The first part of this walk takes you up Whitianga Rock, home to an interesting pa site. This area is covered in bush and has a lovely sheltered picnic spot.

Further on takes you around Back Bay and up and over the Maramatotara Track.

Directions: Take the ferry across the river and have a good look at the signboard at Ferry Landing. Keep along the water's edge on your right and follow the path up to Whitianga Rock and the Maori Pa site.

As you come back down you can take one of two tracks; either walk through the ditch and down into Back Bay and continue up the track, where you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Whitianga, the Estuary and Back Bay.

Or

You can walk through the ditch and down into Back Bay and follow the Maramatotara track up through a stand of Karaka trees, continue on this tack and follow it down till you meet up with Purangi Road facing Front Beach. Turn left to return to the ferry. Turn right for a longer walk to Shakespeare Cliff Lookout and Cooks Beach.

Time: 1 hour return Ferry Landing – Maramatotara Bay
2 hours return Ferry Landing – Shakespeare Bay via Maramatotara bay