Is there a car park at the start of the Pāpāmoa Hills walk?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the main track up to the trig station starts from the original car park at the end of Poplar Lane.
Tauranga Questions
Tauranga people helping Tauranga people. Ask about any place, or answer one for a local.
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Questions here are answered by locals.
Type of place
Is there much shade on the way up to the trig, or is it open most of the way?
Are there bridges and boardwalks along Te Ara o Wairākei, or is it all plain path?
Over the FenceCity guide
There are bridges and boardwalks as well as paths. A series of them has been installed along the reserve, and the walkways have been widened so walkers and cyclists can share them.
Are there any public toilets along the paths, or best to go before you set off?
Do I need a key to launch a boat at the Pāpāmoa beach ramps?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, access to the ramps at Taylor Reserve, Harrison's Cut and Pāpāmoa Domain will soon need a key, and a bond applies. You can request one from Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000.
Is it doable in a wheelchair from the reserve accesses, or is the sand too soft?
Can I ride a bike on the Mauao tracks?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, biking isn't allowed on Mauao. Horses, camping, drones, fires and smoking are also not permitted.
How much shade is there on the base track on a hot afternoon?
Can library staff help me get started with BorrowBox for ebooks?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, staff at Pāpāmoa Library can help you access e-collections such as BorrowBox, as well as find materials and place holds.
Can you print or photocopy at Pāpāmoa library, and roughly what does it cost?
Are there picnic tables near Pāpāmoa Beach?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there are picnic tables and open spaces near Fashion Island and Papamoa Plaza, and at reserves along the foreshore.
Is the water shallow and gentle enough for little kids at Pāpāmoa?
Are the currents strong when fishing around Moturiki?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, currents around Moturiki can be strong, so take care. High tide gives the best results, whether you fish from the rocks or wade in.
Is Salisbury Wharf a good spot for kids just learning to fish?
What was Moturiki Island used for before it became a reserve?
Over the FenceCity guide
It has been a Māori pā, a quarry, a marine aquarium and a tourist attraction called Leisure Island. Today it is a protected reserve with a walking track.
How hard is it to find parking near Marine Parade on a summer weekend?
What is the Māori name for the Main Beach entrance to Mauao?
Over the FenceCity guide
It's Hinekite Takutai, where a pouwhenua welcomes visitors at the entrance. The Pilot Bay entrance on the harbour side is called Waikorire and has one too.
Is there any natural shade on the sand in the afternoon, or do you need your own umbrella?
Do you have to pay or book to use the Pilot Bay boat ramp?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, launching at the Pilot Bay boat ramp is free and you don't need to book. It can close at short notice because of landslide risk, so check before you go.
Is there any decent shade on the beach in the afternoon, or do you need your own?
Are scooters allowed at the Mount Maunganui skate parks?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, scooters are welcome. Scooting is one of the wheeled sports the Tauranga skateparks and pump tracks cater for, alongside skateboarding, BMX, roller and inline skating.
How busy does Destination Skatepark get after school and on weekends?
Can I print or photocopy at the Mount Maunganui library?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, you can scan, photocopy and print, but printing and photocopying are charged. You don't need to be a library member to use the service.
How easy is it to get around inside the library with a wheelchair? Is the entrance step free?
Is there a night market at Coronation Park in summer?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the Gourmet Night Market has been held there on Fridays over summer, for example from 20 December 2024 to 28 February 2025. Check the dates for the current season.
Are there any picnic tables at Coronation Park, or do you just sit on the grass?
Can I take a wheelchair or mobility scooter on the Waterfall Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
Only part of it. Part of the Waterfall Track is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, but not the whole loop.
Is the track to the falls slippery after rain? Need to know what shoes to wear.
Are there toilets near the playground at Mount Drury?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there are toilets in the reserve, on the path that runs from the beach through the playground area to Maunganui Road.
Is there a drinking tap or fountain at the reserve, or should I bring my own water?
Where do I park at Te Puna Quarry Park if the gates are closed?
Over the FenceCity guide
Park outside the gates. When the main gates are closed on their automatic timer, the park is still open to pedestrians and cars can be parked outside the gates.
Is there much shade on the circular track, or is it pretty exposed in the afternoon?
Is cellphone reception any good at Memorial Park?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, cellphone reception at Memorial Park is reliable, so you shouldn't have trouble with calls or data while you're there.
