Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Pandora
Alert/Important notice
Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.
The track is open but if you approach an area where contractors are working please make your presence known. For further information please contact the Kaitaia Area Office +64 9 408 6014.
Track category
Walking track
Time:
4 hr
Distance:
8.5 km
Description
Kapowairua to the west end of Spirits Bay
Time: 2 hr 45 min
Spirits Bay
Spirits Bay is a stunning sweep of smooth sand and multi-coloured shells, and pristine turquoise water. Behind the dunes is the characteristic windswept scrub of the Te Paki region, and large marshlands with captivating native bird and plant life.
There are two ways to approach the Spirits Bay leg from the campground. You can enter the walkway
- by the river (stile) and walk along the beach to the western end
- a short way back from the river (signposted/stile), and walk behind the dunes to the western end on a 4WD track. This path is firmer and easier than walking on sloping, soft sand.
You can see plenty of birdlife at the river mouth including Caspian terns, NZ dotterel, Paradise ducks, Oystercatchers, and Godwits.
Western end of Spirits Bay to Pandora
Time: 1 hr 15 min
West end of Spirits Bay
Pandora is a small, secluded beach separated from Spirits Bay by a rocky headland. When you arrive at Pandora, cross the first stream as you walk along the beach, then look left for a 4WD track and orange marker, which may be hard to spot. The track leads you inland and up the hill into the trees.
This track from Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Pandora forms part of the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway.
Getting there
Cape Reinga and Te Paki are located at the northernmost area of New Zealand on the small, narrow Aupouri Peninsula, approximately 60 km north of Kaitaia. Follow State Highway 1 north to Waitiki Landing. Then on 20 km to Cape Reinga.
North of Waitiki the road surface changes from tar-seal to loose gravel for approximately 18 km.
Cape Reinga Road is an unsealed road and gets very busy over the summer months. Please drive slowly and take extra caution.
You have vehicle access to: Kapowairua - turn off SH 1 at Waitiki Landing onto Te Hapua Road and then Spirits Bay Road.
Places to stay
You may choose to camp the night at Pandora, or proceed on to Tapotupotu Bay. Fruit trees around the site mark a former tourist camp. There is an open grassy area suitable for self-sufficient overnight camping.
Plan and prepare
Cave along the rocks between Kapowairua
(Spirits Bay) and Pandora
When you arrive at the western end of Spirits Bay, you will cross the Waitahora Stream. It may be difficult to judge its depth as the water is often brackish brown. You may need to wait for the tide to recede.
Depending on your fitness level or leisure, hiking from Kapowairua all the way to Tapotupotu may make your first day of the tramp quite long. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you could extend the tramp by an extra day and camp the night at Pandora.
Safety and hazards
You should approach this section of the track by taking the "High Tide" route (signposted/orange marker), which leads you behind the dunes and over the headland at the eastern side of Pandora. You can go around the rocks at low tide, but at any other time, large waves may wash up the rocks and climbing may become difficult or even dangerous.
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