Brick Bay Sandspit Loop Walk

6.2 km loop • 1 hour 30 mins • Easy • Explore the scenic Brick Bay Sandspit Loop Walk with views, Tui-filled bush, and beach walking. Perfect at low-tide with picnic spots along the way.

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Last Updated on: 8 July 2026

Discovering the Scenic Beauty of Brick Bay Sandspit Loop Walk

On a cold but sunny May day, I decided to tackle the Brick Bay Sandspit Loop Walk. This walk is only possible around low tide, so I planned accordingly.

Quick facts about this walk

Location:	Warkworth, North Island
Distance:	6.2 km loop
Time:	1 hour 30 mins
Difficulty:	Easy
Elevation:	241m
Track Quality:	Excellent all the way
Mountain bikes?:	no
Wheelchair access?:	no
Toilets:	Good toilets at the park and playground at the start of the walk
Dogs:	Only on a lead
Mobile coverage:	Yes
Public transport:	You’ll have to make your own way here by car

SAVE 49%: on last minute tickets on the Kawau Island Mail Run Ferry

Full walk description

Sandspit Yacht Club entrance sign and car park — Park by the Sandspit Yacht Club, that’s your start and finish.

I parked near the Sandspit Marina and started up Brick Bay Road. The first part was a bit of a climb, giving me a good workout. Even though it was road walking, the views from the top were worth it. The day was very clear, I could see all the way out to Kawau Island and beyound.

Walker on the gravel path at a track junction — Nice wide gravel path. Keep an eye on the junctions so you don’t wander off the loop.

After heading down the hill on Puriri Place, I left the road and was walking a lovely gravel track. The bush was full of Tui singing their hearts out, and I could tell this would be a perfect shaded spot to walk in the summer. The track was in great condition, thanks to the Mahurangi Trail Society.

Low tide beach and mudflats with flax in the foreground — Time it for low tide and you get all this to yourself, mudflats stretching out to the channel.

The track went all the way down the hill and popped out at Brick Bay at the north end of the beach. I found toilets and a nice picnic area here. If you’re coming from the other direction, there’s a walking marker post to guide you.

Weathered picnic table on the grass above the beach — A weathered old picnic table with a view. Good spot to stop and watch the tide.

From Brick Bay, I walked along the beach back to Sandspit. It was clear why you needed to go at low tide—the high tide marks on the cliffs showed it would be impossible to walk at high tide. The sand was firm, and the rocks weren’t slippery, making for easy walking. I even found another grassy picnic area with a table along the way.

Circular concretion patterns in the rock platform at low tide — These strange circular patterns in the rock are worth the walk out, nature’s own artwork.

The rock formations were really cool, with big circles where the waves had worn them down. Nearing the end, I passed by some charming waterfront beach bach’s. Right next to these was the Sandspit Holiday Park, a lovely spot with more amenities. I also took a little detour to the end of the wharf, where you can catch a ferry to Kawau Island. I’ve been to Kawau Island and done some walks there too.

Playground in the reserve with swings and a climbing frame — There’s a good playground here too, so the kids can burn off some energy.

Between the campground and the marina, there’s a big children’s playground. If you’re hungry, the Sandspit Yacht Club has a really good restaurant. It’s open pretty much all day every day, and I’ve had dinner there a few times. The deck overlooking the boats is a fantastic place to sit and eat.

Boardwalk and path through the wetland — The boardwalk carries you over the wet bits, a lovely easy stretch through the reeds.

The Brick Bay Sandspit Loop Walk is a fantastic short walk near Warkworth with beautiful scenery, well-kept paths, and a mix of bush and beach. It’s definitely worth a visit!

SAVE 49%: on last minute tickets on the Kawau Island Mail Run Ferry