TRAILS OVER 2 HOURS
Ideal for full-day adventures, these longer trails offer stunning views and a true escape into nature. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, and always check the latest track conditions on the NZ Department of Conservation website before you go.
HOMUNGA BAY | 3HR ONE WAY
The Homunga Bay coastal walk is an incredible hiking experience! As with Orokawa Bay, Homunga Bay is notable for it’s dense pohutukawa forest, beauty and seclusion. The track winds around the headlands north of Orokawa Bay to secluded 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. Walkers should allow 3 hours from Waihi Beach to Homunga Bay, 1.5 hours from Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay or 45-60 minutes between Homunga Bay and up to Ngatitangata Road.
The track to Homunga Bay is one way, so you have a few options. Start at the north end of Waihī Beach, walk through Orokawa Bay to Homunga, and finish with a steep climb to Ngatitangata Road. Or, return the same way but allow around 6 hours total.
Recommended Route: Start at Ngatitangata Road, walk downhill to the coast, continue through Orokawa Bay, and exit at Waihī Beach. Note: returning to Ngatitangata Road means a long, steep climb. Walk times: Waihī Beach to Homunga takes around 3 hours, Orokawa to Homunga about 1.5 hours, and Homunga to Ngatitangata Road 45 to 60 minutes.
Getting there: Get a friend to drop you at Ngatitangata Road or contact Mags Cabs for group transport.
SENTINAL ROCK LOOKOUT | 4-5HR RETURN
Photo by @jessicarachaelblair
Challenge yourself with the Sentinel Rock Lookout Walk, a 10.8km (return) tramping track offering a true taste of rugged Bay of Plenty beauty. Branching off the Tuahu Track near the towering Tuahu Kauri (about 25 minutes from the carpark), this trail climbs steeply before following a remote, undulating ridge through dense native bush. At the lookout, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Sentinel Rock, an impressive outcrop standing sentinel over the eastern Kaimai Range. On a clear day, the surrounding valley stretches out endlessly, a wild, untamed vista that makes the 5-hour return journey unforgettable. Note: The old track to the top of Sentinel Rock is dangerous and should not be used. Return the same way you came, and come prepared. This track is suited for experienced trampers with good fitness, proper gear, and plenty of water.
Photo by @jessicarachaelblair
From Waihī Beach, head toward Athenree and turn left onto State Highway 2. Follow the highway south through Katikati, then take a right onto Hot Springs Road just past the township. Continue to the end of Hot Springs Road where you’ll find the car park for the Tuahu Track, which leads to the Sentinel Rock Track. There is a basic long drop toilet at the car park, but no other facilities, so come prepared.
WILLIAM WRIGHT FALLS | 3HR RETURN
For those seeking a true outdoor adventure, the William Wright Falls Walk is an unforgettable journey into the wild heart of the Waihi Beach region.The track, which starts from the northern end of Orokawa Bay, is a challenging yet rewarding journey for experienced hikers. The bush track sustained significant damage in 2013 and has since been reclassified as a ‘tramping path’. The rugged path follows the streambed, climbing steadily as it leads you to the stunning 28-meter falls that cascade in two stages over a sheer rock face, dropping into a peaceful pool below. Surrounded by towering, forest-clad hillsides, the falls are a truly spectacular sight. After your hike, relax with a picnic on the golden sands of Orokawa Beach – a perfect spot to unwind and take in the beautiful coastal surroundings.
To reach the William Wright Falls, you’ll first need to hike from Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay, which takes around 40 minutes one way. The walk from Waihi beach to the bay follows a well-maintained track, leading you through coastal forest and offering scenic views of the ocean. Once you’ve reached the northern end of Orokawa Bay, the more rugged tramping path to the falls begins. At the end of the beach you’ll see a sign pointing left, inland, to the track. After about 5 minutes of gentle walking along the creek, look for another signpost to William Wright Falls and turn left here. The track climbs through a lush, shady gully that’s often slippery, especially after rain. The falls themselves are a quiet, charming cascade, ideal for peaceful reflection. For the adventurous, a steep climb beside the falls leads to a small icy pool above. Afterward, retrace your steps the same way back to Waihi Beach, perhaps with a refreshing swim at Orokawa Bay.
