Waihi Beach, Taranaki, is the closest beach to Hāwera, reached via Denby Road from Surf Highway 45. The access road leads to a grassy Waihi Beach Reserve at the top of the cliffs, with great coastal views, public toilets, and freedom camping. From there, you can walk down a steep gravel path through a gap carved by streams to the beach, which is accessible only when the tide starts to recede. What you find at the bottom is a beach enclosed by spectacular high papa rock cliffs, with a greater sense of isolation than the more easily accessible beaches of the region. However, a strong undercurrent along the open beach means swimming is unsafe.
The Cliffs and their Geology
The defining feature of Waihi Beach is its cliff backdrop. The papa rock cliffs here are among the most dramatic on the South Taranaki coast, rising in some places to 60 metres and more. Papa is a term for the soft, pale mudstone and muddy sandstone that forms the lower portion of the marine terraces running the length of this coastline from Ōhawe south to Whanganui. Above the papa sit darker, stratified sedimentary layers, compacted sands and silts laid down in ancient shallow seas.
The boundary between the two is sharp and visible, and in places the contrast in colour and texture tells the full story of how these terraces were built up over millions of years on the seafloor before being lifted by tectonic processes over the last three million years. Fossils of shells and marine organisms are embedded in the cliff faces and in the rocks along the shore.
Be aware: the cliffs are actively eroding, and falls are common. The base of the cliffs is not a safe place to stand.
The Ōhawe Beach to Waihi Beach Coastal Walk
Waihi Beach is the northern end of one of Taranaki's most distinctive coastal walks. A foreshore route runs 5 km west along the base of the cliff to Ōhawe Beach. The walk passes beneath the full height of the papa rock cliffs, through two significant areas of rock pools, and past the remnants of old tram rails once used to haul shingle and sand from the beach for road construction. There are wide views out to the South Taranaki Bight.
The walk is tidal and can only be done safely within about 2.5 hours either side of low tide. Check tide tables before setting out, arrange return transport in advance, and keep away from the cliff base at all times. At Ōhawe Beach, the boat ramp area is a safe swimming spot at the south end of the walk.
How to Get There
Denby Road is accessed from the south side of the intersection of Surf Highway 54 and State Highway 3 in Hāwera. Follow Denby Road to the road-end carpark at the Waihi Beach Reserve. The drive takes a few minutes from the town centre.
Nearby places to visit include Kāpokonui Beach, and King Edward Park, Naumai Park and Tawhiti Museum in Hāwera.
