This is a cracker of a little loop, two beaches, a working farm, an old homestead and big views out over Kawau Bay, all packed into about 4 km. I walked it on a clear winter day in June with the tide out, and it was warm enough that the muddy bit caught me out in the wrong shoes. It’s easy to follow, great for kids, and you go through a whole string of farm gates with cows and sheep that don’t even look up.
Quick facts
| Location | Scandrett Regional Park, near Warkworth |
|---|---|
| Distance | 4.0 km loop |
| Time | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Climb | About 200 m over the loop |
| Route | Loop |
| Surface | Beach, gravel, grass, one muddy section |
| Wet feet | No, but muddy near the bottom |
| Toilets | Yes, both car parks |
| Water | Yes, both car parks |
| Dogs | Check current park rules |
| Parking | Free, Martins Bay car park |
Getting there and parking
Scandrett Regional Park sits on the end of the Mahurangi Peninsula, about 15 km from Warkworth. From State Highway 1 head through Warkworth towards Snells Beach and Algies Bay, then turn into Scandrett Road and follow it to the end. Park at the Martins Bay car park, which has toilets, drinking water and plenty of room. There’s a second car park with toilets at Scandretts Bay, partway round the loop.
One thing to watch: the park gates are locked overnight, so don’t get shut in. Summer (1 October to 31 March) they close 9pm to 6am, winter (1 April to 30 September) 7pm to 6am. There’s a $50 fee to get your car released, so time your walk well clear of closing.
Map of the walk
The walk
From the Martins Bay car park, head down onto the beach. It’s flat and easy, and at low tide you’ve got loads of room. Walk along to the far end where there’s a sign and a few steps up off the sand.
From the top of the steps it’s a short, sharp climb. Only about five minutes, but it’s steep, so take your time. At the top you turn left, follow the track along a little way, and you’ll come to a sign and the first of the farm gates.
Now you’re into the paddocks. There are a good few gates to go through, all easy enough, just make sure you shut and latch each one behind you so the stock stay put. You’ll walk right past cows and sheep that won’t bat an eyelid. The track is nice gravel for most of it.
The last stretch before the bottom is the catch. It gets properly muddy. I had pretty blue trainers on and regretted it, so do yourself a favour and wear boots. Once you’re through the mud you pop out at the end of the paddock, past the baches, and down onto Scandretts Bay beach.
Scandretts Bay and the old farm
Walk along Scandretts Bay beach to the far end where the houses are. This is the historic farm precinct, and it’s well worth a wander. There’s the implement shed, the cow shed, the hen house, the barn and the dairy shed, each with a panel telling its story. The homestead itself is closed, but the garden is open and really pretty, with an orange tree out the front.
From here, carry on through to the Scandretts Bay car park, where there are more toilets, then pick up the signs for the Scandrett Bay Loop.
Up to the loop and the viewpoints
Follow the Scandrett Bay Loop signs and climb the hill. At the top you get lovely views over the other side, out towards Moturekareka Island. The loop joins back up with the track you came out on, and you start heading back down towards Martins Bay.
Keep an eye out a couple of minutes into the descent: there’s a little path off to the left that you should take. It runs out to a cracking view over Martins Bay. When I walked out there a wood pigeon flew right in front of me, and a fantail flitted along beside me the whole way. Worth the short detour.
From there it’s back down the hill, along the beach, and to the car park. Done.
Who it’s for
Just about anyone. It’s short, the climbs are brief, and the two beaches and farm animals make it a winner with kids. The only things to manage are the steep five minute pinch off Martins Bay beach and the muddy patch near the bottom, so footwear matters. Strollers won’t make it round the loop, though you can walk a pram along Martins Bay beach, but only at low tide.
When to go
Any time of year. I did it in winter and had a stunning warm day with the place almost to myself. Go at low tide if you can, so you’ve got the full sweep of both beaches to walk on. Summer is lovely for a swim at Scandretts Bay, which is a good high-tide swimming spot.
Important stuff
Shut every farm gate behind you, the paddocks hold stock and you don’t want to be the one who let the cows out. Wear boots or shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, the section before Scandretts Bay gets boggy. Watch the gate closing times so your car isn’t locked in overnight. Mobile coverage is patchy out here, so don’t count on it.
What to bring: sturdy shoes, water, hat and sunscreen in summer, togs if you fancy a swim, and a camera for the views and the birds.
Dogs: the park has a dog exercise area, but the rules changed in 2025, so check the current dog access rules before you bring one.
My honest take
I really liked this one. You get so much variety for such a short walk, two beaches, farm paddocks, the old homestead and farm sheds, and those big views over the bay. The wood pigeon and the little fantail at the viewpoint were the cherry on top. Just wear the right shoes, mind the mud, and keep an eye on the clock for the gates. Well worth doing, and a great one for the family.
Other walks nearby
- Moturekareka Island Walk, the island you can see from the viewpoint on this loop.
- See all my Warkworth walks.
