Discover Wainamu Beach
Wainamu Beach is situated on the southern side of Whaingaroa Harbour, just west of Raglan, within the harbour's mouth. This black sand beach is shielded from the Tasman Sea by the Raglan Bar, making it a haven for those who enjoy tranquil beach activities. Unlike the expansive Ngarunui Beach, known for its surfing, Wainamu Beach provides a gentle environment with safe swimming.
Exploring the Beach
The beach's location within the harbour offers a peaceful setting ideal for leisurely walks and relaxation. From Wainamu Beach, you can take a short walk west to reach the harbour mouth's edge and the northern end of Ngarunui Beach. This proximity allows you to enjoy both the calm waters of Wainamu and the more dynamic ocean-facing Ngarunui.
How to Get There
To visit Wainamu Beach from Raglan, drive south on Wainui Road for about four kilometres, then turn onto Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive. Continue past the kohanga reo until you find a roadside parking area with a toilet block. From here, steps lead directly to the beach.
For better access to the ocean-facing section, continue another 300 metres along the road to a larger parking area. Alternatively, you can embark on an 80-minute coastal walk from Raglan via Putoetoe Point to reach Wainamu Beach.
