Pakiri: Beach, dunes and Te Araroa

Pakiri is on the east coast of the Auckland region and is defined by a long, open coastal beach. Pākiri Beach is 24 kilometres long and stretches from Cape Rodney in the south to Bream Tail in the north. Along with the beach, key landmarks include Pākiri Regional Park and the Mangawhai–Pākiri section of Te Araroa. Park access and tidal conditions on the walking route are separate practical considerations for your planning.

Beach and coastal landscape

Pakiri Beach is considered the only undeveloped surf beach exposed to the open sea on the mainland’s east coast. Extensive sand dunes and dune lakes line the beach, which is of regional significance. The coast is therefore shaped both by its open-ocean frontage and its dune landscape.

Activities at Pākiri Beach include surfing, swimming, boat fishing and surfcasting; land-based activities include horse riding, walking and hiking. The two types of fishing differ by location: from a boat or in the surf. The beach description thus encompasses both water-based activities and movement on land.

Pākiri Regional Park and access

In Pākiri Regional Park, a coastal pōhutukawa forest slopes down the hillside and borders Pākiri Beach. The park offers uninterrupted views of Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island. For your journey, it is important to note that there is no public vehicle access to the park. Limited access on foot is available from M Greenwood Road. Check local conditions before setting out.

Te Araroa: route, tides and nesting sites

The Mangawhai–Pākiri section of Te Araroa is 29.5 kilometres long. The stated walking time is seven to eight hours each way; the section is rated easy. These details answer different planning questions: the rating describes the difficulty, while the walking time indicates how long each way takes. Current track conditions can change and should be checked before your hike.

At the southern end of the section is the beach access at Pākiri Beach. There is a specific time window for crossing the Pākiri River at its mouth: on this route, the crossing should be made within 90 minutes before or after low tide so that it is safe and possible. Also check local conditions at the river mouth before setting out. Two of the only four known nesting sites of tara-iti, the New Zealand fairy tern, are on the coast along this section. The headland at the Pākiri River is fenced off to protect the nesting sites; observe the fencing and signage there.

Cultural heritage in Pakiri

Te Kiri's Pā in Pākiri Regional Park is listed as a Category B historic heritage site. Thus, alongside the coastal landscape and walking routes, a named historic site is also part of the area’s character.

Where to stay in Pakiri

Pakiri Beach Holiday Park offers beachfront accommodation with uninterrupted ocean views, as well as family and single cabins. There are also sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Cabins and sites are different accommodation options within this holiday park.

Discover more destinations: Sandspit, Matakana, Kawau Island, Ellerslie, Bethells Beach, Silverdale, Puhoi, Algies Bay

For the overview of the wider area: Auckland.