Waikawa: Bay, Marae and Marina

Waikawa brings together Waikawa Bay, an important cultural history and a strong maritime presence. The bay is the next bay north of Picton. Waikawa is five minutes from Picton and the Cook Strait ferry terminals. When looking for a hotel, it helps to distinguish the different sides of the area: its setting by the bay, the cultural connection of Waikawa Marae, and life around the marina and boating.

Waikawa Bay and the Foreshore Reserve

Waikawa Bay Foreshore Reserve is on the eastern side of Waikawa Bay, between Port Underwood Road, also known as Waikawa Road, and the sea. This clearly locates it within the bay. The reserve is of great significance to Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-ā-Māui; its cultural connection is as much a part of the area as its maritime use.

You can reach Waikawa Bay on foot via the 3.5-kilometre Picton–Waikawa Track, which is rated easy, or via Waikawa Road. The length and rating give you a practical guide for planning your route. Waikawa’s proximity to Picton and the Cook Strait ferry terminals may also help you get your bearings: both are said to be five minutes away.

Cultural connections and stays at the marae

Waikawa Marae is in Waikawa Bay. In 1850, the Te Ātiawa Māori who lived there moved to the bay. Together with the significance of the Foreshore Reserve to Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-ā-Māui, this history gives the area a cultural context distinct from the offerings centred on boats and the marina.

Waikawa Marae offers Noho Marae stays, where guests are welcomed as manuhiri. Stays are by booking; if you are considering this type of accommodation, confirm availability and arrangements directly with the marae. Food is also part of the experience: the caterers at Waikawa Marae prepare meals for manuhiri using old whānau recipes passed down through generations. Catering must be arranged in advance.

Marina and boating

Waikawa Marina has 600 berths for boats measuring 8 to 20 metres in length. There is a visitor berth in front of Waikawa Boating Club. If you plan to use it, ask the marina about the operational details in advance. Members of Waikawa Boating Club hold regattas and races, making the club a distinct part of Waikawa’s maritime activities.

Waikawa North West was completed in 2023 and is a starting point for trips through the waterways of Tōtaranui. Waikawa Marine Centre offers another, more technical aspect of the boating industry: its facilities include a 7,000-square-metre full-service hardstand and a Marine Travelift with a lifting capacity of 35 tonnes. Together with the berths, club races and trips through Tōtaranui, these give a concrete picture of Waikawa’s different maritime connections, without equating them with the area’s cultural history.

Details of Noho Marae stays, catering and the visitor berth are each subject to specific conditions; confirm the relevant arrangements directly if you want to include them in your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ward, Lower Dashwood, North Bank, Hawkesbury, Waihopai Valley, Maraetai Bay, Rapaura, Wairau Valley.

For the regional travel overview: Marlborough.