New Zealand Walk: Oakura Seaside Beach Walk
Oakura, a thriving beach side community summer resort and coastal town is situated 14kms drive west of New Plymouth on coastal State Highway 45. Protected by the Kaitake Ranges of Mt Taranaki it is home to a magnificent surf beach, cafes, a great pub, gift shop, and has a flourishing art’s community as well as other shops.
Tucked away along part of the beach front is a most delightful walking track. It starts off at the end of the Oakura Beach Holiday Park Camp Ground and takes you on a pleasant stroll through both bush and open area to where it
ends at the Weld Road parking area.
This walk is a great place for everyone but not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Although the path is flat and easy going it does have uneven grass surfaces. There are different types of vegetation and foliage along the way, patches of wild daisies, beach grasses, flaxes and the usual sea side foliage that makes for a colourful stroll.
There is a delightful waterfall to view as you cross one of the several bridges. Open spaces and bush areas along the track with ever changing views of the beach give the area a variety of charm, there is access to the beach at all times.
Following the track once you have passed through the holiday park it will eventually lead out onto a gravel road, veering right follow this road past a large grassy parking area. From this road there are different and great views of the surrounding area. There is a small toilet on the left of the grass parking area if needed.
Keep walking until you reach the end of the road (not that far) where you will see a narrow bridge looking rather like a swing bridge with a sign beside the entrance stating a sacred reserve. Cross the little rustic bridge and you will see a large information board giving the Maori history of this sacred area. If you have the time the information is of interest to read.
To the right of the board there is a continuation of a narrow uphill track that will take you to the next reserve over the hill. It is a short steep climb
but worth the effort if you are able to do it. At the top you can have a view of the coastline.
Follow the track down the hill and it takes you to the end part of Weld Road where there are a few seats and a rather old picnic area. This is where the walk ends. This is a popular surfing area.
You could try walking back along the beach but depending on where the tide is situated you will have streams to cross, some of which could be swift flowing and sometimes deep.
You need to return via the track to get back to the Holiday Park if you decide not to tackle the beach option. There are seats along the way where you can enjoy the view of the beach and ocean. In the distance along the coast toward New Plymouth you will see the well known sugar loaf Paritutu, and the smaller two.
This beach walk has no title and to get to the Holiday Park to start the walk turn off the SH 45 just past the shopping area on the main road and right into Wairau Road. Follow Wairau Road to the end and turn left into Jans
Terrace, continue past the dairy on the left and you will see the holiday park sign on the right hand side of the street.
There is a parking area on the road on the right behind the signboard and also on the road. This is the access to the holiday park and down there to the walking track. From the parking area you need to walk as there is no access for vehicles unless you are staying at the camping ground.
Sensible shoes for doing the walk. It is easy grade all the way except for the short climb up the hill behind the Maori history signboard.
In the summer months parking could be a problem as the beach and walking track are very popular. The walk would be about an hour return.
If you are in the area the walk is worth doing, it is dog friendly. The area can be subject to strong westerly winds and exposure in rough weather.