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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: -35.49160, 174.45930. 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
- 400 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 10 min one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Whananaki 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 easy short track from Otamure Bay campsite leads to a sandy, secluded beach at Tauwhara Bay. Suitable for children.
This DOC directory entry covers Watkin Powell Track in Northland, within Whananaki 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: 400 m return via same track
- Walking time: 10 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Once you enter the reserve, the high standard, short track winds its way up through established bush of puriri, cabbage trees and manuka.
After a short walk, you reach the top of a hill. From here, the track zigzags its way through flax and a number of very large pohutukawa trees down to the lovely Tauwhara Bay.
Getting there
The small town of Whananaki is situated on the east coast 45 minutes drive north from Whangārei.
The track is located at the northern end of Otamure Bay campground, just past the one-way bridge on Rockell Road 3 km north of Whananaki North.
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.
