10 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with the chance of a light shower, mainly at night. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
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1 / 3Tāwharanui Regional Park
Tāwharanui Scenic Loop Walk
This diverse loop walk links four of Tāwharanui Regional Park’s best tracks, showcasing coastal views, regenerating wetlands, and rich native wildlife. Start on the Ecology Trail, a self-guided walk from Anchor Bay following yellow markers through seashore, bush, wetlands, and pasture, highlighting the park’s unique biodiversity. Continue onto the North/South Coast Tracks, following white markers to Tokatū Point, where stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands await. Look for the rare prostrate mānuka along the Tokatū Loop Track. From there, join the Mangatawhiri Track, a short detour through regenerating wetland, offering a chance to spot native wildlife. Finally, take the West End Track, following blue markers up the hills towards the pest-proof fence, with breathtaking coastal panoramas before looping back to the start. This scenic and rewarding loop is a must for keen walkers exploring Tāwharanui’s stunning landscapes and conservation success.
Distance
14.3 km
Walking time
6 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 10:55 am
11 October 2026
Occasional rain, clearing for a time in the morning and afternoon. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Tāwharanui Scenic Loop Walk on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Tāwharanui Scenic Loop Walk
This diverse loop walk links four of Tāwharanui Regional Park’s best tracks, showcasing coastal views, regenerating wetlands, and rich native wildlife. Start on the Ecology Trail, a self-guided walk from Anchor Bay following yellow markers through seashore, bush, wetlands, and pasture, highlighting the park’s unique biodiversity. Continue onto the North/South Coast Tracks, following white markers to Tokatū Point, where stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands await. Look for the rare prostrate mānuka along the Tokatū Loop Track. From there, join the Mangatawhiri Track, a short detour through regenerating wetland, offering a chance to spot native wildlife. Finally, take the West End Track, following blue markers up the hills towards the pest-proof fence, with breathtaking coastal panoramas before looping back to the start. This scenic and rewarding loop is a must for keen walkers exploring Tāwharanui’s stunning landscapes and conservation success.
Essential information for Tāwharanui Scenic Loop Walk
Animals: Dogs are prohibited . Smokefree regional parks: Our regional parks are smoke-free. Waste: All our regional parks are rubbish free. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave. Outdoor fires: It is illegal to light a fire outside in all public areas in the Auckland region. For more information about the park and track, head to the Auckland Council website .
Kauri protection guide
When visiting areas with healthy kauri trees, please make sure you follow these steps: Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Huts and campsites
Camp at the Tāwharanui Campground to extend your stay.
Getting there for Tāwharanui Scenic Loop Walk
Head for the township of Matakana and from here follow Leigh Rd for 1.5km and turn right onto Takatu Rd. This leads all the way to the Tāwharanui Marine Reserve where you will find a Taktatu Road carpark, toilet and start of the track. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Tāwharanui Scenic Loop Walk
Dogs Prohibited.
Before you walk Tāwharanui Scenic Loop Walk
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.