Northern Start
Marsden Pt (beach)
Southern End
Cnr Cove and Cullen Rds, Waipu
Distance
27km
Time
7hr
Track Standard
Road margin
Footpath
Easy tramping track
Tramping track
Route
Mixed grade
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
Bream Bay Walk - 16km / 4hr
From Marsden Point, walk south along the beach (low tide is best).
Tide information: Check the best times for walking on www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/tides
If you want respite from an easterly wind, there is a 3.5km inland DOC track which starts beyond the oil refinery (end of Mair Rd) & follows a pipeline to end behind the Mighty River Power station at Ruakaka (end of Sime Rd).
If you want respite from an easterly wind, there is a 3.5km inland DOC track which starts beyond the oil refinery (end of Mair Rd) & follows a pipeline to end behind the Mighty River Power station at Ruakaka (end of Sime Rd).
9km down the beach is the Ruakaka River mouth, which can be hazardous to cross on foot and should only be done at low tide.
Turn W and walk 400m along the estuary shoreline. This is a wildlife sanctuary with many migrant and wading birds, so please do not walk inside the fenced off nesting areas. Opposite the rock/concrete wall (on the south side) is the best place to cross.
(For assistance contact Simon Ellison, who can assist with a kayak crossing. Please arrange a day in advance, and a koha - donation - is appreciated. Ph 432 8668 or 021 233 6748)
Another 6km brings you to a sign on the sandhills for a track leaving the beach and going over the dunes to Tip Rd.
From the beach, follow Tip Rd west. Turn south onto Uretiti Rd, and south again onto Nova Scotia Drive. This will take into the heart of Waipu. To leave Waipu township, take Cove Road to the SE and follow it 6.5km to the junction with Cullen Rd.
Potential Hazards
- Vehicles on road or track
- Tides, waves & rivers - safer at low tide
- River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
Bream Bay Walk - 16km / 4hr
From Marsden Point, walk south along the beach (low tide is best).
Tide information: Check the best times for walking on www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/tides
If you want respite from an easterly wind, there is a 3.5km inland DOC track which starts beyond the oil refinery (end of Mair Rd) & follows a pipeline to end behind the Mighty River Power station at Ruakaka (end of Sime Rd).
If you want respite from an easterly wind, there is a 3.5km inland DOC track which starts beyond the oil refinery (end of Mair Rd) & follows a pipeline to end behind the Mighty River Power station at Ruakaka (end of Sime Rd).
9km down the beach is the Ruakaka River mouth, which can be hazardous to cross on foot and should only be done at low tide.
Turn W and walk 400m along the estuary shoreline. This is a wildlife sanctuary with many migrant and wading birds, so please do not walk inside the fenced off nesting areas. Opposite the rock/concrete wall (on the south side) is the best place to cross.
(For assistance contact Simon Ellison, who can assist with a kayak crossing. Please arrange a day in advance, and a koha - donation - is appreciated. Ph 432 8668 or 021 233 6748)
Another 6km brings you to a sign on the sandhills for a track leaving the beach and going over the dunes to Tip Rd.
From the beach, follow Tip Rd west. Turn south onto Uretiti Rd, and south again onto Nova Scotia Drive. This will take into the heart of Waipu. To leave Waipu township, take Cove Road to the SE and follow it 6.5km to the junction with Cullen Rd.
Note: Map is indicative only
Extra Info
Note: For hikers heading north from Marsden Point to Reotahi, the marina at Marsden Cove is a good point to organise a trip across the harbour.
Ruakaka
Detour option available
The Marsden Point Oil Refinery Visitors Centre, Marsden Pt, Ruakaka - P: 09 432 8194
The Marsden Point Oil Refinery Visitors Centre, Marsden Pt, Ruakaka - P: 09 432 8194
Display includes a 130sqm working scale model and an impressive 20 minute light and sound show. Photographs, records and models show the huge pipeline that stretches from Marsden Point all the way to Wiri in South Auckland.
Detour off the beach to Ruakaka Town Centre, Marsden Point Rd.
For more information log onto - Ruakaka Visitor Information
Getting there/away
Marsden flyer - Ruakaka Shuttle Services - P: 09 432 8158
A 2 B Auckland Airport Direct Shuttle - (to/from Whangarei, Marsden Point, Ruakaka - P: 09 459 5221 or 027 273 7307
Accommodation
Ruakaka Reserve Motor Camp - 21 Ruakaka Beach Rd, located on the beachfront/estuary - P: 09 432 7590 -
E: ruakaka@ihug.co.nz - Tent sites and cabins
Ruakaka Reserve Motor Camp - 21 Ruakaka Beach Rd, located on the beachfront/estuary - P: 09 432 7590 -
Bream Bay Motel - 67 Bream Bay Drive - P: 09 432 7166 - E: enquiries@breambaymotel.co.nz
Karawai Lodge - 24 Karawai St, Ruakaka - P: 0275 700600 - E: karawailodge@gmail.com - ask for the "Te Araroa rate"!
Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite - located between beach and SH 1, 5km north of Waipu - P: 09 432 1051 - Campsites, toilets, water, cold showers. No bookings.
Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite - located between beach and SH 1, 5km north of Waipu - P: 09 432 1051 - Campsites, toilets, water, cold showers. No bookings.
Resupply
SuperValue Supermarket - Town Centre, Marsden Road, Ruakaka - P: 09 432 7400
4 Square Supermarket - Town Centre - Marsden Road, Ruakaka - P: 09 432 7873
Health
Ruakaka Medical Centre - Shops 8-9 Marsden Point Road, Ruakaka - P: 09 432 7211
Waipu
Northliner Express Coach Service - P: 09 307 5873
Accommodation
Waipu Wanderers BBH backpackers - 25 St Mary's Rd, Waipu - P: 09 432 0532
Waipu Wanderers BBH backpackers - 25 St Mary's Rd, Waipu - P: 09 432 0532
Camp Waipu Cove - 869 Cove Rd, Waipu - P: 09 432 0410 - Cottages, camping and backpacker accommodation. Mention you are walking Te Araroa for a 25% discount!
Zany B&B - Coralie Betts - 298/11 Cove Rd, Waipu - P: 09 4321517 or 027 6585217
DragonSpell Retreat - Cullen Rd, Waipu (look out for the signs at very end of Cullen Rd, 7.5km up from Cove Rd) - P: 0275077750 - E: cosmickali@gmail.com
Resupply - Waipu
4 Square Supermarket - 43 Town Centre, Waipu - P: 09 432 0004
4 Square Supermarket - Town Centre - Marsden Road, Ruakaka - P: 09 432 7873
Requirements
- No litter
- No dogs
- No taking plants
- No camping
- No fires
Environment
- Take all rubbish with you
- Wildlife Sanctuary - Avoid dune nesting sites; no dogs allowed
Amenities
(Start)
(Start)
- Car park
- Toilets
Amenities
(On Route)
(On Route)
- Full range of amenities at Ruakaka Township
- Basic camp site Uretiti Beach
Amenities
(End)
(End)
- Full range of amenities at nearby Waipu
Closest Town(s)
Ruakaka or Waipu
Managed by
Dept of Conservation, Whangarei
