Whangaparaoa: Discover coastal walks and nature

Whangaparaoa combines a path from the town centre to Stanmore Bay Beach with landscapes and activities on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. You can choose between a specific route in town and other nature experiences in the surrounding area.

From the town centre to the beach

The Whangaparāoa Path runs from the town centre via the Rata Road walkway to Stanmore Bay Beach. Along the Rata Road walkway, the path crosses several bridges and passes wetlands and a large pond. Most of it is paved and accessible with a pushchair. However, there is a fairly steep section between the town centre and Rata Road Reserve—a detail to bear in mind when planning a pushchair-friendly outing.

Around the start and end of the school day, the path is busy with students from Whangaparaoa College; this pattern may vary with school hours. The path also passes through Stanmore Bay Park, which has a beach volleyball court and a small playground for toddlers. At Stanmore Bay Beach, the beachfront playground features a flying fox, a large climbing net and a rope swing made from logs. There is a separate area for toddlers. Public toilets are located at the library and at Stanmore Bay Beach.

Landscapes and activities on the peninsula

In the vicinity of Whangaparaoa, at the eastern end of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, lies Shakespear Regional Park. Its landscapes include regenerating native forest, cliffs, sheltered bays and wetlands. The park also has historic sites and a lookout. A hike in the park crosses farmland and native bush to reach 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf. The sheltered bays and wetlands contrast with the expansive views.

At Shakespear Regional Park on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, in the vicinity of Whangaparaoa, activities include swimming, kayaking and fishing, as well as hiking. On the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, in the vicinity of Whangaparaoa, you can paddle a SUP along the coast; Flying Forwards offers windsurfing lessons. If you plan to take a lesson, check availability in advance. In the wider travel area, ferries also run once a day from Gulf Harbour to Tiritiri Matangi. Check current departure times before you travel.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a hotel in Whangaparaoa, it helps to use the experiences you want as a guide: the route from the town centre to Stanmore Bay Beach connects the park and the beach, while Shakespear Regional Park offers a different focus, with walks through bush and farmland and scenic views. Consider which side of the destination you want to shape your stay. For other plans, you can also consider coastal activities on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and the ferry connection from Gulf Harbour to Tiritiri Matangi in the wider travel area.

Discover more destinations: Port Waikato, Helensville, Silverdale, Pohuehue, Clarks Beach, Mangatangi, Mauku, Tauhoa.

For the wider travel overview: Auckland.