Last Updated on: 12 November 2025

Homunga Bay Walk Guide 2025: Insider Tips, Maps & Planning

Why walk the Homunga Bay Track?

I’d been eyeing Homunga Bay for months. Tucked between the more famous Orokawa Bay and the farmland-draped hills beyond, it had that elusive blend of coastal wildness and remoteness that I crave in a good walk. So one summer morning, pack loaded and coffee in hand, I set off from Waihi Beach with a mission: make it to Homunga Bay, have a swim, and see what all the quiet fuss was about.

What I found exceeded my expectations. The walk itself was a rollercoaster of shady bush tracks, cliff-hugging views, and the occasional β€œwait, is that a goat track or the trail?” moment. And then, finally, that descent into Homunga Bay a wide sweep of sand, a waterfall whispering at the edge, and not another soul in sight.

β€œHomunga Bay is what I call a ‘pocket paradise’. Close enough for a day trip, remote enough to feel like an adventure.” – Sandra, Freewalks walking specialist

This isn’t a walk you stumble upon it’s one you plan for, and it rewards you for doing so. It’s a little challenging, a lot scenic, and absolutely worth the effort.

Enjoy our 360 view of Homunga Bay.

πŸ₯Ύ Walk Overview

Location: Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty
Nearest town: Waihi Beach (10 mins drive)
Distance: 10 km return from Waihi Beach to Homunga Bay (via Orokawa)
Time required: 2.5–3.5 hours return
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Track type: Out-and-back
Dog-friendly: No
Kid-friendly: Yes (ages 8+ recommended)
Wheelchair accessible: No
Toilets nearby: Yes – at start, Orokawa Bay, and near Boat Bay
Best time to go: Summer or early autumn mornings (avoid high sun & high tide)
Are drones allowed? Yes, but respect privacy & noise rules
Are bikes allowed? No

Map location

πŸš— Getting There

  • Car park location: End of The Esplanade, Waihi Beach (North End car park)
  • Parking availability: Room for ~40 cars. Unshaded. Free parking.
  • Public transport options: No direct public transport. Taxi or shuttle options available from Waihi town or Katikati.
  • Entry fees / permits required: None
  • Signage to the start of the walk: Clear DOC signage at carpark with basic map

πŸ₯Ύ Track Details

  • Track surface: Dirt, root-covered bush track, rocky sections, beach sand, occasional cutty grass
  • Track condition: Generally well-maintained but slippery after rain; some overgrown areas
  • Elevation gain: Moderate – several steepish climbs between Orokawa and Homunga
  • Estimated pace: Moderate fitness required
  • Alternative routes
    • Shorter option: Just walk to Orokawa Bay (45 mins one way)
    • Longer option: Continue past Homunga to Ngatitangata Road (1 hr one-way; car shuffle recommended)

🌿 What You'll See

  • Ancient pōhutukawa groves (best in December bloom)
  • Coastal cliffs and panoramic sea views
  • Boat Bay (look behind you for the best shots!)
  • Little waterfall at Homunga Bay
  • Native birds: tΕ«Δ«, kererΕ«, pΔ«wakawaka
  • Orokawa Bay – a gem on its own
  • Wild, sandy Homunga Bay (perfect picnic or swim spot)

Walk Directions

  1. From the North End car park, walk north toward the hill.
    • At low tide, you’ll stay dry to the start.
    • At high tide with an offshore breeze, you’ll get wet feetβ€”go barefoot for the 15-metre dash.
  2. A sign and a basic map mark the beginning of the trail.
  3. Climb the bush-lined track. After 25 minutes, reach a lookout with views back to the beach.
  4. Five minutes later, descend into Orokawa Bay.
    • Toilet is on the right before the beachβ€”look for the roof as you descend.
  5. Cross the beach or upper track to the creek at the far end.
  6. Cross the creek and look left/upβ€”you’ll see the Homunga Bay track sign heading back into the bush.
  7. Continue through overgrown cutty grass to the second and last toilet (near Boat Bay).
  8. The track improvesβ€”keep looking back for photo-worthy views of Boat Bay.
  9. Cross a clearingβ€”only 17 minutes to go!
  10. Reach Homunga Bay after about 2 hrs 15 mins total walk time.

