Homunga Bay Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The track winds around the coast from the northern end of Orokawa Bay. Take care along the coastline.

This DOC directory entry covers Homunga Bay Track in Bay of Plenty, within Orokawa Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 5 km one way
• Walking time: 2 hr one way
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

• Homunga Bay Track partially closed; First published on 24 January 2026. Last reviewed on 25 June 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track winds around the headlands north of Orokawa Bay, leading to the popular fishing location of Homunga Bay.

Homunga Bay can be explored before returning the same way, or follow a pole-marked route through adjacent farmland to Ngatitangata Road.

As this is a steep climb up, many people who wish to do a one way choose to start here and walk through to Waihi Beach.

You can combine this track with Orokawa Bay Track and William Wright Falls Track for a full day coastal walk.

Getting there

Orokawa Bay is located north of Waihi Beach, off State Highway 2 at the end of Waihi Beach road. The track starts at the northern end of Waihi Beach.

Homunga Bay can be accessed from the end of Ngatitangata Road.

Know before you go

Keep to the track

In places on this track, there are cliffs and high drop-offs and areas are changeable by nature. Keep to the track and keep children safe.

The track may be inaccessible at high tide.

Wasps

Wasps are present in the area, especially in the warmer months. They can become aggressive if disturbed. Avoid nests, cover food and supervise children.

Swimming is not recommended

The coastline at Orokawa Scenic Reserve can be dangerous, particularly during rough conditions.

Stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

How to stay safe when rock fishing

The coastline is dangerous. Several people have died while rock fishing near Homunga Bay.

Fish with a mate, never go on your own. Also share your plans with a trusted person and ask them to call 111 if you don’t return.

Take two forms of waterproof communication, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag or a distress beacon. Wear them on your person, so if you end up in the water you can still reach them.

Do not fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas – check swell and tide information before you go

Observe sea conditions before you fish and never choose areas that are wet – waves have likely been washing over them. Do not turn your back on the sea.

Always wear a life jacket and follow all warning signs.

Read more about fishing safety.

Tsunami warning information

Emergency management Bay of Plenty.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.