Starting at the car park at Sailors Grave, first follow the council track from the north end of the beach over the headland to Ōtara Bay.

The Ōtara Bay Track starts at the north end of Ōtara Bay beach and climbs up over the headland to Lynch Stream. The track is well benched however it is steep in places with uneven steps.

The are several seats to rest and enjoy the views of the bush clad coast and out to the ocean including of the Aldermen Islands.

The track then descends to where Lynch Stream meets the coast. The beach is a bit rocky here but there is a nice flat area under some pōhutukawa trees that is a good spot to stop for a picnic.

You need to return the same way back to the car park at Te Karo Bay (Sailors Grave).

There is a car park on Sailors Grave Road off State Highway 25, 15 minutes north of Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula.

There are toilets and picnic tables at the Thames-Coromandel District Council car park at the start of the track.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.