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Park activities

Bird watching
Boating
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Boating

The nearest boat ramp is at Kawakawa Bay.

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Camping - backpack
Diving
Dog walking with restrictions
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Dog walking with restrictions

Dogs are permitted if they are under control at all times or kept on a leash, but are prohibited at the campsite.

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Fishing
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Fishing

This is a good spot for fishing.

9 out of 10

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Kayaking
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Kayaking

Launch at Kawakawa bay, kayaking is a great way to access the park.

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Picnics
Sightseeing
Swimming
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Swimming

Tawhitokino is a relatively safe family beach with lovely clear water.

8 out of 10

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Walks (less than 1 hour)
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Walks (less than 1 hour)

Just getting to Tawhitokino is a walk in itself, remember to check the tide.

9 out of 10

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Wedding / civil union
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Wedding / civil union

This park has a beautiful backdrop but only has access by foot or water. If you think your guests won't mind the walk then please call the Senior Ranger Recreation on 09 366 2044 to discuss your booking.

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Tracks

Access to Tawhitokino
 ¾ hour / 0 km
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Tawhitokino

Between Orere Point township and Papanui Point lie a series of beaches whose quality is unequalled anywhere on the south-east coast of the Auckland region.

Please note this park is only accessible by foot and at low tide.

Tawhitokino, the more north-westerly beach, is a fairly straight and unbroken stretch of sand 1400m long. Taiwawe beach to the south east is about 750 metres long and broken into two parts. 

Two small streams feed into Tawhitokino, cutting into the bush-clad escarpment behind the beach. The flats that are normally created by stream action are very small. There are no perennial streams running into Taiwawe. The hinterland consists of gently sloping coastal ridges.

Park facilities

Camping - view details
Beaches
Tawhitokino Beach is straight and unbroken stretch of sand. Taiwawe beach is broken into two parts.
Interpretation
Long drop / vault toilet
Native bush
Parking
Parking at MCC car park only.
Toilet block
Picture of Tawhitokino
Take a picnic lunch for an idyllic day of of swimming, dozing and reading - but watch the tides.
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Park opening hours:

Summer:
Open 24 hours
Winter:
Open 24 hours

Weekend opening hours:

Summer:
Open 24 hours
Winter:
Open 24 hours

Public holiday opening hours:

Summer:
Open 24 hours
Winter:
Open 24 hours

How to get to Tawhitokino

From Clevedon follow the signs to Kawakawa Bay. Continue to Waiti Bay at the end of Kawakawa Bay Coast Rd. From there follow the Tawhitokino track on foot around the rocks and over Papanui Point to the beach. Access only at low tide.

Distance from Auckland CBD: 60 km

  
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