Tapapakanga Coastal Walk

Tapapakanga Coastal Walk is a short hike located in Tapapakanga Regional Park. This trail travels along the coast of the Fifth of Thames while also exploring forest and active pasture. This loop is 3.2 miles long and gains 488 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from the Tapapakanga Regional Park parking area. There are bathrooms available here. Begin hiking towards the coast. After 0.1 miles, turn right and parallel the coast. 0.1 miles down the trail, turn right to start the loop counterclockwise. You will now be hiking away from the coast. After 0.3 miles, turn right and walk along a road for 0.2 miles. Here, you will head right into active pasture and head uphill. You will begin to have amazing views of the Fifth of Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula. 

Another 0.5 miles down the trail, you will reach a junction and stay left. There are many benches along this trail that provide breathtaking views. Another 0.2 miles of hiking will bring you to the highest point of this loop. Now, hike steeply downhill for 0.2 miles. 0.1 miles after this, you will come to Waikaha Stream Campground. 0.2 miles later, you will come to a junction and turn right.

Hike near the coast for 0.7 miles before following the trail towards the coast. After 0.1 miles, you will come to a stream crossing. You may have to take your shoes off here. After crossing, follow along the coast for 0.3 miles. There are many picnic tables here. Then turn left and head back to the parking area.

Tapapakanga Regional Park is open for hiking year-round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are not allowed on this hike. Tapapakanga Coastal Walk is an easy way to explore a beautiful area of New Zealand’s North Island.