EXPLORE THE BAY BY FOOT
If you love exploring places on foot (or you just love walking), you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of cool short walks all over the Bay of Plenty. Whether you only want to do a short one-hour walk or something slightly longer, there are plenty of options for everyone.
MOTURIKI (LEISURE ISLAND)
This iconic landmark is connected to Mount Maunganui's Main Beach by a man-made land bridge. It was originally inhabited by early Māori settlers who built a terraced pā on the island. Since then, the Crown took ownership and established a quarry in 1911 to source stone for building railway lines around the Bay of Plenty, and the island later became home to Marineland, an aquarium featuring dolphins and other marine life, before being redeveloped into Leisure Island -a water park with swimming pools, bumper boats, and a hydro slide. Now it's a protected reserve and a great place to enjoy a walk with family or friends.
You won't find an island more accessible than Moturiki.
Duration: About 20 minutes return
Start: Mount Main Beach, accessed via the man-made land bridge opposite Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve
Hot Tip: Enjoy an ice-cream in downtown Mount Maunganui following your walk check out our favourite spots here.
PUKETOKI SCENIC RESERVE
Tucked just a short drive from Tauranga, Puketoki Scenic Reserve is a timeless pocket of native bush and one of the oldest reserves in the Western Bay of Plenty. Wander beneath towering trees, listen to birdsong, and take your pick of two easy loop tracks - a gentle 20-minute wander or a longer, leafy one-hour ramble that’s perfect for slowing the pace and soaking it all in.
Good to know before you go:
- Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash
- Car parking, picnic tables, and toilets are available at the entrance
- Ideal for a relaxed stroll, family outing, or a quiet nature reset
Together the loops stretch around 3.2 km of well-formed, clearly marked trail, weaving through shady canopy, past trickling streams and over wooden bridges that make every step feel like a tiny adventure.
ŌMANAWA FALLS
Te Rere o Ōmanawa (Ōmanawa Falls) is a special place in the rohe of local hapū Ngāti Hangarau, and now, after extensive safety works, the new public walkway is officially open. Walk through lush native bush, past carved pou and tomokanga, before reaching breathtaking lookouts over the powerful waterfall and the wider Ōmanawa Valley.
Duration: Around 45 minutes return (allow extra time for stops).
Start: 103 Ōmanawa Road (car park and information shelter onsite).
Hot Tip: The stairs between lookouts are steep - wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Interpretive panels along the way tell the story of this culturally and ecologically important site.
BOWENTOWN DOMAIN
Enjoy stunning views of the upper harbour, Kaimāī Ranges and the ocean coastline when you walk these tracks. It’s in our nature to celebrate our unique heritage and there are several pā sites dating back hundreds of years within this 128-hectare scenic reserve.
Duration: Anzac Bay to Shelly Bay (30-minutes one way); headland car park to Te Ho pā site (45-minutes return); Anzac Bay-headland loop via Shelly Beach (75-minutes return).
Start at the car park at the end of Bowentown peninsula.
Hot Tip: Anzac Bay and Shelly Bay are safe, sheltered swimming spots so take togs, towels and a picnic with you for an awesome day out.
ŌTANEWAINUKU FOREST
Located just south of Tauranga and Te Puke, Ōtanewainuku Forest offers three family-friendly walking tracks, a peaceful waterfall and a safe home for North Island brown kiwi and endangered kōkako (which are lovingly cared for and protected by volunteers from the Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust).
Duration: Varies, depending on which walk you do.
Start: 667 Mountain Road, Ōropi.
Hot tip: pack your swimming gear! If you walk through to Whataroa Falls, you might want a refreshing dip in the pool at the basin of the falls. Swim to your ability and be aware of your surroundings.
OROKAWA SCENIC RESERVE
This spectacular coastal track takes you over the headland and down to pōhutukawa-fringed Orokawa Bay. Enjoy panoramic ocean views, lush bush and birdsong along the way. Explore several historic pā sites and old gold mine tunnels.
Duration: Waihī Beach to Orokawa Bay (45-minutes) or push onto William Wright Falls (another 1.5-hours return) or Homunga Bay (2-hours return) Please note Homunga Bay Track is currently closed refer to the DOC website for up to date information.
Start: At the northern end of Waihī Beach (avoid high tide and strong swells).
Hot Tip: Wear sturdy walking or running shoes (not jandals) as it’s hilly in places. There’s no toilets or drinking water facilities, and Orokawa’s beach gets deep very quickly so don’t swim here. But trust us, the views are totally worth the trip.
MARINE PARADE COASTAL PATH
Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach is an absolute showstopper, and the recently upgraded boardwalk along Marine Parade makes it easier than ever to soak it all in. Stretching for 3km, the coastal path hugs the shoreline, offering uninterrupted views of golden sands, rolling waves, and the iconic sand dunes that give this beach its character.
As you stroll or cycle along the path, you’ll pass pockets of native vegetation, charming picnic spots, and plenty of benches to pause and take in the scenery. Keep an eye out for local seabirds swooping overhead, or catch surfers riding the waves just beyond the breakers. Whether you’re after a leisurely wander, a brisk morning run, or a sunset walk with friends, the Marine Parade coastal path is a perfect way to feel the rhythm of the ocean and the vibrant energy of Mount Maunganui.
HAIKU PATHWAY
The Haiku Pathway in Katikati is a short, easy walk that runs along both sides of the Uretara Stream. Along the way, you’ll find over 40 haiku poems, most of them engraved into large river boulders. It’s a flat, stroller-friendly path that’s also great for walking the dog,
Duration: 40 minutes return
Start: Haiku Park in Katikati, 62 Main Road (next to the Robert Harris cafe)
TUAHU KAURI
Tuahu Kauri walking tracks are currently closed due to the weather event of 21 January 2026.
Walk through regenerating native forest until you reach Tuahu - one of the largest kauri trees in our region. This old Māori route was used as a bridle track in the 1890s and adventurous walkers can explore other day walks and more challenging tracks in the Kaimāī Mamaku Conservation Park.
Duration: 20-minutes one way.
Start: Near the end of Hot Springs Road, 8-kilometres south of Katikati.
Hot Tip: Sapphire Springs Thermal Pools are just up the road so treat yourself to a relaxing soak afterwards.
TE REREKAWAU (KAIATE FALLS)
Kaiate Falls walking tracks are currently closed due to the weather event of 21 January 2026.
Take your kids on an adventure to see cascading waterfalls and explore this bush-filled ravine. Admire the upper series of falls before continuing downhill to the main lower waterfall. There are several loop tracks which intersect with one another.
Duration: Up to 60-minutes return.
Start: Off Kaiate Falls Road (follow the signposts from Welcome Bay Road).
Hot Tip: This track is well-formed but steep in some places. Take your camera as there are plenty of Instagram opportunities to be had.
PĀPĀMOA HILLS
Pāpāmoa Hills walking tracks are currently closed due to the weather event of 21 January 2026.
Retrace the footsteps of our early Māori settlers by climbing to the summit of the Pāpāmoa Hills. The 360° view is breath-taking and gives you a different perspective on our coastline than from the top of the Mount.
Duration: 60-minutes return.
Start: At the car park off Poplar Lane (off State Highway 2, 17-kilometres south of Tauranga).
Hot Tip: You’ll need to be reasonably fit as it’s steep in places. Take a hat and/or jacket with you as this track’s exposed to the sun and wind. Public toilets are available in the car park.