Matarangi Beach Loop

This combines a long, sandy beach walk with a walk through tall kanuka and pine trees and/or estuary, depending on the tide.

• track category: Easy
  
• track length: 11-km loop
• walking time: 2.5-hr return
• track start location: see map below
• km from town: 45km

Track Description: Start from the beach access carpark at the north end of Bluff Rd West or from 354 Kenwood Dr (toilet available), Matarangi; 50 min/45 km east of town (dogs okay but must be on leash near the estuary) – 2.5-hr/11-km loop.

This combines a long, sandy beach walk with a walk through tall kanuka and pine trees and/or estuary, depending on the tide. Walk the beach westbound past the many houses till you see access tracks from the beach to the bush track around the perimeter of the golf course.

At low to mid-tide you can continue on the beach around to the west end of the estuary till the presence of water forces you to move through the bush and onto the track, with distant views of Motutere/Castle Rock and The Sleeping Giant. Your dog needs to be leashed as you get near the estuary due to ground-nesting dotterals.

You’ll eventually get to the boat ramp and reserve (toilet available), then walk back along the gravel road until you turn right on Harbour Dr, right on Matarangi Dr and through the village centre to return to your car via Matarangi Dr or Waimaire Av. There are also various footpaths between the houses that you can use instead of walking along the roads.

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