Β 

Bonus: If you’ve arranged a pickup, continue on the marked trail to Ngatitangata Rd (1 hour walk, easier than returning the same way).

🧽 Navigation & Safety

  • Phone reception: Patchy to poor beyond Orokawa BayΒ 
  • Map needed? Not essential, but note the turnoffs at Orokawa
  • Common wrong turns? Missing re-entry to Homunga track after creek at Orokawa
  • Weather considerations:
    • Slippery after rain
    • Hot in full sunβ€”go early
    • Sandflies at Homunga (legendary numbers!)

🧲 What to Bring

  • Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners
  • Water: 1–2 litres per person – no drinkable water available
  • Snacks or lunch: Perfect spot to picnic at Homunga Bay
  • Sun/weather protection: Hat, sunscreen, raincoat if changeable
  • Insect repellent: YES. The sandflies will test your patience.
  • Optional extras: Swimmers, towel, camera, surfcasting rod (if you can carry it!)

🍽 Nearby Facilities

  • Closest cafΓ©: Flatwhite CafΓ© – beachfront at Waihi Beach; ideal post-walk bite
  • Picnic tables or shade: Natural shade under pōhutukawa at both Orokawa and Homunga
  • Playgrounds nearby: Waihi Beach Domain – great for kids pre/post walk
  • Accommodation: Waihi Beach has motels, baches, campgrounds within 5–10 minutes

Insider Tips

  • Go early on weekdays to avoid crowds and mid-summer heat
  • December pōhutukawa bloom makes it feel like Christmas in paradise
  • Homunga Bay is a great surfcasting spotβ€”take a rod if you’re up for it
  • Use the creek crossing at Orokawa as your landmark for the Homunga track
  • If returning via Ngatitangata Rd, the green/yellow markers make navigation easy
  • Look back for the best views of Boat Bay don’t just charge forward!

πŸ“ Useful Links

πŸ‘€ My Experience on This Walk

  • Date of walk: January 2025Β Weather: Clear skies, dry underfoot, sea breeze
  • What I loved: The total isolation of Homunga despite being so close to town
  • Unexpected moment: KererΕ« bombing past me with a thunderclap of wings
    • Tips: Bring extra water and don’t forget the repellent

πŸ–‹οΈ Final Thoughts

What stood out the most: The contrastβ€”from bustling Waihi Beach to the calm, wind-swept remoteness of Homungaβ€”makes this one of the best half-day adventures in the Bay of Plenty.

Who I’d recommend this walk for: Confident walkers, bird lovers, beach bums, and anyone who wants a taste of the wild coast without an overnight pack.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. I might even plan a pickup next time and bring a rod for a beachside dinner.

What I’d do differently next time: Stay longer at Homunga. That beach deserves more than a brief visit.

β€œThe Homunga Track is a gem. Just don’t underestimate itβ€”it’s got climbs, roots, and slippery bits. But that’s what keeps it wild.” – Sandra, Freewalks walking specialist

β€œI’ve hiked all over NZ and Homunga was a surprise. Stunning, quiet, and with just enough challenge to feel earned.” – Tom R., Wellington, walked February 2025

FAQs

Can I camp at Homunga Bay?

No – it’s not a DOC campsite and camping is not permitted. You can’t camp on any of the beaches either.

Is the walk suitable for young kids?

Only for confident walkers aged 8+. It’s not stroller-friendly and some cliff sections require care.

Can I fish at Homunga Bay?

Yes – it’s a great surfcasting spot. Bring your gear in, and keep an eye on tides.

Photos of my walk

See more of my walks in Waihi