Waiharakeke Bay

Waiharakeke Bay is a small sandy bay with a 10-site Department of Conservation tent campsite on Abel Tasman’s northern Coast Track, between Awaroa and Tōtaranui. It’s a planned overnight for a walking or private-boat trip, not a drive-up beach: there’s no road access, and scheduled water taxis don’t run to bays north of Tōtaranui. Book the campsite ahead, any time of year.

The campsite sits in native coastal bush just off the track, with the beach a short walk away. There’s a flush toilet, untreated water and picnic tables; boil the water before drinking. A recent camp report also mentions a separate sink by the tap. Dogs aren’t allowed, and fires are allowed only in designated fireplaces when there’s no fire ban. On the sand, look south toward Awaroa along the beach and wooded headlands.

If you’re walking north from Awaroa, the Coast Track crosses Awaroa Inlet on a daylight tide window: from 1½ hours before to 2 hours after low tide. Storm surge and heavy rain can affect the crossing, so check the Department of Conservation’s tide guidance as you plan the route. From Tōtaranui, Waiharakeke is reached on foot along the Coast Track; beyond Tōtaranui, you’ll need to walk or arrange a private boat.

Waiharakeke is also the name of a coastal swamp and stream in this valley. Māori lived here before it became a milling community, drawn by plentiful kahikatea timber. Harakeke flax was useful in its own right: the long leaves of the wharanui variety made strong fishing nets with fewer joins. One interpretation is that flax carried here from another Waiharakeke in the Wairau for seasonal fishing may have brought the name with it; that connection is possible, not settled.