Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Pandora
Located in Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
Introduction
This 3 hour walk along beautiful Spirits Bay takes you to Pandora where you can stop to observe shore birds or camp for the night.Kapowairua to the west end of Spirits Bay
Time: 2 hr 15 min
From Kapowairua campsite you have two options:
- Walk along the beach keeping an eye out for the orange dune marker. This signals you to head over the dunes to Waitahora lagoon and boardwalk.
- Follow the track behind the sand dunes to the lagoon. This route is firmer and easier walking than the sloping beach.
Western end of Spirits Bay to Pandora
Time: 45 min
Pandora is a small, secluded beach separated from Spirits Bay by a rocky headland.
There is a basic campsite here with toilets, shelter and water supply.
This track from Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Pandora forms part of the Te Paki Coastal Track.
Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) and Te Paki are located at the northernmost area of New Zealand on the Aupouri Peninsula. Follow SH1 north from Kaitaia approximately 96 km to Te Paki and 111 km to Te Rerenga Wairua.
You have vehicle access to Kapowairua – turn off SH1 at Waitiki Landing onto Te Hapua Road and then Spirits Bay Road, approximately 16 km.
- Pack your insect repellent, sunscreen and tide chart.
- Check the tide times before you leave – sections of the track may not be accessible around high-tide near Pandora.
Lagoon entrance may block after rain
Be aware the Waitahora lagoon entrance blocks on occasion after heavy rain or storm events which floods the lagoon causing the boardwalk to be submerged.
The boardwalk has marker posts which can be followed even when submerged or you can continue walking west along the beach and cross the blocked lagoon entrance.
Spirits Bay is a stunning sweep of golden sand, 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.
You can see plenty of birdlife at the lagoon and on the beach including Caspian terns, New Zealand dotterel, paradise ducks, oystercatchers, and godwits.
Contacts
| Te Hiku / Kaitaia Office | |
| Phone: | +64 9 408 6014 |
| Fax: | +64 9 408 6019 |
| Email: | kaitaia@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
25 Matthews Ave Kaitaia 0441 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 569 Kaitaia 0441 |
| Full office details | |