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Keen walker David Mallowes offers suggestions about fun and interesting routes people can take to get some exercise and enjoy the area in his latest column.
Tawhitokino Beach may be the most beautiful of many picturesque bays in Franklin.
It’s fringed with Pohutukawa, has a crescent of pristine sand, offers safe swimming, and often, there’s no one there.
It has great views of Ponui Island, the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula.
A 2km in and out walk and 1.5km of beach. Drive 2.5km east past the boat ramp from Kawakawa Bay to Waiti Bay.
The sealed road is a very scenic, winding single lane with adequate passing areas.
It’s got parking for about 20 vehicles and can be busy on a nice day, but it provides a lovely vista from the car park and the beach.
Access around the point is limited to one to two hours either side of low tide.
Walk to the southern end of Waiti Bay for an easy rock scramble around the point to the pretty and fairly secluded Tuturau Bay.
Then to stretch your legs, 200 well-made wooden steps, and awesome views.
Enjoy the beach, it’s swimmable even at low tide.
The Pohutukawa are great for some shade, the kayaking campsite midway along the beach has a picnic table and information posters.
It’s a lovely walk to the far end of the beach and the rocky headland.
Toilets – excellent facilities at Waiti Bay, composting toilet at Tawhitokino.
Dogs – off-leash permitted at all times, but no dogs in or near the campground.
A short drive further south, past Orere Point, are the Tapapakanga and Waharau Regional Parks.
There are many camping sites at each. Tapapakanga features pretty beaches and coastline, Waharau is on the Hunua Ranges’ side of the road and accesses some great forest walks with views.
