Last updated May 2026
Waitawa Regional Park sits on the coast of Tāmaki Strait east of Auckland, near Kawakawa Bay — a 545-hectare park built around outdoor activity rather than passive recreation. It offers mountain biking, disc golf, horse riding, kayaking, fishing, and a sea kayak campground only reachable by water, all within about 50 kilometres of the city.
Practical Information
| Location | Near Kawakawa Bay and Clevedon, approximately 50 km from central Auckland |
| Access | Via Kawakawa Bay Road — unsealed road into the park |
| Entry | Free |
| Camping | Sea kayak campground (accessible by water only, part of Te Ara Moana kayak trail). CSC parking area for self-contained vehicles — book through Auckland Council |
| Facilities | Flush toilets at Mataitai Bay, compost toilets at MTB and disc golf areas, gas BBQs, wharf, bookable bach |
| Swimming | Mataitai Bay and Waitawa Bay — safe swimming beaches |
| Dogs | On-leash in designated areas |
About Waitawa Regional Park
Waitawa is one of Auckland’s more active regional parks — less suited to quiet picnics, more suited to people who want to do things. The park occupies three small peninsulas fronting onto four bays on the Tāmaki Strait, giving it an unusual variety of coastal edges. The landscape is mostly open farmland and regenerating bush, with the bays providing access to the sea for fishing, kayaking and swimming.
The park is part of the Te Ara Moana sea kayaking trail — a five-day paddle route linking regional parks along the Hauraki Gulf coast. The kayak campground at Waitawa is accessible only by water, keeping it deliberately quiet and undeveloped. For those arriving by road, the main attractions are the mountain bike trails, disc golf course and the wharf at Waitawa Bay.
Mountain Biking and Disc Golf
Waitawa has become one of Auckland’s better regional park mountain biking destinations. Four loop tracks — Kotare, Kereru, Puweto and Piwakawaka — range from accessible to challenging, with the Pūweto Loop being the longest and most rewarding at about 10 kilometres. The Waitawa Disc Golf Course is a 9-hole course spread through the park’s varied terrain — a free activity that suits all ages and skill levels.
Fishing and Water Activities
The Waitawa Wharf is a popular fishing spot, and the park’s position on the Tāmaki Strait means good access to snapper and other coastal species. The beaches at Mataitai Bay and Waitawa Bay are safe for swimming. Kayak launching from the beaches is straightforward, and the park’s coastal geography makes it good for exploring by water. There is no kayak hire on site.
What Visitors Say
“Great for mountain biking — the tracks are well-maintained and the views from the ridge are excellent. Disc golf is fun too. A bit of a drive from Auckland but worth it for an active day out.” — TripAdvisor reviewer
“Beautiful park with a great wharf for fishing. We saw a kingfisher perched on the wharf post the whole time we were there. Quiet and uncrowded — feels quite remote despite being not far from Auckland.” — Google reviewer
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Waitawa Regional Park — official page with track maps, activity details, camping information and bach booking.
Wikipedia — Waitawa Regional Park — overview of the park’s geography and recreational facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Waitawa Regional Park?
Via Kawakawa Bay Road from Clevedon or Kawakawa Bay village — about 50 kilometres from central Auckland. The road into the park is unsealed. Allow around an hour from the city.
Is mountain biking free at Waitawa?
Yes. The mountain bike tracks are free to use. Bring your own bike — there is no hire available at the park.
Can I camp at Waitawa Regional Park?
The campground is only accessible by sea kayak as part of the Te Ara Moana trail. There is no drive-in tent camping. A CSC parking area for self-contained vehicles is available — book through Auckland Council. A bookable bach is also available for groups.
Is the disc golf course free?
Yes. The 9-hole disc golf course is free. Bring your own discs — none are available to hire on site.
Can I fish from the Waitawa Wharf?
Yes. Recreational fishing from the wharf and beaches is permitted. The park is on the Tāmaki Strait with good access to snapper grounds.
Are dogs allowed at Waitawa Regional Park?
Dogs are permitted on-lead in designated areas. Check signage at the park entrance for current rules.
More Auckland Parks and Reserves
Waitawa sits on the eastern coastal fringe of Auckland — a different character to the northern regional parks. For the full network of parks across the region, browse Auckland parks and reserves.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.