Tawharanui Regional Park is white sandy beaches overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. Farmland pastoral scenery, shingle beaches where low tide exposes pippi (shellfish) beds, native coastal bush and forest and regenerating wetlands.
The road to Tawharanui passes Warkworth and Matakana and continues winding through rolling farms. The end is in sight when you reach the gravel narrow road. The Tawharanui Regional Park embraces the end of a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean just north of Kawau Island.
The long, sandy beach on the northern side is considered to be one of the best swimming and surfing venues in the Auckland region.
Tawharanui Regional Park highlight
- A night trek to observe North Island brown kiwi with Habitat Tours. You can even join the tour from Auckland with a return later that evening.
Social media
Tawharanui Open Sanctury Society (Charitable Trust)
“To create an open sanctuary where visitors can freely experience a representative range of natural communities that would have originally been present on the Tawharanui peninsula”.
Imagine a coastal landscape where wetlands and forests are regenerating, treasured species like kiwi, pāteke, bellbird, whitehead and robin thrive, sheep and cattle graze and everyone is welcome.
Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary is a unique blend of conservation, recreation and sustainable farming within Tāwharanui Regional Park.
The open sanctuary includes mature and regenerating native bush, wonderful beaches, spectacular coastal cliffs, wetlands, heritage sites, a marine reserve and extensive areas of rich pasture.
A jewel in the crown is one of New Zealand’s original predator free sanctuaries for native birds and wildlife. The Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary is protected by a predator-proof fence where introduced pests such as feral cats, stoats and ferrets are unable to enter.
The regenerating bush rings with the sound of tui, kaka, bellbirds, North Island robins, saddlebacks, and red-crowned parakeets. The North Island brown kiwi is prolific and frequently spotted at night, and Tāwharanui is one of the rare places where you can see endangered takahē in the wild.
The beaches are renowned for their pohutukawa-lined beaches where all you can hear is the sea and the birds.
The rolling surf is perfect for boogie boarding and surfing. Note there are no lifeguards on duty. The surrounding marine reserve offers great diving and snorkelling.
Check the travel pack section for details on the marine reserve.
Low tide at Anchor Bay invites visitors to investigate swimming rock holes and watch the tide as pressurised water creates a temporary blow hole.
Watch the tides to ensure you are in a safe position.
Tawharanui is a mere 20 minutes drive from the bustle of Matakana village yet it feels a world away from shops and restaurants. Carry water, sunscreen and other essentials because there are no shops in the area. It is a regional park after all.
If you have two hours… The beautiful Anchor Bay makes even a short visit to the park worthwhile. Swim, surf or snorkel in its clear waters and picnic on the clean white sand.
Accommodation options
There is a large Auckland Council managed campground behind the dunes of Anchor Bay. Forward bookings are essential for this popular location. How to access Tāwharanui Regional Park.
Tawharanui Regional Park is part of a portfolio of Auckland Regional Parks for visitors to enjoy.
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. You will not pay any extra, that is guaranteed.
We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Our independence and reviews is funded by your purchases and affiliate commissions, at no additional cost to yourself… read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.
Travel pack information
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.
