Experience Pakiri…

The 14 kilometre-long stunning coastline of Pakiri makes for a truly idyllic place to escape from the crowds.

Must dos at
Pakiri…

• See the awesome views from the top of Pakiri Hill
• Surf, swim or just laze on the beautiful white sandy beach
• Walk south to see the anemones in the rock pools

To Get To Pakiri

From Leigh it is only about 9 kilometres to Pakiri. Drive north past the Goat Island Road turnoff and travel up Pakiri Hill. Stop at the top where you can enjoy spectacular views over Leigh, Omaha and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. On a clear day you might see Rangitoto Island or the Sky Tower. The road then descends until you reach the beach turnoff. The road is sealed all the way up the hill but becomes unsealed and narrow in places.

Facilities at Pakiri

The main attraction to Pakiri is the remoteness of this beautiful beach.  Near the beach access there is a small parking area with toilets. The Pakiri Holiday Park is right next to the beach and has a small shop. 

Swimming and Surfing at Pakiri

Pakiri Beach is great for surfing, swimming and having fun in the waves. Be aware though that areas of calm between the waves are NOT the best places to swim as it usually means it is an area with rips. Best to swim where the surf lifesavers patrol during summer

Fishing on Pakiri Beach

There are usually a few fishermen lined up along Pakiri Beach.  The best method is to have a surf caster to get your bait and hooks out past the surf. You might be lucky to catch a snapper or two here.

Pakiri Beach Walks

You can enjoy a good walk to the southern end of Pakiri Beach which takes around 20 minutes each way. There are usually oyster catchers, dotterels and terns on the beach while out to sea Australasian gannets dive for food. Looking out to sea you might also spot some passing bottlenose dolphins or orca. To cross to the northern side you might need to get your feet wet to walk through the water flowing from the river to the sea. However, there will be very few people on this piece of beach other than a few horse riders who regularly ride alongside the beach.

Te Araroa Walk

This New Zealand system of walkways includes a section from Te Arai along the beach to Pakiri. The next section from Pakiri Beach follows Pakiri River Road for 3km.  Continue south on Bathgate Road which passes Pakiri School. Look for a driveway with a Te Araroa sign and follow the orange track markers that lead up the ridgeline. This track is steep and travels through farmland for 2-3km. It takes you to the end of Rodney Road where the views are exceptional. The track then continues to Mount Tamahunga. See more on Walks.

Pakiri Regional Park

The park is still undeveloped although some planting has been done. From the beach the park land rises steeply and includes mature coastal pohutukawa trees. See more under regional parks.