Waipatiki beach walk, Saturday 22 November 2025
Banner Photo: Dwarfed by the cliffs and hemmed in by sea
Tramp organiser Di checked in on Friday night with those who had their names down for Saturday’s Waipatiki coastal walk. She offered some options, as she wasn’t sure if the coastal track was clear. But next morning, after checking the gear and expectations with the six assembled at Park Island, we set off – excited about the prospects.
Descending to the beach
Happy memories of this circular walk included the steep climb from the beach, which then creeps along a narrow, well-defined track hugging the coastline, with views out to Mahia. There was some beach rock-hopping followed by an easy stroll alongside farmland, before heading up the hill to finally wander down through the impressive nikau forest and back to the cars. A real mix of terrain and landscapes. Would today’s tramp offer the same?
For those who have similar memories, hold on to them – because Gabrielle’s fury has altered the coastal walkway. It now bears the scars of the cyclone’s wrath.
It wasn’t long before the group realised that this track was different. The flax has enjoyed a couple of years’ growth without walkers keeping it in check. Where the track hugs the coastline, there was no chance of enjoying the Mahia views. We were too busy watching out for the trip factor of flax, now worsened by rampant toitoi. Vicious blackberry added to the challenge, ripping exposed flesh. Then, to totally throw us, the track simply disappeared.
So we scrambled down to the beach, but that was also fraught with hazards. Now we were rock-hopping on steroids. The rocks were big and their surfaces sharp. Some of us wished that we’d brought gardening gloves!
Where are we?
As we zigzagged up and down from the remnants of the track to the beach and vice versa, we helped each other navigate the challenging route. We did this by dragging people out of blackberry, soothing cuts from toitoi, lending a helping hand to pull climbers up a ridge, suggesting safe footholds, scouting ahead for possible routes and encouraging each other to remain positive.
About halfway along the walk, we came to an impasse. So, with Health and Safety front of mind, we decided to turn around and head back to Waipatiki. The return trip was basically a repeat of what we had already experienced, the hazards testing our endurance and happy frames of mind. Once Waipatiki Beach was in sight, morale lifted. The waves beckoned. So, after a bite to eat and coffee, most were in the sea bathing their blackberry wounds and catching the waves.
The rocks are not kind to skin
With adrenaline re-activated, we set off to enjoy the contrasting environment of the nikau forest circuit. Evidence of more recent weather activities was present here, with fallen kanuka branches needing to be cleared off the track. This was done with lots of humour – a clear sign our spirits were lifting.
To complete the trifecta of options offered on Friday night by team leader Di, we headed to Tangoio Beach to venture to Flat Rock. However, Gabrielle’s impact had been felt here too. After a short stint of more rock-hopping, we pulled the pin and headed for real fruit ice-creams in Bayview.
The healing power of an ice-cream is amazing, for it wasn’t long before we were all sitting happily around the BBQ table enjoying our treats and reminiscing on an adventurous day’s outing. Our trials and tribulations melted away.
Group photo taken by Di
Thanks to Di for her leadership and to the camaraderie of our team. We enjoyed the challenge of a tramp with unexpected ups and down – and many scratches.
Trampers: Di Reid, Kate Fuller, Marc Marchal, Selina Chilton, John Dobbs, John Russell and reporter Margaret Palmer
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