Location)Causeway Road and Wharf Road, Ostend
BBQ) No
Beach type) Sand and shell
Parking) Yes/street parking
Length) 500 M
Wheelchair Access) Yes
Category) Beach
Toilet) Yes
Overview
Putiki bay is the home of waiheke locals house boats and the little yellow submarine, it is a beautiful calm little bay that wraps around the causeway and wharf road.
The bay has been altered by humans, the inlet has become silted because of reduced tidal flow along with building and roading activity over many years.
This bay/ wetland is one of the oldest names on the island dating back to about 600 years ago it was given its Maori name Okahuiti.
There is a concrete path wrapped around Putiki bay leading you from causeway road all the way to wharf road which is where you will find a small playground, toilets, parking and a bus stop. Further down the grass edge a picnic table is located.
The bay have been divided by the causeway one side of the bay is clear open ocean. Where as the other side across the road you will find mangroves which is usually home to a lot of wildlife such as Pied stilts, white faced herons, pied shags and kingfishers as its a perfect place to search for food.
Many locals live on the bay in their house boats which is what they call home and have done so for many years, even though some look pretty rough and beaten up they add character to the bay.
You will also see while driving across the causeway a little yellow submarine this was installed a few years ago by a local, locals love it, its a cute photo opportunity. If its ever missing its usually sunk to the bottom but its always back again after a few days. In addition there is also a half boat sculpture this is another great photo opportunity or somewhere to take a rest and enjoy the view.
On the mangrove side of the bay many locals have a hobby and like to race their small RC sails boats as it is beautiful and calm.
Further around the bay is the Wharf road boat ramp and home to many anchored/ moored boats.
Beach Amenities
- Picnic table
- Playground
- Toilets
- Bus stops
Key Access Points
From Surfdale
Coming from Surfdale (Alison Road) keep going straight at the roundabout and you will come down a slight hill which is the start of causeway road, Putiki bay is the waters edge you see, there is parking located at the clubhouse (white ram sculpture) or on wharf road which is the road before the corner at the lower end.
From Ostend Road
Coming from the main Ostend road follow the road through the main Ostend township (Woolworths etc.) Putiki bay is the waters edge you see.
Bike access/ Walking Access
There is a bike and walking track located on causeway road on either side, this was recently installed.
Wheelchair Access
Putiki bay has a flat concrete path wrapping around the bay.
Well Known For
- Calm water
- Quiet picnics
- Tranquil
- Wildlife
- House Boats
- Waiheke Boating club
- Hardstand
- Playground
- Little Yellow submarine
Hire Beach Gear
If you need beach items on your stay at Waiheke, there is a local hire shop called Gear Grab, they have a range of beach items, like sea scooters, metal detectors, beach speakers, sea biscuits, beach tents and games starting at a price of $5 for the smaller toys.
Close To Putiki Bay
G.A.S Waiheke – A locally owned gas station located on a side street of Ostend, they have a few pumps for petrol and diesel and have a store full of food and drinks.
Wharf Road Boat Ramp – Located down the far end of Wharf Road, you have a nice little scenic drive with ocean views on the left side.
Whenu – A small Waiheke business located in Ostend opposite the house boats. They specialise in plants, succulents, seedlings, balms, raranga and art.
Ostend Domain and Clubhouse – Offer a wide range of activities and local league games. The domain has a Netball court and plenty of seating around the edges.
Waiheke Boating Club Inc – A active club on Waiheke, offering a range of sailing programs in Dinghy’s, Keelers and Multi-hulls plus a hardstand to repair boats.
Gallery
