A great area for bird watching enthusiasts as at the southern end of the beach the Wharekawa harbour Wildlife Refuge protects a breeding area for New Zealand dotterel and the variable oyster catcher.


Directions: From Whangamata drive north on SH25 for 11kms until you reach the turnoff to Opotuere. The carpark to access the walk is approximately 4kms from the turnoff. The track starts by crossing a wooden footbridge and following a track through well-established pine trees. On reaching the beach turn right and walk along the shore. After approximately 500m, a boarded walkway crosses the sandspit. If it is low tide walkers can follow the estuary most of the way back to the carpark.

Time: 45mins return