Annual Onetangi Beach Races »
The annual Onetangi Beach Races is one of Waiheke’s most iconic events held every February. It’s....
Whakanewha means “to shade the eyes from the setting sun.”
On the south side of the Waiheke Island, Whakanewha Regional Park is known for its mature coastal forest with taraire, kohekohe and old kanuka trees, cascading streams, and sweeping crescent-shaped beach cut in two by a forested headland. A large wetland is home to some uncommon birds, bittern, banded rail, spotless crake and the New Zealand dotterel.
At high tide the water is shallow, warm and ideal for children. Picnic spots on the foreshore are plentiful. At low tide a broad expanse of sandy tidal flats is revealed. The beach is divided into two sections by the pa promontory. The site became a regional park in 1994 and was officially opened in 2007.
Whakanewha Regional Park on is perfect for a day trip or a longer stay at Poukaraka Flats campground, which is set back from a sheltered swimming beach.
Birdwatchers can spot kererū, tūī, pīwakawaka (fantail) and tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) in the wetlands and along the coast, while kayakers can explore nearby inlets and bays. The parkland has a history of Māori and European settlement, with a pā site and terraces still visible on the headland. In the 1830s it was used for boat building and forestry by Pākehā settlers.
Walks through the park
Walks include Nīkau Track (2.5 hours), Pā Loop Track (30 minutes), Park Walk (2.5 hours) and the Rua Loop Track (30 minutes).
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