Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve Walk
Alert/Important notice
The dune edge is eroding rapidly so care should be taken accessing the beach itself.
Walking track
Time:
10 min
Getting there
A sign and cattle stop indicate each end of the reserve on the north road to Kaiangaroa, 12 km from the Wharekauri turn off. Around 2 km into the reserve, a vehicle track to the north takes you to a stile over the fence from which the beach can be accessed. There are good views of the reserve from the elevated roadside. Around 4 km past the reserve, to the right, is the turnoff right to Hapupu, and another 6 km away is the township of Kaiangaroa.
About the area
Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve covers 831 ha of peat dome and wetland at Te Whanga Lagoon. It also extends over the road to Kaiangaroa to include 4 km of coastal dunes.
Description
Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve covers 831ha of peat dome and wetland at Te Whanga Lagoon. It also extends over the road to Kaiangaroa to include 4 km of coastal dunes.
A very short track from the stile takes you to the dune edge and views of the beach and sea. The Department of Conservation and community groups are slowly replanting forest and coastal species in the area.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required