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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: -34.72303, 173.08463. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Wharekāpu/Paxton Point Conservation Area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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 short walking track takes you to Rarawa beach.
This DOC directory entry covers Rarawa Beach Walk in Northland, within Wharekāpu/Paxton Point Conservation 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 20 min
- DOC grade: Easiest
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
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This short walking track begins from either the day visitor parking or the campground.
From the campground: Head through the pines, following the well-worn track. Walk along the river, through sand dunes onto the beach.
From the day visitor parking area: Follow the well-worn walking track through light vegetation. When you come to a fork in the road, you can continue straight ahead and follow the track towards the beach, or turn right and follow the track taking you to the campground.
Getting there
Rarawa Beach is located in the Far North of the North Island, approximately 45 minutes north of Kaitaia.
From Kaitaia, follow State Highway 1 north. The turn-off for Rarawa Beach from SH 1 is signposted, 3 kilometres north of Ngataki.
There is day visitor parking just before the entrance to the campground.
Know before you go
Sand can be very hot during the summer when walking barefoot, so light walking shoes or sandals are recommended.
Fires are not permitted in the reserve.
Toitū te whenua – leave the land undisturbed
Respect our cultural heritage
Protect plants and animals
Remove rubbish
Do not cut or remove vegetation
Light no fires
Keep to the track
Consider others
Enjoy your visit
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.
