Whale Bay Carpark (top of the hill on Matapouri Rd after Matapouri Bay) to Whale Bay beach.
Walking Time: 30 minutes round trip (also allow time to enjoy the beach, have a picnic or a swim)
Access: Well maintained gravel track, steep at times. Stairs at the bottom or a pathway to the beach. Suitable for all levels of fitness and well worth the effort!
Carparking: Free carpark at the top of the hill. Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.
Directions: Follow the track through the gateway adjacent to the carpark off Matapouri Rd, through native bush. There are spectacular views along the track of Whale Bay and northwards along the coast towards Whananaki and Cape Brett. The track ends at the beach.
If you have extra time on your return trip up the hill you can add on the walkway to Matapouri by taking the marked path 1/2 way up the hill. See Matapouri to Whale Bay Walkway post for more info.
Whale Bay Walkway Map
Click on Map for a Larger Version
