Tawhitokino Beach Track is a moderate 2-hour return coastal walk in Coromandel, New Zealand. The 3.5km trail follows the rugged coastline through native bush, offering stunning views of Mercury Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The track leads to a secluded beach, ideal for swimming and picnicking during summer months.
Tucked away in the rural pocket of Clevedon, the Tawhitokino Beach Track is one of those delightful secrets that East Auckland locals prefer to keep under their hats. This short coastal jaunt delivers big on scenery while demanding very little in return – making it perfect for families, casual walkers, and those days when you want nature without the knee-destroying climbs.
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Find more walks in this area by checking out East Auckland walks.
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The Tawhitokino Beach Track punches well above its weight for such a short walk. You’re essentially crossing private farmland with the landowner’s blessing to access a relatively untouched stretch of coastline – a privilege that’s becoming increasingly rare around Auckland.
The beach itself is a rockhound’s paradise during low tide. The volcanic rock platforms reveal fascinating tidal pools teeming with crabs, sea anemones, and the occasional stranded fish. Geologically minded walkers will appreciate the papa rock formations that characterize this coastline, laid down millions of years ago when this area was beneath the sea.
Birdlife is prolific here. Oystercatchers patrol the shoreline with their distinctive calls, while white-faced herons stalk the shallows looking for their next meal. If you’re lucky and quiet, you might spot a kotare (kingfisher) perched on driftwood.
Let’s address the elephant in the paddock: this track gets seriously muddy. We’re talking ankle-deep, boot-sucking, cow-pat-dodging muddy. The farm track receives heavy traffic from livestock and Auckland’s generous rainfall turns sections into a slippery obstacle course.
Gumboots are genuinely the footwear of choice here, and I’m not joking. Save your expensive hiking boots for the Routeburn and embrace your inner farmer. If you insist on trainers, make sure they’re ones you don’t mind hosing down afterwards – or potentially throwing out.
The uphill return can be deceptively tiring, especially in wet conditions when you’re concentrating on not ending up on your backside. Take your time and use trekking poles if you have dodgy knees.
Check the tide tables before you go. Seriously. High tide dramatically reduces the usable beach area and can make rock pool exploration impossible. Aim to arrive within two hours either side of low tide for the best experience.
At high tide, the beach becomes a narrow strip against the cliffs, and while still pretty, you’ll miss out on the main attractions. Spring tides can occasionally make beach access sketchy altogether.
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You’re walking through someone’s working farm, so respect is paramount. Always close gates behind you, even if you found them open. Give livestock a wide berth – particularly during lambing season. Don’t leave any rubbish, and carry out everything you bring in.
The landowner maintains this access out of goodwill. Poor behavior from visitors could result in closure, and nobody wants that. If you encounter farm workers, a friendly wave and “g’day” goes a long way.
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures if you fancy a dip, though the beach never gets truly swimmable by tropical standards. Autumn delivers spectacular clear days with fewer crowds. Winter can be stunning on crisp, sunny days, and you’ll likely have the place to yourself. Spring brings newborn lambs to the surrounding paddocks and wildflowers along the coastal margins.
Avoid visiting after heavy rain unless you enjoy extreme mud wrestling. Give it at least a day or two to dry out.
Coverage is patchy to non-existent. Download maps and tide tables before you leave home.
Yes, though the water is quite rocky and better suited to paddling than swimming. The beach isn’t patrolled, so swim at your own risk and never alone.
No facilities exist at the track. Use toilets in Clevedon village before starting your walk.
The limited parking naturally restricts visitor numbers. Weekends see more traffic, but it rarely feels crowded. Early mornings are quietest.
Unfortunately no. The uneven farm track, gates, and muddy conditions make it unsuitable for wheels. Baby backpack carriers work well for little ones.
Don’t park on the road verge as it blocks farm vehicle access. If the small parking area is full, consider visiting another time or arriving earlier.
No. Open fires are not permitted, and there’s no driftwood collecting as it provides habitat for coastal wildlife.
Check current regulations with MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) regarding recreational shellfish gathering, size limits, and any temporary closures. Always practice sustainable harvesting.
I’ve tramped this track in all seasons and it never disappoints, though my boots tell a different story. There’s something profoundly satisfying about a walk that requires so little effort yet rewards you with such genuine coastal wilderness. The first time I visited, I made the rookie mistake of wearing my good hiking boots – they’ve never quite recovered their dignity. Now I keep dedicated “Tawhitokino gumboots” in the car.
My favorite visits have been during those crisp autumn mornings when mist hangs over the Firth of Thames and the rising sun paints everything gold. The walk down feels almost meditative, and having the beach to yourself creates this sense of discovering something secret. I’ve found everything from intact sand dollars to perfectly smooth pieces of sea glass worn down by decades of wave action.
The walk back up always feels longer than it should, and I’ve learned to take it slowly, pausing to catch my breath while pretending to admire the rural views. The cows grazing in the paddocks seem perpetually amused by huffing walkers. Fair enough.
