Location) 75 Gordons Road, Waiheke Island, 1971
BBQ) No
Beach type) Shells and Sand
Parking) Yes
Length) 1500 Metres
Wheelchair Access) Limited
Category) Beach
Toilet) Yes (Located at Poukaraka Flats campground)
Overview
Whakanewha bay is located on the southside of Waiheke, it is a quiet bay but can be busy in peak summer times, it is also the nesting zone for our beautiful NZ Dotterel.
Whakanewha Bay is also known as Whakanewha regional park, it is owned and looked after by the Auckland Council, The regional park extends from the ridge line towards Rocky Bay / Whakanewha Bay, and includes the catchments of three streams which flow into the bay. The site became a regional park in 1994 and was officially opened in 2007.
Whakanewha means “to shade the eyes from the setting sun.” it is a crescent-shaped beach with a mature coastal forest full of taraire, kohekohe and old kanuka trees wrapped around it. It is a little drive out located off Gordons road, which is accessed via Obrien road, but it certainly is worth the trip out. This Bay is NO dogs allowed for the safety of our Wildlife.
At high tide the water is shallow, warm and ideal for children. Picnic spots on the foreshore are plentiful and its perfect for a day trip or camp longer at Poukaraka Flats campground which is further down the bay. This bay is the perfect spot for bird watching, photography, water sports, picnics and just relaxing. At low tide a sand/mud flat is exposed, so any pleasure boat anchoring should be wary of the depth.
The beach is divided into two sections, the south-west is a large wet land full of Saltmarsh plants known as oi oi which is where you’ll find many uncommon NZ Birds nesting or just calling this place home such as the bittern, banded rail, spotless crake and the New Zealand dotterel. This area is blocked off for the protection of the birds but there is a diversion lane called Dotties lane to get you to the other side of the bay without disrupting the nesting grounds.
The other side of the bay is the Whakanewha Regional Park Camping Ground called Poukaraka Flats campground which is where many locals and tourists come to camp.
History
Whakanewha has a long history of Tāmaki Māori occupation. Large shell middens are located here, as well as a pā site. During the 1850s, members of Ngāti Pāoa grew large quantities of fruit and vegetables to supply the city of Auckland on eastern Waiheke Island, including at Whakanewha.
Around the year 1855, Samuel Wood purchased part of Whakanewha. The Māori residents of the area had not been consulted and disputed the claim, burning down Wood’s house in retaliation. The Crown confirmed Wood’s title to his land in 1858, and Wood sold the land soon afterwards. Afterwards, the O’Brien family lived on the land, developing the area as a sheep farm.
In 1994, Whakanewha was purchased in order to be redeveloped into a regional park. The park was formally opened in February 2007.
Bird Life
- Native Birds – Kereru (wood Pigeon), tui, fantail, silver eye and grey warbler
- Other Species – Shining cuckoo, harriers, morepork , red crowned parakeet
- Wetland Birds – Banded rail and spotless crake
- Coastal Birds – White faced heron, paradise shelduck, grey duck, South Island pied oyster catchers, pied stilt, spur winger plover, eastern bar tailed godwit and Caspian tern. Also the oyster catcher, New Zealand Dotterel, blue reef heron, kingfishers, black pied and little shags and white fronted terns.
Beach Amenities
- Grass edge
- Grass field
- Picnic tables
- Toilets camp ground end
- Campground far end
Rules
Animals – Dogs, other animals and pets are prohibited at all times.
Fires – Fires prohibited at all times.
Rubbish – No bins or rubbish disposal facilities. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.
Key Access Points
From Gordons Road
Gordons Road is the only road access available to get to Whakanewha Bay. It is a long stretch of road that is entered via O’brien road opposite the Dirt Track, follow this stretch of road. Whakanewha Bay is located on the right.
Wheelchair Access
Whakanewha Bay has a large open field and plenty of picnic tables, it has a small wooden ramp leading to the beach.
Walkways
Walks include Nīkau Track (2.5 hours), Pā Loop Track (30 minutes), Park Walk (2.5 hours) and the Rua Loop Track (30 minutes).
Well Known For
- Quiet Bay
- Picnics
- Bird Wildlife – Nesting
- Birdwatching/Photography
- Camp Ground far side of the bay
- No Dogs Allowed
- No Fires Allowed
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, tents, air beds and games starting at a price of $5 for the smaller toys.
Close To Whakanewha Bay
Gear Grab – Hire speakers, fog machines, sea biscuits, sea scooters, tents, air beds, bubble machines, TVs, laptops, gaming and much more.
Poukaraka Flats Campground – A large, flat, sheltered, vehicle-accessible campground set back from beautiful Whakanewha Bay located in the Whakanewha Regional Park.
Woodside Bay – A quiet little bay located in the Whakanewha region, It is a little bit of a drive but can be perfect for a quiet picnic away from all the busy Waiheke life.
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