Description: Te Paki Coastal Track

A detailed description of the track.

The track follows the coastline from Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) on the North-eastern Coast, past Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua (where the Te Araroa Trail starts) and finishes at Te Paki Stream on the West Coast. From there, you can continue along Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē/Ninety Mile Beach all the way to Ahipara.

You can walk the whole track which is 48 km long staying at each of the four campsites situated along the track or choose one or several track sections that suit your fitness level and areas of interest. Each track section is several hours duration.

The track sections from East to West are listed here.

Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Pandora

Time: 3 hr
Distance: 9km one way

This 3 hour walk along beautiful Spirits Bay takes you over Waitahora Lagoon to Pandora where you can stop to observe shore birds or camp for the night. 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, or
follow the track behind the sand dunes to the lagoon – this route is firmer and easier walking than the soft sloping beach.

Pandora to Tapotupotu Bay

Time: 3 hr
Distance: 9 km one way

The track guides you up through vegetation, climbing steadily until you reach a junction. Here you can head towards SH1 via the Pandora Track or follow the track markers and signage towards Tapotupotu Bay. The track undulates along the top of a ridge, with stunning views across the Te Paki Reserves and to both the north and west coasts, including sand dunes, Cape Maria Van Diemen, and the distant Cape Reinga lighthouse.

Fernbirds and grey warblers as well as pink and white manuka (in spring) are a highlight on this section. The track eventually leads you back to the coastal cliffs with dozens of pohutukawa clinging to the rock faces before making your descent into Tapotupotu Bay.

There are steep drop-offs from the track towards the ocean along this section of the track – always supervise children.

Tapotupotu to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua

Time: 3 hr
Distance: 5 km one way

The track starts at the western end of Tapotupotu Bay and climbs steeply for lovely views back towards the east along the coast or towards the Cape Reinga Lighthouse and Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands. You will then follow the cliffs before descending into Sandy Bay.

Sandy Bay is a lovely beach to stop for a snack or lunch as it is not culturally appropriate to eat at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua.

Cape Reinga to Te Werahi Beach Track

Time: 45 min return
Distance: 2 km return

From the Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse Walk, this 2 km track heads west , leading you down past steep cliffs to the long, sweeping Te Werahi Beach.

There are steep drop-offs from the track towards the ocean along this section of the track – always supervise children.

Te Werahi Beach to Twilight Beach

Time: 3 hr
Distance: 7.25 km one way

Experience dune landscapes and views of Cape Maria van Diemen and Motuopao Island on this 3 hour track to Twilight Beach. You will find yourself traversing a vastly different landscape than in the first part of your trip along the northern coast. After about 1 hr, you will pass the turnoff for a side trip to Cape Maria Van Diemen. Continue on the main trail unless you have the 1 hr 30 min spare to detour.

Twilight Beach to Te Paki Stream

Time: 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 11 km one way

Exit the south end of Twilight Beach following the orange markers. The track ascends above the beach and you will walk through low growing vegetation with views across Te Paki Farm. You will eventually come to a board stairway that leads you up over the dunes and down onto Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē/Ninety Mile Beach.

Follow the beach south for approximately 1 hr 30 min until you come to Te Paki Stream. This is also a popular vehicle entrance/exit to the beach so be prepared for cars and tourist buses. Turn left and follow the stream inland through the dunes for another 1 hr 30 min until you come to the Te Paki Stream parking area and toilets. The track ends here. It is approximately 9 km to Waitiki via the road from here.

Alternatively, or if you are following the Te Araroa Trail, you can continue along Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē/Ninety Mile Beach past Te Paki Stream and follow the coast further south. Distances are: