Whakanewha Loop through Nikau forest

Meander through stunning Nikau forest and native bush. Shady in the summer, sheltered in the rain, this is a year-round locals’ favourite.

Location

This beautiful walk is located within Whakanewha Regional Park, Omiha, Waiheke Island.The start point is the ‘Sculpture car park’ on Gordons Road, in Whakanewha Regional Park. The easiest way to get here is by car.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the Rocky Bay bus to Omiha Memorial Hall and follow the signs from the end of Omiha Road, into the park along the shoreline, and meet with Cathedral track and turn left to join the walk (20 minutes extra walk).

Track Summary

A shady, beautiful, loop walk within the Whakanewha Regional Park.

Well-maintained, gently graded park tracks. Predominantly gravel and dirt tracks with some steps, with mostly gentle inclines.

Due to a section near to the beach with nesting rare New Zealand dotterels, no dogs are allowed on this loop walk. (See Whakanewha Dog Loop walk for a dog-friendly alternative).

Supple jack, epiphytes, giant tree ferns and rata vine are just some of the flora along the route. Tūī, pīwakawaka (fantails), kererū (wood pigeons) and kōtare (kingfisher) may be seen in the bush, and the rare NZ dotterel and other shore birds found foraging along the beach.