Waipu Coastal Walkway

Whilst the kilometres of white sandy beach may be perfect for dawdling strolls, walkers with a desire for a little more adventure can make their way to the far end of Waipu Cove. Whip off the shoes and paddle across the stream to the beginning of the Waipu Coastal Walkway, a 2km-plus trail that traverses rocky coastline, farmland and native bush. The walkway was the idea of late local Alan McKenzie, and completed (and maintained) by the Waipu Lions Club. While it's hard to escape views of Whangarei Heads and the Hen and Chicks in Bream Bay, this walk offers a slightly different perspective, and the opportunity to admire Waipu's very own limestone Pancake Rocks. It's not a trail suited for the very young or unsteady; not only does the trail follow the steep coastline, but there are ladders and ropes along the way, and many a tree to duck beneath.

The most recent addition to the trail is the 900m connection to Ding Bay (check that it's low tide before completing). The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours and requires decent fitness and good shoes (preferably not white – there are streams to splash across and the occasionally muddy patch if it has been wet). Begin at the Waipu Cove stream or at the signposted entrance/exit onto Waterman Road, at the top of the hill before

Langs Beach.