About the path
A fantastic hike exploring Tāwharanui Regional Park. Set on a remote peninsula, the 588ha regional park is renowned for some of the Auckland region's most beautiful white sand beaches.
The Ecology Trail highlights Tāwharanui’s precious natural heritage. You'll see different habitats including the seashore, coastal wilderness, pasture and native bush, streams and regenerating wetlands. Bring your camera to capture the spectacular elevated coastal views of the peninsula.
Start at Sanctuary Hut in the Anchor Bay car park. Follow the yellow track markers along the road and beach, over the rocks, up along the cliff and through the native bush.
The beach walk section of the trail can only be done at low tide. As a high tide alternative, follow the signs for the 'Ecology Trail Alternative'. You’ll walk along the gravel North Coast Track and re-join the Ecology Trail before it enters the bush.
Tāwharanui is a working sheep and cattle farm. Lambs are a popular sight during spring. When wandering through the paddocks, please leave gates as you find them.
We recommend sturdy shoes for the walk to help you navigate the rocks and a few areas with stray tree roots.
After your walk, swim or snorkel in the clear waters of picturesque Anchor Bay. Anchor Bay is very popular - to get away from the crowds, check out one of the smaller white sandy beaches on the northern coastline.
No dogs are allowed at Tāwharanui Regional Park. The park is an open sanctuary and marine reserve, so fishing is prohibited.
