Walk the Waipu Coastal Trail

Even many locals have not walked this trail, but those that have describe it as ‘magnificent’, ‘Awesome rocks’, ‘one of the best walks I’ve done’.  The Waipu Coastal Trail has for many years been a well kept secret in Waipu, although you can talk to older folk in the area who regularly walked the coastal route from Langs Beach to Waipu Cove in their youth.

Magnificent coastal views, a small rocky beach, interesting limestone rocks, native coastal bush, great fishing and picnic spots.  Allow 1.5 hours one way. for a quick transit but it warrants a more leisurely approach for rests, views, and photos and the return trip.

In recent years Alan McKenzie has worked with the Whangarei District Council and locals and with the help of the Waipu Lions Club this trail is now signposted and cleared. Some of us call it the McKenzie Trail after Alan.  At present it goes from Waipu Cove back onto Cove Road (opposite Waterman Drive).  The final section to Ding Bay is presently being worked on.

Minimal disturbance of the landscape is an important feature making it suitable only for reasonably fit people.  Walkers therefore  take the trail at their own risk.  Sound walking shoes, a stick and water bottle are advised, if the weather is hot.  Early morning, evening or wild weather enhance the experience.  Rain will mean some sections of slippery and others boggy.  THE EFFORT IS WORTH IT!

Features of the Walk

• 

  Pancake Rocks, Waipu Coastal Trail

  Sedimentary Limestone rocks: these a feature of Waipu (they are also in the Waipu Caves area and in walls in the area) are seen  at their best here on the Coast and are unique to the North Island coastline.  They are identical to those of Punakaiki in the South Island.

• Pohutukawa: New Zealand’s ‘Christmas trees’ line the coast and blossoms of varying reds appear in Mid December.
• Coastal Bush: The regenerating native coastal bush at the southern end of the walk also has totara, nikau, cabbage, kohkoh trees, teatree (manuka) tree fern (mamaku), silver fern (ponga) and others with abundant flax, an occasional toetoe and sadly only four very young kauri.

Finding your Way

The northern end of the way begins at Waipu Cove beach – cross the small tidal stream opposite the last concrete BBQ bench on the lawn of  Waipu Cove.  If the tide is in, wet feet may be the start of your journey here.  At the end of the trail you can choose to return the same route or walk the 1.5km along Cove Road.

The trail can be entered at either end where notices, stiles, orange markers and posts indicate the path.  The trail, used by the early immigrants to Waipu, passes along the Esplanade Reserve in front of recent developments.  A portion crosses private ‘riparian rights’ grazed land, with the owner’s generous consent to access.

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