Is either playground good for a toddler, or is it mostly gear for bigger kids?
How do I find the turn-off to Kaiate Falls from Waitao Road?
Over the FenceCity guide
Drive up Waitao Road for about 4.9km, then turn left onto Kaiate Falls Road. The reserve is a further 1km along, and a vehicle track leads to the car park.
Do the falls still flow well in a dry spell, or is it worth waiting until after rain?
Is there free parking at the Pāpāmoa library?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, parking is free out the front of Pāpāmoa Library. There's also a drop-off zone and mobility parking spaces.
Is it easy to find a quiet study spot at the main library on weekday afternoons?
Is there a short walk near Minden Lookout?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, Minden Scenic Reserve has a loop walk of about 15 minutes return. The entrance is off Ainsworth Road in Te Puna, with a small car park near the start of the track.
Is there a public toilet at the lookout or the reserve car park?
Are there toilets at the start of the Ōtanewainuku tracks?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there is a toilet at the trailhead by the small car park. A public shelter and picnic area are right there beside the road too.
Has anyone taken a pram around the Rimu Loop? Is the surface okay for wheels?
How long does the walk from Yatton Park to Turret Road take?
Over the FenceCity guide
Allow about an hour for the walk between Yatton Park and Turret Road. The Esk Street and Yatton Park loop is shorter at about 40 minutes return.
Is the park easy to get around with a pram, or are the paths bumpy in places?
Is there drinking water at Kulim Park?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there's a drinking fountain at the park, and public toilets are on site too.
Is the toddler playground at Kulim Park fenced off from the car park and the water?
Is the Kauri Point reserve walk open near the jetty?
Over the FenceCity guide
Partly. The southern section from the boat ramp to the historic pā is open, but the northern section from the pā is closed. Take care near the cliff edges.
Does anyone fly fish for kahawai off the harbour jetties, or is it mostly bait?
Can I get a wheelchair or pram around Toi Tauranga Art Gallery?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, both levels of the gallery are fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams, and there is seating throughout. Assistance dogs are welcome too.
Does anyone run guided tours of the gallery, or is it just wander round on your own?
How much boardwalk is there at Gordon Carmichael Reserve?
Over the FenceCity guide
There are 230 metres of boardwalk lined with native plants, as part of more than two kilometres of walkways through the reserve.
Is the playground fenced, or is it open to the car park?
How long is the sealed cycleway through Kōpūrererua Valley?
Over the FenceCity guide
The sealed cycleway and walkway is 6 km. It runs from The Lakes at Tauriko to Waihi Road, near the city centre.
How busy does the sealed path get with walkers and dog walkers on weekends?
Are the Johnson Reserve tracks shaded or out in the sun?
Over the FenceCity guide
It's a mix. The tracks run through native bush and along streams and wetlands, and also cross some open grassed areas, so you get both bush cover and open sections.
How are the boardwalks and gravel for a wheelchair? Any spots too rough to get through?
How long does it take to walk between Maxwells Rd, Kulim Park and Fergusson Park?
Over the FenceCity guide
Maxwells Rd to Kulim Park is about 15 minutes, Kulim Park to Beach Rd Reserve about 10, and Beach Rd Reserve to Fergusson Park about 15.
How do young kids on bikes cope here with walkers and the boardwalk?
How often does water get released on the Wairoa River upstream of Poripori?
Over the FenceCity guide
Water is released from the Lake McLaren Dam on 26 days a year. Check the release dates before you head out, since flows rise fast on those days.
What's it like underfoot in the water, slippery rock or any sand?
Is there a car park at the start of the Tuahu Kauri track?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there's a car park at the Hot Springs Road end, where the track starts. Allow about 25 minutes from it to the Tuahu Kauri junction.
Any steep bits on the way to the kauri, or is it an easy grade the whole way?
What sort of scenery will I see on the Ohauiti Reserve Walkway?
Over the FenceCity guide
It's a destination walkway with bushwalks, flood plains and grassland, so you get a mix of bush and open ground on a short, easy outing close to Tauranga.
Is there much shade on the loop, or is it mostly open grass in the afternoon?
Are dogs allowed at Ōmanawa Falls?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, only service dogs are allowed at Te Rere o Ōmanawa. Pet dogs can't be brought onto the reserve.
