So this is a pretty special spot “off the beaten track” and well, in truth a Spot X type of place. So shhh!🤫 I love this quote “blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures”. I’m all up for getting away from the crowds, and honestly sometimes that’s only a mere 5- 10 minute walk away to find your own little piece of paradise🏝. This walk is slightly longer at around ~45 minutes each way but so completely worth it! But only for the adventurous!😉⛱

I’ve been walking this track with my kids since they were 2 and 4 years old. The two year old is in the backpack (good old dad carrying surfboard and child!) When my youngest was around 3 he started to walk one way on his own, requiring carrying on the way home. From ~4 years old both my kids were able to walk there an back on their own-with a bit of bribery which has since become tradition #waihibeachhotel #gelato 🍦 yummy! There is a lovely stream that comes out of the bush further along the beach so that is usually where we take the kids and they happily splash about and build dams for hours. Kick back and enjoy a picnic under the overhanging pohutakawa trees.

Important note: This walk is tide dependent! You need to suss out the tides so you can A) access the track from Waihi beach to start and B) get home! Also there are NO lifeguards at Orakawa Bay. My partner surfs🏄‍♂️ at Orakawa and is pictured above teaching our son on a relatively calm day. The DOC website considers this beach unsafe to swim at due to the steep grade of the sea floor. Please be aware of this and know your limits. There is nothing out these ways except you and nature so please be prepared i.e. water, sunscreen, hats, snack or lunch, nappies, 1st aid kit, spare clothes or togs, towel etc.

NB: There is a long drop toilet about 5 minutes before you get to Orakawa beach, BYO toilet paper just in case.

+For more detailed information on this track click here

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