LINDEMANN LOOKOUT LOOP | 4-5HR RETURN
For those seeking a full-day forest adventure rich in history, native bush, and epic views, the Lindemann Loop Track delivers it all. This well-marked loop winds through the upper Wairoa Valley—once the site of New Zealand’s last operational kauri driving dams. The track can be walked in either direction, but many opt for the gentler Pack Track ascent, which offers lush gullies, flowing streams, and glimpses of the distant Ananui Falls, before connecting with the Ridge Track for a more challenging return. Along the way, you’ll encounter remnants of kauri logging history, including dam sites and the old cookhouse location. At higher elevations, the trail rewards you with stunning panoramic views over Tauranga and the offshore islands. Whether you’re here for the history, the scenery, or the challenge, this loop is a gem of the Kaimai Range.
To reach the Lindemann Loop Track, drive south from Waihi Beach toward Katikati, then turn left onto Lindemann Road just before reaching the Katikati township. Follow Lindemann Road all the way to the end, where you’ll find a carpark and the trail entrance, complete with a kauri dieback hygiene station. The drive takes approximately 25 minutes. From the carpark, you’ll pass through a gate and reach the track junction within 40 metres: left takes you steeply up the Ridge Track, while right follows the more gradual Pack Track for a scenic climb. Sturdy footwear, a good level of fitness, and plenty of water are recommended for this 4–5 hour loop.
WAITAWHETA TRAMWAY TRACK | 8HR RETURN
Step back in time on the Waitawheta Tramway Track, an 8-hour return journey through a landscape shaped by early logging history and natural beauty. This wide, relatively flat 19 km (return) trail follows the original tramline once used to cart massive kauri logs out of the valley. Along the way, you’ll pass information panels that bring the area’s rich history to life. After about 90 minutes, you’ll reach a dramatic suspension bridge and a replica logging bogie – a perfect photo spot and lunch break. Adventurous walkers can continue deeper into the Waitawheta Gorge, with river crossings, towering cliffs, and a forest campsite leading to the Waitawheta Hut, near the remnants of an old logging mill and the quirky “toilet bowl” waterfall. Whether you go halfway or make it a full-day trek, this journey is packed with history, scenery, and a true sense of wilderness.
From Waihi Beach, drive toward Waihi town centre, then turn off State Highway 2 onto Kenny Street. Turn right onto Victoria Street, which becomes Frankton Road, then Waitawheta Road. After about 9 km, take a turn onto Franklin Road : note that this section crosses private farmland, so drive respectfully. At the end of Franklin Road, you’ll find a small parking area and the start of the track. The drive takes approximately 20–25 minutes. Be sure to bring sturdy footwear, food, and water – this is a long but rewarding day out in the bush. No dogs are allowed on this track due to its conservation status.
MOUNT KARANGAHAKE| 3.5HR RETURN
Looking for a hike that rewards you with jaw-dropping views and a serious cardio boost? The Karangahake Mountain Summit Loop is a 9km adventure through native bush, alongside historic mining features, and up to a breathtaking summit overlooking the Coromandel, Kaimai Ranges, and even out to the ocean. This popular, year-round loop combines sections of Scotsman Gully, the Crown Track, and the Mountain Summit Track, offering a mix of flowing streams, wide graded trails, and steep, heart-pumping climbs. The hardest part is the steady uphill at the start, but the 550m elevation gain is well worth it for the panoramic payoff at the top. Descend via a gentler loop back through the bush, keeping an eye out for stream crossings and old mining tunnels tucked into the landscape. It’s a perfect challenge for experienced hikers wanting something more off the beaten gorge track.
To reach the trailhead, drive from Waihi Beach toward Paeroa, following SH2 north for about 30 minutes until you reach Karangahake Gorge. Park at the main swing bridge carpark, where you’ll find access to the Scotsman Gully Track and other connecting trails. If this carpark is full (common in summer), there’s overflow parking on Crown Hill Road—though starting there will shorten the loop and skip the scenic Scotsman Gully section. The full loop takes around 3.5 hours, so come prepared with water, snacks, and solid hiking shoes. Dogs are not permitted on this trail due to conservation rules.