How slippery do the stairs and track get after a good bit of rain?
What time does Yatton Park open and close?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yatton Park is open 8am to 8pm in spring and summer during daylight saving hours, and 8am to 6pm in autumn and winter.
How much shade is there along the estuary edge in the afternoon, or is it mostly open?
Can I bring a mountain bike on the Wairere Falls track?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, mountain biking is prohibited on the Wairere Falls track. Abseiling is also not allowed, so plan on walking it.
Does the car park fill up on a weekend? Is there room to park on the road?
Is it safe to leave valuables in the car at Aongatete?
Over the FenceCity guide
Don't leave anything on show. The car park is remote, so lock the vehicle and keep all valuables out of sight. If you see suspicious activity, report it to the police.
Are the swimming holes shallow enough for young kids to paddle?
How do I find the turnoff to Ngamuwahine Road from SH29?
Over the FenceCity guide
Ngamuwahine Road turns off SH29 about 9 km on the Tauranga side of the Kaimai Range summit. Follow it to Ngamuwahine Lodge at the road end.
Is there anywhere sandy along the stream, or is it mostly rocks and stones?
Can I carry on past the reservoir to the Otawa Trig Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes. Take the left turn below the reservoir and you reach the Otawa Trig Track after about 1 hour 45 minutes. Otherwise return the same way.
Can you get a pram along the Reservoir Track, or is it too rough?
Is the whole Waikareao loop sealed or is some of it gravel?
Over the FenceCity guide
Not all of it is sealed. The loop is a mix of boardwalks, bridges, gravel and sealed footpath, so expect some gravel sections along the way.
Is there anywhere to fill up a water bottle along the loop?
What was The Strand called before it got its current name?
Over the FenceCity guide
It began as a beach strip called The Beach, later Beach Road, running from the foot of the Taumata Kahawai Pā site. It's also where Tauranga's earliest commercial buildings stood.
Where are the nearest public toilets to the playground and tidal steps?
Are there shorter marked routes at The Lakes instead of doing the whole network?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there are marked 3 km and 5 km routes. They start and finish near the corner of Double Bay Road and North Bay Road.
Is there much shade along the paths on a hot afternoon?
Is there parking at Huharua Harbour Park?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there is parking at the park, and you get in by public road.
Do young kids manage the paths down to the beach and estuary okay?
Where is the Omanu surf club located?
Over the FenceCity guide
The surf club is at 15 Surf Road in Omanu, Mount Maunganui.
Is there any shade on the beach in the afternoon, or do you need your own umbrella?
Are there toilets on the Te Waihou Walkway to Blue Spring?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there are toilets at the Whites Road carpark, along the track and near the Blue Spring viewing deck. There are four in total, but only three are currently operational.
Is there anywhere to get changed after a swim at the Whites Road end?
Is the Western Bay Museum in Katikati open at the moment?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, it's temporarily closed for a $1 million redevelopment and is due to reopen in March 2027. Check before planning it into your day.
How are the footpaths along Main Road for a wheelchair? Any steep bits or narrow spots?
What time is last entry at Waimangu Volcanic Valley?
Over the FenceCity guide
Last entry changes with the season, so there's no single time. The valley is open 8.30am to 5pm every month, 6pm in January, so check the website for the current last entry.
Are the tracks near the steaming craters fenced well enough for young kids?
Do I need a permit to visit Moutohorā (Whale Island)?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, you need a permit to visit Moutohorā. It's a wildlife management reserve protecting endangered birds and plants.
Are there any picnic tables near the beach, or do you need to bring your own seating?
Who is buried in the Tauranga Mission Cemetery at Otamataha?
Over the FenceCity guide
About 55 military men killed in the fighting around Tauranga, and 14 Māori warriors who died at the battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga.
Are the paths steep or uneven? Wondering if a pram or wheelchair would manage.
Can I pay with cash at Waimangu Volcanic Valley?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, Waimangu is completely cashless, so bring a credit or debit card. All payments onsite go on card, and no transaction fees apply.
Is parking easy near the entrance at the geothermal parks on a busy day?
Is there anything for kids to do at Mighty River Domain on Lake Karāpiro?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, Mighty River Domain has several pieces of children's playground equipment. It also hosts adventure activities like high ropes, low ropes, archery and team building.
