Waitawa Regional Park is one of Auckland’s least-visited regional parks — and that’s part of what makes it worth the drive. Located about 50 kilometres south-east of the city on three coastal peninsulas, Waitawa fronts onto four sheltered bays and offers walking loops from 4 to 12 kilometres, sea kayaking connections on the Te Ara Moana trail, an impressive Māori pā site, disc golf, and mountain biking. It’s a recreation park designed for active use — with the added reward of genuine coastal scenery and far fewer visitors than parks closer to the city.
Practical Information
| Location | South-eastern Auckland coast, near Kawakawa Bay |
|---|---|
| Drive from Auckland CBD | Approximately 50km — around 55 minutes |
| Entry | Free |
| Walking loops | 4km, 6km, 8km and 12km options |
| Facilities | Toilets, BBQs (three free at the beach), outdoor shower, car park |
| Activities | Walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, disc golf, horse riding, fishing, swimming |
| Camping | Yes — sea kayak trail campground (primarily for Te Ara Moana kayakers) |
| Dogs | Not permitted (regional park rules) |
| Managed by | Auckland Council |
About the Park
Waitawa Regional Park occupies three interconnected peninsulas on the south-eastern coast of the Auckland region, between Kawakawa Bay and the Firth of Thames. The park fronts onto four sheltered bays, with coastal headlands between them rising to ridge-top viewpoints. Regenerating coastal bush and wetlands fill the lower valleys, while open parkland covers the ridgelines.
The park was developed with active recreation in mind from the outset — the track network, disc golf course, mountain biking routes and kayak facilities are all deliberately integrated. It’s popular with east Auckland residents who use it regularly, but relatively unknown to visitors from the wider city.
Walking Tracks
Four loop tracks are available — 4km, 6km, 8km and 12km — all well-signposted and designed to be combined as needed. The Kotare Loop (the longest at around 12km) is the signature walk, covering open parkland, regenerating coastal bush, wetland areas, and clifftop headlands with views across the Firth of Thames and surrounding islands.
The walk to Pawhetau Pā is a highlight of the longer tracks. This significant Māori fortification site sits on a promontory with extensive views across the bays and to the islands beyond — including Ponui and Waiheke on clear days. The scale of the pā site is impressive and the viewpoint is one of the best in the park.
Sea Kayaking and Te Ara Moana
Waitawa is one of five stops on Te Ara Moana — the Sea-Going Pathway — a five-day sea kayaking trail that connects regional parks along the south-eastern coast of Auckland. The park has a dedicated sea kayak trail campground and an easy kayak launching area. Most campers at Waitawa are paddlers undertaking the Te Ara Moana trail rather than day visitors. If you’re a sea kayaker, Waitawa is a key staging point.
Other Activities
Beyond walking and kayaking, Waitawa has a disc golf course, mountain biking tracks, horse riding (on designated tracks), fishing, and swimming at the sheltered beaches. Three free BBQs are provided at the beach area, along with an outdoor shower and good toilet facilities — the kind of infrastructure that makes a day trip comfortable and well-supported.
What Visitors Say
“We did the longest loop and it was a real highlight — the views from the headlands over the bays and islands are spectacular. The pā site near the end of the walk is impressive and completely unmarked on most tourist maps. Well worth the drive.”
“Kayaked through on Te Ara Moana. The campground at Waitawa is basic but in a great spot above the bay. The park is much bigger than it looks on a map — well-signposted, good variety of terrain. One of the best stops on the trail.”
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Waitawa Regional Park — official park page with track maps, facilities and camping information.
Wikipedia — Waitawa Regional Park — background on the park and Te Ara Moana kayaking trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Waitawa Regional Park from Auckland?
About 50km south-east of Auckland CBD, taking approximately 55 minutes to drive via the Southern Motorway and Kawakawa Bay Road.
Is entry free?
Yes — day use is free. The campground at Waitawa is primarily for Te Ara Moana kayakers and requires booking through Auckland Council.
What is Te Ara Moana?
A five-day sea kayaking trail connecting five Auckland regional parks along the south-eastern coast. Waitawa is one of the stops, with a dedicated kayak campground and launching area.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted in Auckland regional parks.
What is the Pawhetau Pā?
A significant Māori fortified settlement site on a headland within the park, accessible via the longer walking loops. It offers extensive views across the bays and Gulf islands.
Can I mountain bike at Waitawa?
Yes — mountain biking is available on designated tracks within the park. Check Auckland Council’s current track status before visiting.
For more parks and coastal reserves south-east of Auckland, see our guide to parks in Auckland. Nearby, Duder Regional Park is a similar coastal farm park with Hauraki Gulf views, also near Kawakawa Bay.