that window you risk arriving to find the rock crossing underwater.
On a calm day when the tide’s working in your favour anyway, a paddleboard session with 1 Hour Stand Up Paddleboard Hire: Auckland Sea Kayaks gives you another easy going way to spend time on the same stretch of coast.
Important stuff
- Dogs are allowed off leash on the track and beach at all times, but are not permitted in or near the Tawhitokino campground.
- Flying drones or UAVs is prohibited at Tawhitokino Regional Park at any time.
- Open fires are not permitted outdoors, and visible or excessive alcohol consumption is not allowed anywhere in the park.
- Overnight stays at the Tawhitokino campsite must be booked in advance through Auckland Council, with bookings opening up to six months ahead and group bookings limited to a maximum of 10 people.
- There is no piped water at the campsite, only stream water, which should be boiled for three minutes before drinking.
- Check the Safeswim website before swimming, for up to date water quality, tide and hazard information.
Common questions
Can you swim at Tawhitokino Beach?
Swimming is possible but the beach is not patrolled, so check the Safeswim website first for current water quality, tide and hazard information before you get in.
Is Tawhitokino Beach Track dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed off leash on the track and beach at all times, though they are not allowed in or near the campground.
Can I camp at Tawhitokino?
Yes, there is a basic campsite at the beach, but you need to book it in advance through Auckland Council. Bookings open up to six months ahead and group bookings are capped at 10 people. There is no piped water on site, only stream water, which should be boiled for three minutes before drinking.
Are drones allowed at Tawhitokino Regional Park?
No, flying drones or UAVs is prohibited at Tawhitokino Regional Park at any time.
What time does the car park gate open and close?
The main vehicle gate at Waiti Bay opens at 6am and closes at 9pm during daylight saving, or 7pm outside daylight saving.
Other walks nearby
If you enjoyed this one, these East Auckland walks are worth a look too.
- Walks Auckland Tahuna Torea, a coastal reserve on the other side of the isthmus with wetlands and estuary views.
- Walks In Auckland Churchill Park, a family friendly park loop closer to town.
- Botany Cascades Loop, a short bush and stream walk if you want something inland.
Back to East Auckland Walks for more tracks in the area.
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2 Responses
My review, a very different perspective –
Tawhitokino! A hidden gem of a beach.
Tawhitokino Beach is maybe the most beautiful of many picturesque bays in East Auckland. Fringed with pohutakawas, a crescent of pristine sand, safe swimming, and often no-one there. Great views of Ponui Island, the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula. A two kilometre in and out walk, and 1.5km of beach.
Drive 2.5km east past the boat ramp from Kawakawa Bay to Waiti Bay. The sealed road is a very scenic wide winding single lane with adequate passing areas, no problem for a 7.5m motorhome. Parking for about 20 vehicles can be busy on a nice day, a lovely vista from the carpark and from the beach.
Access around the point is limited to one to two hours either side of low tide – walk to the southern end of Waiti Bay, an easy rock scramble around the point to the pretty and fairly secluded Tuturau Bay. Then to stretch your legs, 200 well made wooden steps, awesome views.
Enjoy the beach, it is swimable even at low tide. The pohutakawas are great for some shade, the kayaking campsite midway along the beach has a picnic table and information posters. It is a lovely walk to the far end of the beach and the rocky headland.
Toilets – excellent facilities at Waiti Bay, composting toilet at Tawhitokino.
Dogs – offleash permitted at all times but no dogs in or near the campground.
A short drive further south past Orere Point are the Tapapakanga and Waharau Regional Parks, many camping sites at each, Tapakanga features pretty beaches and coastline, Waharau is on the Hunua Ranges side of the road and accesses some great forest walks with views. The next Eastern Times edition will feature the Waitawa Regional Park, at the western end of Kawakawa Bay.
Like to walk with others? Visit the meetup.com website, search for walking or hiking. Auckland Outdoors is a friendly group who welcome new walkers. Hikes are usually in Regional Parks, three to 4 hours at a moderate pace.
Thanks David for giving our readers your perspective on this walk, it’s very helpful.
Thanks Sandra.