Sandspit: Coastal Forest, Estuary and Islands

Sandspit is known as the gateway to the islands of Kawau Bay. At the same time, its character is shaped by a diverse estuary, coastal walks and boating activities. You can tailor your stay to different interests: focus on the coastal landscape and birdlife, plan a walk or consider a trip to Kawau Island. This distinction is useful when choosing accommodation, as nature experiences, tidal walks and boat trips each involve different planning considerations.

Estuary, Bushland and Birdlife

At Sandspit Harbour, an intact ecological sequence unfolds: mangroves and salt marshes give way to tidal flats, followed by regenerating kānuka and broadleaf bushland and forest. This means different habitats sit side by side in the same natural area, from the foreshore to the bushland.

Seabirds are commonly seen at Sandspit and the ferry terminal, including Cook’s petrels and white-fronted terns. Their presence varies by season and is unpredictable. Birdlife is therefore an exciting part of the nature experience, but one that cannot be planned with the same certainty for every visit.

Reserves with Their Own Character

Sandspit Reserve brings together several practical facilities: a playground, toilets, walking paths, parking and picnic facilities. The historic Sandspit schoolhouse buildings are also located in the reserve. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the green space with a look at the area’s history, without implying that the buildings are open to the public.

Green Point Reserve in Sandspit has a different character: it has picnic facilities, an access path and a small ramp. Nearby, Brick Bay has gentle, shallow water for swimming and a large grassy area. These places offer different ways to enjoy the water and outdoors.

Walks, Tides and Trips to Kawau

The Sandspit to Brick Bay Walkway passes through coastal forest and along the estuary; it is accessible at low tide. Be sure to take the tides into account when planning your visit. In the Sandspit and Horseshoe Bay area, existing walking tracks link the inland area with Brick Bay Drive and Puriri Place Reserve. Coastal conditions can affect the route.

Boating is also an important part of what Sandspit has to offer. The Sandspit Yacht Club owns and operates a tide-independent boat ramp facility at 1287 Sandspit Road. Non-members may use it. Fees and conditions of use can change, so it is worth checking them before you use the facility.

The club promotes recreational boating, pleasure cruises and keelboat racing; activities and participation requirements may vary by season and membership status. Various types of boats are available for hire through the club. Check availability and rental conditions directly with the club.

From Sandspit, you can take the Royal Mail Run Cruise to Kawau Island and explore the island. Schedules are subject to change by the operator, so it is a good idea to check before your trip. Guests at Sandspit Holiday Park can also walk from the park to Sandspit Wharf and take the ferry to Kawau Island. Again, it is worth checking the schedule. Holiday Park guests can also swim, fish and kayak from the park.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Accommodation Search

Tides matter for the walkway, while the current schedule is important for a trip on the Royal Mail Run Cruise. If you are primarily interested in nature, you can focus on the sequence of habitats and the seasonally variable birdlife. This way, you can tailor your search to the experiences you want to shape your trip, rather than treating walking tracks, reserves and boat trips as one and the same offering.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Onetangi, Puhoi, Kawau Island, Bombay, Ellerslie, Warkworth, Stanmore Bay, Devonport

For the main travel overview: Auckland.