Whakanewha Regional Park Waiheke

On the south side of Waiheke Island, Whakanewha Regional Park is known for its areas of mature coastal forest and cascading streams. There are many easy bush walks in the park and a track that connects from Onetangi Beach on the north to Rocky Bay on the south side of the island due to open in early 2005.

The new vehicle based campsite holding 60 people is in a prime seaside location, sheltered and with direct access to the sea and is the only camping area on the island.

During the high tides of summer, it makes a fantastic swimming beach for families: safe and warm, and is ideal for boating and kayaking. The shallow bay is also good for an overnight stay with a flat bottomed boat in calm weather or a gentle northerly.

Home to the acutely critical NZ Dotterel, one of the many birds in the park with its own breeding area, all visitors are asked to avoid past the taped off nesting areas as the birds are easily scared off their eggs which then cool quickly. Whakanewha is steeped in Maori and European history with the first cottage built here in 1866.

Ph: Auckland Regional Council (ARC) 09 366 2000 for any further information or to obtain camping permits

Official Waiheke Website