Are there toilets near the Lake Loop Track at Mighty River Domain, and are they decent?
Can I walk to Orokawa Bay at any time, or does the tide matter?
Over the FenceCity guide
Tide matters. The track entrance at Waihi Beach may be inaccessible at high tide, so check the tide before you set out for Orokawa.
Is there a spot around Waihi Beach or Bowentown for jumping in, like a wharf or rocks?
Is there anything worth walking to from the Bond Store?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, Monmouth Redoubt, the old Taumatakahawai Pa site, is right next door. The Bond Store sits against the lower flanks of it, so it's a very short walk.
Is parking easy near the Bond Store at the north end of The Strand?
Is the old mining ground at Karangahake Gorge safe to walk through with kids?
Over the FenceCity guide
Parts of the walkway pass contaminated ground with arsenic and heavy metals from old mining. Don't take anything away from the area, and wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
Has anyone taken a pram around the Rail Tunnel Loop? Wondering if there are steps or rough bits.
What is there to see at Gate Pā Historic Reserve?
Over the FenceCity guide
There are carvings dedicated to both British and Māori fighters, and signage to read. You can stroll through the grounds to take it all in.
Are there public toilets at the reserve or close by?
Is there a map to help me find my way around the Historic Village?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the Historic Village website has an interactive site map and a business directory, so you can find what you're after before you go.
Is it worth bringing young kids, or is there not much for them to do?
Can I bring my dog to The Elms?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, dogs and other animals aren't allowed at The Elms. The only exception is guide dogs.
Is parking easy to find near The Elms, or is it mostly street parking?
Are the Sunday tours at Brain-Watkins House guided?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the house opens for guided tours each Sunday from 2 to 4pm, and volunteers run them.
Is it easy to find parking near the house on a Sunday afternoon?
Are there toilets at Whangamatā Beach?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there are toilets at the beach, along with changing facilities and car parking.
Are there showers near the surf club to rinse off after a swim?
Where can I park for the Ōmokoroa peninsula walks?
Over the FenceCity guide
Park at Ōmokoroa Domain, The Esplanade or Harbour View Road. There is parking at the end of The Esplanade or off Harbour View Road, and you can also park at Gellibrand Place.
Can you take a dog on the walk around the point, or is it leads only?
Where's the nearest town for shops and a coffee on the way to Onemana?
Over the FenceCity guide
Whangamatā. It's on the way to Onemana from Tauranga and is the nearest town for shops and cafés.
Are the toilets at Onemana usually kept clean on busy summer weekends?
Are there public toilets at Whiritoa Beach?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there are toilets at Whiritoa Beach, along with a picnic area and car parking.
How easy is it to find parking close to the beach on a summer weekend?
Is there a boat ramp at Tanners Point, and can you use it at low tide?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there's a boat ramp beside the beach at the end of Tanners Point Road. It offers all-tide access, so you can launch at any state of the tide.
Does anyone know if dogs are allowed on the sand at Tanners Point?
Is there a good walk with views near Maketū Beach?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes. Walk up Little Waihi Road through the village to Pukemaire Pā for fantastic views. Seven historical markers line the way.
Is the surf at Maketū okay for beginners, or is it better to go somewhere else?
Is there a calmer spot to swim near Anzac Bay?
Over the FenceCity guide
Shelly Bay is a sheltered, safe swimming spot. Take the wide grassy track from the northern end of Anzac Bay and head straight ahead at the junction where several tracks meet.
How hard is it to find a park at Anzac Bay on a summer weekend?
Is Ōmokoroa Beach a sandy beach?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, it's a nice sandy beach in front of Ōmokoroa Domain, near the tip of the peninsula and just along from the local boat club.
Are there proper changing rooms near the beach, or do you just use the toilets?
Are there any cafés near the beach at Pāuanui?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, Pāuanui Village Centre has cafés and other facilities a short walk from the beach. The surf club is on Pauanui Boulevard.
Are there showers near the surf club to rinse off the salt and sand?
Can the lifeguards at Pukehina Beach retrieve a stuck kontiki?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the lifeguards can retrieve stuck kontikis along Pukehina Beach. They ask for a $100 donation towards their equipment.
Does the parking near the surf club fill up on hot summer weekends?
Is there a jetty for fishing near Ongare Point?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes. Kauri Point Historic Reserve next door has a long wooden jetty that reaches 200 metres out into the harbour, and it's very popular for fishing.
