From the Waitangi Bridge, follow the coastal Marsden Rd via beach or footpath south through Paihia township.
At the southern end of Paihia Beach (i.e. junction of Marsden & Seaview Rds by toilets/carpark), you have 2 options:
- When the tide is out, follow the coastline from Paihia Beach around to Haumi Bay.
- If the tide is in, take the footpath south on Seaview Rd to Haumi Bay.
From the southern end of Haumi Bay, follow the signed track beside/under the bridge and around the coast to the east until you reach Opua.
The track provides wonderful views of the Veronica Channel.
(Note: if planning to kayak to Waikare - see next section - it is easier to launch from the Paihia beach, details in Waikare Connection information)