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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -36.95064, 175.84000. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 5.5 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Tairua area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This track passes through regenerating coastal forest, linking Ōtara Bay with Lynch Stream Bay.
This DOC directory entry covers Ōtara Bay Track in Waikato, within Tairua area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 5.5 km return via same track
- Walking time: 2 hours
- 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Starting at the car park at Sailors Grave, first follow the council track from the north end of the beach over the headland to Ōtara Bay.
The Ōtara Bay Track starts at the north end of Ōtara Bay beach and climbs up over the headland to Lynch Stream. The track is well benched however it is steep in places with uneven steps.
The are several seats to rest and enjoy the views of the bush clad coast and out to the ocean including of the Aldermen Islands.
The track then descends to where Lynch Stream meets the coast. The beach is a bit rocky here but there is a nice flat area under some pōhutukawa trees that is a good spot to stop for a picnic.
You need to return the same way back to the car park at Te Karo Bay (Sailors Grave).
Getting there
There is a car park on Sailors Grave Road off State Highway 25, 15 minutes north of Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Know before you go
There are toilets and picnic tables at the Thames-Coromandel District Council car park at the start of the track.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Nature and conservation
This area is home to a large population of brown kiwi. The area is extensively trapped by Whenuakite Kiwi Care group.
History and culture
Learn about the memorial that gave its name to the historic reserve where this track begins.
Sailors Grave Memorial
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