Are there any showers or a tap to rinse off at Ongare Point after a swim?
What time does Fergusson Park open and close?
Over the FenceCity guide
Fergusson Park is open from 5.30am to 10pm all year round. The toilets next to the boat ramp are open 24 hours.
Is there much shade near the water at Tilby Point in the afternoon?
Are there any swimming spots along the Crown Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the track has good swimming holes along the way. The lower part of the track regularly closes when heavy rain is forecast, so don't count on getting there after wet weather.
Are there any steep sections on the way to Dickey Flat, or is it mostly gentle?
Are dogs allowed on the Owharoa Falls track?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, dogs are allowed on the track. Keep your dog under control at all times.
Is the track to the falls manageable in a wheelchair, or is it too rough?
Can I go into the old mine tunnels on the Low-Level Loop?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, not unless a tunnel is clearly marked for public access. Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and can be hidden by vegetation, so stick to the marked track.
Could you get a pram around the Low-Level Loop, or are there too many stairs and rough bits?
Are there information panels along the Kaituna Wetland Loop Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there are interpretation panels along the walk with facts about the Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve and the wetland.
Can you get a pram around the loop, or is the surface too rough?
Are there any river crossings on the way to Waitawheta Hut?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the main track to the hut has one river crossing. There is a bypass track instead, which has just a few small side stream crossings.
Does the car park at the end of Franklin Road fill up on weekends?
Is the water at Te Rereatukahia Hut safe to drink straight from the tap?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, the tap water at the hut is not treated, so boil it before you drink it.
How steep is the climb up Tuahu East to the saddle?
Do I share the track back to the car park with vehicles?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes. The last stretch back to the car park is a roughly formed road, and 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes use it too, so keep a lookout for them.
Is there usually room to park at the Thompsons Track car park on weekends?
Can I walk the Lindemann Loop in either direction?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, it can be walked either way. At the first junction the left fork is a steep ridge climb and the right is the gentler Lindemann Pack Track, which is the easier direction.
Is the pack track mostly shaded, or are there open stretches in the sun?
Are mountain bikes allowed on the Rapurapu Kauri Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, mountain biking is not permitted on the Rapurapu Kauri Track. It is a walking track only.
Has anyone taken primary age kids along here? How did they cope with the stream crossings?
Are the stream crossings on the Waipapa Track bridged?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, the stream crossings are unbridged. They're normally small and safe to cross, but they can flood after heavy rain and become dangerous, so if in doubt, stay out.
Is the ridge section exposed, or do you get much shade along the way?
Is there phone coverage along the North-South Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
Only intermittently, so don't rely on your phone. Leave your intentions with a trusted contact before you go and carry a distress beacon.
How is parking at the Karangahake Gorge end if you leave a car for several days?
Is it safe to leave my car at the High-Level Pack Track car park?
Over the FenceCity guide
Lock it and keep all valuables out of sight, because the car park is in a remote location. If you see anything suspicious there, report it to the police.
Are there toilets at the car park at the start of the track?
Do I need to book Daly's Clearing Hut, and how much is a night?
Over the FenceCity guide
No booking is needed, the hut is first come, first served. It costs $15 a night for adults and $7.50 for youth aged 5 to 17, and children under 5 stay free.
How steep is the climb from Franklin Road up to the bush, and are there any rough sections?
Are mountain bikes allowed on the Waitengaue Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, mountain biking is not permitted on the Waitengaue Track. It is an Advanced tramping track, so plan to go on foot.
Is there room to park at the Woodland Road end, and is it okay to leave a car there all day?
Can the Tui Mine Track be done as part of a loop?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, it's the return leg of a loop with the Te Aroha Summit Track, also called the Bald Spur Track, which starts in Te Aroha Domain.
How much shade is there on the way down, or is it fairly exposed in the afternoon?
How long is the Homunga Bay Track in kilometres?
Over the FenceCity guide
The Homunga Bay Track is 5 km one way. It's an advanced tramping track, and the walk takes about 2 hours one way.
Is there much room to park at the end of Ngatitangata Road?
Where do I go if a tsunami warning sounds while I'm fishing at Pilot Bay?
Over the FenceCity guide
Evacuate to Blake Park / Bay Oval. Don't wait to pack up your gear if a tsunami warning is issued while you're at the bay.
