Last updated July 2026
Waitawa Regional Park lies on Auckland’s south-eastern coast near Kawakawa Bay, about 50 kilometres from the city centre. The 545-hectare park occupies three small peninsulas fronting four bays on the Tāmaki Strait and was developed specifically for active recreation. Visitors enjoy mountain biking, walking loops, disc golf, horse riding, fishing, swimming and sea kayaking. A water-only sea kayak campground forms part of the Te Ara Moana trail, while road access leads to beaches, a wharf and facilities at Mātaitai Bay and Waitawa Bay.
Practical Information
| Location | 1168 Clevedon-Kawakawa Road, Kawakawa Bay, approximately 50 km from central Auckland |
| Access | Via Clevedon-Kawakawa Road; unsealed sections inside the park |
| Entry | Free |
| Camping | Sea kayak campground at Waitawa Bay (water access only, part of Te Ara Moana trail); CSC parking areas for self-contained vehicles (book via Auckland Council) |
| Facilities | Flush toilets at Mātaitai Bay, compost toilets near mountain bike and disc golf areas, gas BBQs, wharf, bookable bach |
| Swimming | Mātaitai Bay and Waitawa Bay beaches |
| Dogs | Allowed on-lead in designated areas only; prohibited at bookable accommodation sites |
| Opening hours | Gates open 6am–9pm daylight saving, 6am–7pm otherwise |
About Waitawa Regional Park
Waitawa Regional Park was planned as one of Auckland’s first recreational parks focused on active outdoor pursuits rather than passive picnicking. Its coastal setting on three peninsulas creates varied terrain of open farmland, regenerating bush and sheltered bays that support multiple activities in one location.
The park fronts the Tāmaki Strait with views across to islands including Karamuramu, Pakihi, Ponui and Waiheke. Former pine plantation areas have been converted to trails, while archaeological sites such as Pāwhetau Pā add cultural context. Information panels throughout the park explain its history, including its development from an explosives manufacturing and testing site.
Road visitors reach the main activity areas via the unsealed internal roads, while the sea kayak campground remains deliberately low-impact and accessible only by water. The park forms a key stop on the five-day Te Ara Moana sea kayaking trail along Auckland’s south-eastern coastline.
Walking Trails
Four main loop tracks start from the car parks and can be walked in either direction. The Kererū Loop covers 3 km in about one hour through regenerating bush, farmland ridges and valleys on easy contours. The Kōtare Loop offers a 6 km option taking around 90 minutes with bush and coastal sections. Longer options such as the Pūweto Loop reach approximately 9 km and provide ridge-top views. All loops connect via a central junction reached by a 30-minute gravel climb from Mātaitai Bay car park. Tracks are shared with horse riders and mountain bikers in some sections.
Mountain Biking and Disc Golf
Four named loop tracks (Kōtare, Kererū, Pūweto and Piwakawaka) cater to a range of abilities, from beginner-friendly to more challenging terrain. The Pūweto Loop is the longest at roughly 10 km. The 9-hole Waitawa Disc Golf Course winds through varied park landscapes and is free to play; visitors must bring their own discs as none are available for hire.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is permitted on most tracks except designated mountain bike downhill sections. Riders should remain considerate of other users and check current signage for any temporary restrictions. Commercial treks are available from operators based near Clevedon.
Water Activities and Fishing
The wharf at Koherurahi Point (Waitawa Bay) is a popular spot for recreational fishing, with good access to snapper and other coastal species in the Tāmaki Strait. Mātaitai Bay and Waitawa Bay provide safe swimming beaches. Kayak launching is straightforward from the beaches, and the park’s position supports day paddles or overnight stays on the Te Ara Moana trail. No on-site kayak hire is available.
Camping and Accommodation
The only tent camping permitted is the water-access-only Waitawa Bay sea kayak campground, which includes a small shelter, water supply and toilets. It is reserved for Te Ara Moana trail users. Self-contained vehicle parking (CSC) is available in designated areas and must be booked through Auckland Council. A bookable bach provides group accommodation with beach access.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors praise the well-maintained mountain bike tracks and the variety of walking loops that deliver coastal and ridge views. Many note the park feels uncrowded and offers a good mix of activities for families or groups, though the unsealed access road requires care.
Reviewers highlight the fishing from the wharf, the quiet sea kayak campground and the overall sense of space despite proximity to Auckland. Disc golf and swimming beaches receive frequent positive mentions for being accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Waitawa Regional Park: official page with maps, activity details, accommodation bookings and current conditions.
Auckland Council – Te Ara Moana: details on the sea kayaking trail including the Waitawa campground stop.
Wikipedia – Waitawa Regional Park: overview drawing on council sources for geography and facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Waitawa Regional Park?
Drive via Clevedon-Kawakawa Road from Clevedon or Kawakawa Bay village. The final section into the park is unsealed. Allow about one hour from central Auckland.
Are the mountain bike tracks free?
Yes. All tracks are free to use. No bike hire is available on site.
Can I camp at Waitawa Regional Park?
Only the sea kayak campground at Waitawa Bay is available for tent camping and requires water access as part of the Te Ara Moana trail. CSC parking for self-contained vehicles can be booked through Auckland Council. No other drive-in camping is permitted.
Is the disc golf course free?
Yes. The 9-hole course is free; bring your own discs.
Can I fish from the wharf?
Yes. Recreational fishing is permitted from the wharf and beaches. The Tāmaki Strait location provides access to snapper and other species.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted on-lead in designated areas only. They are prohibited at all bookable accommodation sites.
Is horse riding available?
Yes. Horse riding is allowed on most tracks except mountain bike downhill sections. Check signage for current rules.
What walking options exist?
Four loop tracks range from the 3 km Kererū Loop (about 1 hour) to the longer Pūweto Loop (around 9 km). All start from the central junction reachable from the main car parks.
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