Photo by
Jim
Paihia to Ōpua Coastal Walkway
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Walking
Te Araroa trail section: This track provides wonderful views of the Veronica Channel.
Paihia - Opua Coastal Walkway - 8.5km
From the Waitangi Bridge, follow the coastal Marsden Road via beach or footpath south through Paihia township.At the southern end of Paihia Beach (junction of Marsden and Seaview roads by toilets/car park), you have 2 options:
- When the tide is out, follow the coastline from Paihia Beach around to Haumi Bay.
- If the tide is in, take the footpath south on Seaview Road to Haumi Bay.
From the southern end of Haumi Bay, follow the signed track beside/under the bridge and around the coast to the east until you reach Ōpua.
If the tide is too high to continue around the coast from Lemons Bay (km 250.4) take the steps up to Richardson Street
If planning to kayak to Waikare it is easier to launch from the Paihia beach. Contact Nick at Bay Beach Hire on 021 159 2185. Details in Waikare Connection information.
Conditions
Track standard: mixed grade
Potential hazards
- Vehicles on road or track
- Take care around water, slippery rocks
How to get here
Northern Start: Waitangi Bridge, Paihia
Southern End: Ōpua Wharf, Ōpua, Bay of Islands
Transport
- Air New Zealand or see Kerikeri
- InterCity - From Auckland - Kerikeri - P: 09 583 5780 - E: info@intercity.co.nz
- Northliner Express Coach Service - P: 09 307 5873
- Kerikeri Taxis. shuttles and Tours - P: 09 407 9515 or 021 407 951- E: info@kerikeritaxis.co.nz
- Passenger Ferry: For Paihia - Russell. Departs on demand every 20 minutes from 8.30am until late. Last ferry 1 September to 30 October 7.30pm, 1 June to 31 August 5.30pm. Tickets are purchased on board. Waitangi drop-off subject to conditions.
- BusLink - Northland bus routes including Ahipara, Kerikeri, Paihia, Whangarei, Waipu, Mangawhai
Accommodation
- Bay of Islands Lodge, Corner of Kings & MacMurray Rds, Paihia - See special Te Araroa walker rates here. Call or Text: 021 560 306 - Email: andy@bayofislandslodge.com
- Waitangi Holiday Park & Mayfair Lodge backpackers - 1 Tahuna Rd, Waitangi - P: 0800 55 6660 or 09 402 786 - E: waitangiholidaypark@xtra.co.nz
- Centabay Lodge - 27 Selwyn Rd, Paihia - P: 0800 402746 - E: centabay@xtra.co.nz
Accommodation en route
- Beachside Holiday Park - 1290 SH 11, Paihia - P: 09 402 7678 Freecall 0800 55 6660 - E: info@beachsidehioliday.co.nz
- Opua Motel - 24 Franklin St, Opua - P: 09 402 7632 - E: opua.motel@xtra.co.nz they offer a 10% for TA Walkers
Food And Supply
- Countdown Supermarket - 9 Blackbridge Rd, Paihia
- 4 Four Square Supermarket - 41 Williams Rd, Paihia
- Opua General Store - next to Russell Ferry Ramp - P: 09 402 7575 - E: opuastore@paradise.net.nz
Track Elevation and Map
Total 6 photos. Click image above to view them all.
More information
Paihia
- i-SITE Visitor Information Centres - The Wharf, Marsden Rd, Paihia - P: 09 402 7345 or 0800 363 463 - E: paihia@visitnorthland.co.nz
- For further information on Paihia and Russell
Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.
This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.
We recommend trying these online learning tools:
Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.
Page last updated: 26/09/2025, 3:17 pm