Tawhitokino Beach Track

• 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.

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.

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.

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.