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Freelance writer in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

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Freelance writer + photographer | Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Kerikeri beaches: where are they?

7 March, 2016

When friends come and stay, they often ask, “Where are the beaches like in Kerikeri?” Or: “What are the beaches in Kerikeri like?”

Um, there aren’t any beaches in central Kerikeri: although the town has a waterfront location, and yes it’s a part of the Bay of Islands, the setting is a tidal inlet rather than beaches.

In other words, a number of rivers and streams join together in an interesting manner to create the inlet, but low-lying waterfront areas are more of the muddy mangrove variety than of the beach variety. (That said, it’s an awesome place for kayaking.)

Although Kerikeri is on the water, it's a wide river inlet rather than a beachy place.
Although Kerikeri is on the water, it’s a wide river inlet rather than a beachy place.

Although Kerikeri isn’t a seaside town as such, there are a number of beaches in the Kerikeri area.

Kerikeri beaches aren’t as big and buzzing as Paihia; rather, Kerikeri beaches are generally very quiet as they’re off the tourist track.

Here’s your guide to Kerikeri beaches:

Opito Bay

On the northern side of the Kerikeri Inlet, Opito Bay is a small seaside community made up of mostly baches (holiday homes).

Opito Bay is a typical kiwi seaside settlement, with traditional baches (holiday homes).
Opito Bay is a typical kiwi seaside settlement, with traditional baches (holiday homes).

Opito Bay has a good boat ramp and is a popular spot for people to launch their ‘tinnies’ (small aluminium motorboats) and go fishing.

Opito Bay, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands
Opito Bay, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands

There is good parking at Opito Bay and public toilets (but no shops).

Note that Opito Bay is exposed to the prevailing south-westerly wind, so the weather is often cool and the water choppy.

I love launching my kayak at Opito Bay – but only when the wind is in my favour!

Wharau Road Beach

If Opito Bay is too exposed to the weather, try Wharau Road beach on the southern side of the Kerikeri inlet. However, be warned that the drive there is not the easiest, with a gravel road en route.

Beware of the gravel road to Wharau Road beach
Beware of the gravel road to Wharau Road beach.

There is very little parking and turning space when you do arrive!

There isn't much parking space at Wharau Road Beach
There isn’t much parking or turning space at Wharau Road Beach.

The boat ramp is so steep and lumpy that it is not for the faint hearted! In fact, there is a council sign saying that vehicles aren’t allowed on the ramp. I didn’t see many people taking notice of that when I visited!

Boat ramp at Wharau Road beach Kerikeri
The council doesn’t want vehicles using this rough ‘n’ ready boat ramp!

There are no toilets or other facilities at Wharau Road beach. What you will find are some trees lining the edge of the beach – this would be a great spot to visit with a good book on a warm, lazy day. 🙂

Relaxing in the shade at Wharau Road beach
Relaxing in the shade at Wharau Road beach.

However, if you’re lucky and you visit out of season, you might just have the beach to yourself. It’s also a great spot for launching a kayak plus you can bring your dog here.

Wharau Road beach Kerikeri dogs
The dogs enjoying some beach time.

Although dogs are allowed on the beach, they’re not permitted on the land adjoining the beach – it’s kiwi (bird) territory.

Wharau Road beach - no dogs allowed on adjoining land
Dogs aren’t allowed on the land adjoining Wharau Road Beach.

Taronui Beach

Taronui Beach overlooks Takou Bay, so technically it’s not the Bay of Islands, but it’s so close to Kerikeri (18km away from the town centre) I’ve included it here.

This beach is only accessible only by walking track. There’s a car park for people walking the track, off Hewitt Road (which is off Purerua Road). And remember, don’t leave any valuables in your car.

Walk across farmland to reach Taronui Beach.
Walk across farmland to reach Taronui Beach.

The walk is 3.7km. The Department of Conservation (DOC), who maintain the track, reckons it takes 45 to 60 minutes each way. It is a fairly easy walk, but you will need sun protection and water on a hot day. There are no facilities at the beach or at the car park.

Yipee, a glimpse of the sea! You can see the rocks that create a lagoon effect at Taronui Beach.
Yipee, a glimpse of the sea! You can see the rocks that create a lagoon effect at Taronui Beach.

The beach is beautiful – you might want to bring a picnic to make the most of your visit. And a natural outcrop of rocks creates a lagoon at low tide: the water was warm like bathwater when we visited!

Taronui Beach: it's pretty stunning!
Taronui Beach: it’s pretty stunning!

Unfortunately, as this is a DOC walk, dogs aren’t allowed.

If you're lucky, you might have Taronui Beach all to yourselves, like we did when we visited.
If you’re lucky, you might have Taronui Beach all to yourselves, like we did when we visited.

Tapuaetahi Beach

This is apparently a gorgeous beach, next to Taronui Beach.

However, it’s a gated community on Maori land, and you need to be friends with a resident to get the gate code to access the area. I haven’t been able to check it out yet… Sorry!

Beaches further north

If you have your own transport, and some time for exploring, there are some absolutely amazing beaches further north, such as Marauri Bay and Taupo Bay.

Final tip: be sure to check the wind, swell and tide forecast

If you’re planning on spending time in, on or around the water, be safe and check the marine weather forecast so you don’t get caught out. You’ll find the marine forecast, plus tide and swell info, on the NZ MetService website.

Kerikeri beaches: where are they?

Related posts:

Although Kerikeri is on the water, it's a wide river inlet rather than a beachy place.Kayaking the Kerikeri Inlet Kayaking in PaihiaKayaking in Paihia, Bay of Islands Sailing at Kerikeri Cruising Club The Kerikeri Saturday market is one of my ‘Must Dos’ in Kerikeri – enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.Kerikeri Saturday market at the Old Packhouse

Filed Under: All, Explore, Kerikeri

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Cornelia Luethi at Baywatcher.nz creates words, pictures and websites for clients throughout New Zealand, and worldwide. Find out more →

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Related posts:

Although Kerikeri is on the water, it's a wide river inlet rather than a beachy place.Kayaking the Kerikeri Inlet Kayaking in PaihiaKayaking in Paihia, Bay of Islands Sailing at Kerikeri Cruising Club The Kerikeri Saturday market is one of my ‘Must Dos’ in Kerikeri – enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.Kerikeri Saturday market at the Old Packhouse

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