Is Pilot Bay a good spot to take kids fishing for the first time?
Is the walk down to Cave Bay steep?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the path from the headland car park drops steeply down to Cave Bay. It's a small beach right at the harbour entrance.
Do the car parks at Bowentown fill up on summer weekends?
Can I take my dog to Kaituna Wetland while fishing the lower Kaituna?
Over the FenceCity guide
Not outside the hunting season, as dogs are not permitted then. Restrictions also apply during the season, so stick to the formed tracks.
Is there a firm, flat path to the water at the road ends or boat ramps for a wheelchair?
Are mountain bikes allowed on the Pylon Peak track?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, mountain bikes are not allowed on the Pylon Peak Summit Track. It is a walking track only.
Is the climb mostly in shade, or does the ridge get full sun in the afternoon?
Who looks after the beaches and dotterels at Maketū?
Over the FenceCity guide
The Maketū Ongatoro Wetlands group looks after the beaches and wetlands around Maketū. It also looks after the endangered NZ dotterel that nests on Maketū Spit.
Is Maketū a good spot to take kids fishing for the first time?
Is there a blowhole on Moturiki Island?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, at the northern tip of the island, reached by the walking track. It shoots water skyward during high tides and large ocean swells.
Is there a boat ramp close by for fishing around Moturiki, or is it all rock fishing?
Is there parking at the SH2 bridge for fishing the Wairoa?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, there's a gravel car park and boat ramp on the southern bank at the SH2 bridge. You get to it from Wairoa Road, just off the highway.
Has anyone taken a dog along when fishing the lower Wairoa near the bridge?
Does the water level change when they release water from the Lake McLaren dam?
Over the FenceCity guide
Water is released from the dam between 10am and 4pm, nearly always on Sundays, for rafters and kayakers in the 2026-27 season.
How close can you park to the water at Cherry Bay?
Is Pukehina Beach patrolled by lifeguards in summer?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes. Surf lifeguards patrol the swimming areas at Pukehina during summer, and the settlement has its own surf lifesaving club.
How crowded does Pukehina get with fishers and 4WDs on summer evenings?
How long is the track to Raparapahoe Falls?
Over the FenceCity guide
The track is about 1 km, and it's steep and rough. It can get slippery, so leave the jandals at home.
Do the falls still flow well in late summer or do they dry up a bit?
How far is the Leyland O'Brien Tramline Track to the North-South Track?
Over the FenceCity guide
It's 6.3 km from the Whakamarama Road end to the junction with the North-South Track, which takes about 2 hr 30 min one way.
How steep is the climb after the river crossing, and is it rough underfoot?
Are mountain bikes allowed on the track to Whataroa Falls?
Over the FenceCity guide
No, mountain biking isn't permitted on the Ōtanewainuku walking tracks, and that includes the Whataroa Falls side trip. Plan to go on foot.
Is the falls track muddy or slippery after rain, and where does it get worst?
What happens if I park outside the marked camping area at Pukehina?
Over the FenceCity guide
You risk a $400 fine. All your wheels need to be inside the designated camping area, which is outlined in yellow on the council's interactive map.
How quiet is it overnight at the Pukehina sites? Any noise from the road or other campers?
What should I pack for the Henderson Tramline Loop?
Over the FenceCity guide
Take a topographic map, strong boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, a first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. Expect wet feet, as the stream crossings aren't bridged.
Does the waterfall run much better after rain, or is it fine in dry spells?
Is there a boat ramp at Ōmokoroa Domain?
Over the FenceCity guide
Yes, the domain has boat ramps. Parking near the ramp can be hard to find on busy boating days, so it pays to arrive early.
Are there public toilets near the wharf, and are they usually open and clean?
Can I take my dog to the freedom camping sites at Waihī Beach?
Over the FenceCity guide
Dogs are welcome at a number of freedom camping sites, but not necessarily all of them. Check the council's dog walking areas map to confirm your site before you bring one.
Which of the five sites is quietest at night?
What is the fine if I break the freedom camping rules at Ōmokoroa?
Over the FenceCity guide
The fine is $400 for parking outside the marked camping area, staying in a vehicle that isn't certified self-contained, or staying more than three nights.
How sheltered is the Domain camping area when the wind picks up off the harbour?
Nothing here right now.