Last updated October 2026
The Homunga Bay Track winds around the headlands of the Orokawa Scenic Reserve north of Waihī Beach to Homunga Bay, a popular fishing spot. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed this track as partly closed: “The Homunga Bay Track is open, providing access to Homunga Bay Beach only.
The connection through to Orokawa Bay Track, William Wright Falls Track and Waihī Beach is currently closed due to large slips.” DOC says Homunga Bay can also be accessed from the end of Ngatitangata Road. DOC grades the track Advanced and gives 2 hr one way. It is about 41 km from Tauranga; check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Homunga Bay Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Northern end of Waihī Beach, or end of Ngatitangata Road (the link from Waihī Beach and Orokawa Bay was closed when checked on 18 October 2026)
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 2 hr one way
- Track length
- 5 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (open to Homunga Bay Beach only; link to Orokawa Bay and Waihī Beach closed by large slips). Check DOC before you go.
About Homunga Bay Track
The track is part of the coastal walks in Orokawa Scenic Reserve. It runs around the headlands north of Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay, and DOC suggests combining it with the Orokawa Bay Track and William Wright Falls Track for a full day on the coast.
From Homunga Bay, a pole-marked route crosses adjacent farmland to Ngatitangata Road. DOC notes this is a steep climb, so many people doing a one-way trip start at Ngatitangata Road and walk through to Waihī Beach. When we checked on 18 October 2026, the coastal link was closed, so this was the way to reach the bay.
DOC describes Homunga Bay as a popular fishing location.
Track Closure
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert said the track was open for access to Homunga Bay Beach only. The connection through to the Orokawa Bay Track, the William Wright Falls Track and Waihī Beach was closed due to large slips. Check DOC before you go for any change.
Coastal Safety
DOC warns: “In places on this track, there are cliffs and high drop-offs and areas are changeable by nature.” Keep to the track and keep children close. “The track may be inaccessible at high tide.” DOC says swimming is not recommended, as the coastline can be dangerous, especially in rough conditions.
For rock fishers, DOC notes that “Several people have died while rock fishing near Homunga Bay”, and advises fishing with a companion, wearing a life jacket, carrying two waterproof ways to call for help and never turning your back on the sea. Wasps can be aggressive if disturbed. Tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Homunga Bay Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Orokawa Scenic Reserve: the Orokawa Bay and William Wright Falls tracks.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Homunga Bay Track open?
Partly. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said it was open for access to Homunga Bay Beach only, and the link to Orokawa Bay, William Wright Falls and Waihī Beach was closed due to large slips. Check DOC before you go.
How do I get to Homunga Bay?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, from the end of Ngatitangata Road, via the pole-marked route across farmland.
How long does it take?
DOC gives 2 hr one way for the track.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced, with a steep climb and cliffs in places.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Can I swim at Homunga Bay?
DOC says swimming is not recommended, as the coastline can be dangerous.
Is the track passable at high tide?
DOC warns it may be inaccessible at high tide.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.