Jo's Monday Walks, Local Walks, Walks

Local Walk – Waihi Beach to Houmanga Bay, N.Z.

Suzanne

One of my favourite walks I completed solo a few times, is the track from Waihi Beach to Houmunga Bay. Leaving the northern end of Waihi Beach, the trail rises steeply initially, then continues as an undulating path over a headland.

Access is tricky at high tide because the water laps the rocks at this end of the beach, so you could be walking through knee-deep water before reaching the start of the track. Rewarded with spectacular views, with bushes on one side, rocky coves, and crashing waves on the other. The beautiful Tuis flitted around in the trees, and, with a bit of luck, I saw several fantails.

In about an hour, I reached Orokawa Bay – a perfect picnic spot. I wasn’t into selfies back then, and the one I did take was horrendous; my face was not dissimilar to a blown-up red balloon. You must use your imagination to show how that selfie turned out.

The pohutukawas lining this beach are stunning when in flower during spring and early summer. You could stay on the grassy trail under the trees or walk along the coast to the northern end. Or you could take the beach option if wanting to be near the sea. I opted for shade.

I stopped for a break by a little stream, about halfway along, where spreading branches of a giant pohutukawa made perfect seating. At the end of Orokawa Bay, the trail passes grassy flats before climbing steeply to continue for another hour to Houmunga.

On the section, I crossed several gullies where little wooden steps had been built to make the route less slippery.

A little over half is the ‘magic moment’- a bend with magnificent coastline views, deep blue water, contrasting with a yellow clay bank, and a little bridge crossing a side stream. It is probably the most photographed spot on this walk.

At ‘The Bend’ bridge, clambering up the clay bank, I followed the trail around rocky cliffs, through gullies and grasslands to reach Houmunga Bay, another gorgeous beach lined with pohutukawas.

It took me over two and a quarter hours to reach this perfect lunch spot. After a break, I returned the same way but with entirely different views. This is a beautiful walk, especially when the pohutukawas are in flower; for those who don’t want to walk that far, a stop at Orokawa is equally worthwhile.

Spare a moment and head over to read about where Jo (Still Restless Jo) and others have walked in various places around the world.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

28 thoughts on “Local Walk – Waihi Beach to Houmanga Bay, N.Z.”

    1. It is a stunner, Cathy, and hopefully to be repeated sometime soon. Though may wait until the days are warmer and hopefully with less rain. Actually, many of the tracks around the country have been affected by so many storms.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. Such a lovely surprise to find this in my Comments, Suzanne! You know it’s the kind of walk I would love. I can almost feel those gentle breezes and smell the salt air. Thank you so much for taking me along.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, Jo, and yes, you would love hiking in this area. I remember standing on rocks looking out to sea not far from your town. The ocean is such a relaxing and revitalizing place to be.

      Like

      Reply

  7. New Zealand is not short of beautiful beaches and vistas. This looks like a lovely walk, if you like hills, I wish someone would build steps and boardwalks along our trails. It’s the loose scree that puts me off.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I wish they would build hand rails on the many steeper steps and trails. Loose scree is lethal as I remember the few times I’ve landed on my backside. Making the great outdoors accessible for all physical abilities would be the ultimate goal for those in power I would’ve thought.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Add to the conversation