Orokawa Bay Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This popular track winds between the northern end of Waihi Beach and Orokawa Bay.

This DOC directory entry covers Orokawa 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: 3 km one way
• Walking time: 45 min one way
• DOC grade: Easy

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 walk to Orokawa Bay starts at the northern end of Waihi Beach. It may not be possible to access this track from the beach at times of high tide and strong swell.

The tracks skirts the coastal headlands before descending into Orokawa Bay.

Orokawa Bay beach is not considered safe for swimming due to the steep grade of the seafloor, but is popular for picnicking with its lovely overhanging pohutukawa.

Good fishing can be found off the rocks at the northern end of Orokawa Bay. Take care for tidal movements and wave conditions which can change suddenly.

You can combine this track with Homunga Bay Track for a longer 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.

This beach is not considered safe for swimming due to the steep grade of the seafloor. Take care for tidal movements and wave conditions which can change suddenly.

Stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

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.