
Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track
A breathtaking coastal walkway offering stunning views of the Bay of Plenty, with challenging stairs and beautiful bays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.

Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal walkway offering stunning views of the Bay of Plenty, with challenging stairs and beautiful bays.
"Refreshing climb up the hill intro a nice breeze and fabulous views from Whakaari to the plains."

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven terrain, good footwear is a must for this walk.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb. There are limited facilities along the track.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kohi Point Scenic Reserve
Start of the track from Ohope
Panoramic views of Whakatari, Moutohora Island, and the Bay of Plenty. A perfect picnic spot.

Otarawairere Bay
Along the track from Ohope
A beautiful secluded bay ideal for a swim and lunch break during your walk.

Coastal Vistas
Throughout the track
Enjoy refreshing sea breezes and breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Stairs!
Best Views & Picnic Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven terrain, good footwear is a must for this walk.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb. There are limited facilities along the track.
Found this photo on Twitter, where could it be?
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Beautiful spots to stop and eat with amazing views. Otarawairere Bay is perfect.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning, so don't forget your camera or phone for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven terrain, good footwear is a must for this walk.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb. There are limited facilities along the track.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Beautiful spots to stop and eat with amazing views. Otarawairere Bay is perfect.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning, so don't forget your camera or phone for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal views and the refreshing nature of the walk, particularly highlighting Kohi Point Scenic Reserve as a prime spot for photos and picnics. While many find the numerous stairs a good workout, some mention it can be challenging. Overall, it's considered a beautiful and rewarding experience.
"Refreshing climb up the hill intro a nice breeze and fabulous views from Whakaari to the plains"
David Holland
"A lovely picnic area with amazing views"
Bethy Robinson (Beth)
"Lovelynplace to walk"
Laurence Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The track can be accessed from both Ohope Beach and Whakatane. Many visitors start at Kohi Point Scenic Reserve in Ohope and walk towards Whakatane, or vice versa. Parking is available at both ends.
Information on public transport options can be limited. It's often easiest to drive or arrange a taxi/rideshare if you're not completing a one-way walk. Check local bus schedules for routes between Whakatane and Ohope.
Yes, the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track is a linear walk, meaning you can start at either the Ohope or Whakatane end and walk to the other. Consider your transport arrangements if doing a one-way trip.
Parking is available at Kohi Point Scenic Reserve (Ohope end) and near the Whakatane end of the track. Popular spots can fill up, especially during peak season.
The track is primarily designed for walking and hiking. While some sections might be manageable for experienced mountain bikers, it's not generally recommended due to stairs and narrow paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track is free. It's a public walkway managed by local councils.
The track is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee to access and walk the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track.
While there aren't typically official guided tours for this specific track, local tourism operators in Whakatane or Ohope might offer guided walks or adventure packages that include it.
No permits are required for general public access to the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The full track from Ohope to Whakatane is approximately 7km and can take 2-3 hours one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos or breaks.
The track involves a significant number of stairs and some steep inclines, particularly the section between Ohope and Otarawairere Bay. It's considered moderately challenging but very rewarding.
Toilets are generally available at the main access points like Kohi Point Scenic Reserve and in Whakatane. Facilities along the track itself are limited, so plan accordingly.
You'll be treated to stunning coastal views, including Whakaari (White Island), Moutohora Island, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding bays and headlands.
The Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track is generally well-marked with signage. However, it's always a good idea to have a map or use a navigation app, especially if you're exploring side paths.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dedicated cafes or restaurants directly on the track. It's best to pack your own food and drinks, or plan to eat in Ohope or Whakatane before or after your walk.
Absolutely! The track offers numerous scenic spots perfect for a picnic. Kohi Point Scenic Reserve and Otarawairere Bay are particularly popular and beautiful locations.
Whakatane and Ohope both have a good selection of cafes, restaurants, and takeaways. You can find everything from casual bites to more formal dining options.
It is not recommended to drink water from natural sources along the track due to potential contamination. Always carry sufficient water with you.
You are unlikely to find food stalls directly on the walking track. It's advisable to be self-sufficient or dine in the nearby towns.
📸 📸 Photography
Kohi Point Scenic Reserve offers incredible panoramic views. Otarawairere Bay is also very picturesque. Look for elevated points along the track for sweeping coastal shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check with local authorities and ensure you are aware of any restrictions in scenic reserves or near populated areas before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant islands like Whakaari. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
The main viewpoints at Kohi Point Scenic Reserve are a must. Also, keep an eye out for smaller, unmarked lookouts that offer unique perspectives of the coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited. Otarawairere Bay is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and a play on the beach, making the effort worthwhile for younger adventurers. Ensure children have sturdy shoes and are supervised closely, especially near any steep drop-offs.
🚶 Solo Adventurers
Enjoy the freedom to set your own pace, stopping whenever you wish to admire the views or take photos. The sense of accomplishment after completing the track, especially the stair sections, is immense. You might even encounter other walkers to share a friendly greeting with.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive ocean views and consider a telephoto lens for distant islands. Golden hour is your best friend here for dramatic lighting. Remember to also capture the smaller details of the native flora and fauna.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track
Key sections include the initial climb from Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, which provides stunning vistas of the Bay of Plenty, and the descent towards Otarawairere Bay, a secluded gem perfect for a rest or swim. The latter part of the track leads into Whakatane, offering different perspectives of the town and its surroundings. While the path is generally well-marked, wearing appropriate footwear and carrying water is crucial due to the demanding nature of the walk.
Many visitors opt for a one-way walk, requiring a plan for transportation back to their starting point. This could involve arranging a taxi, using a local shuttle service if available, or having a friend pick them up. The effort is consistently described as worthwhile, with the panoramic views being a major draw for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Allure of Otarawairere Bay
The journey to Otarawairere Bay often involves navigating a significant number of stairs, a testament to the track's challenging yet rewarding nature. The effort is consistently praised by those who make the trek, with the bay's secluded charm and stunning scenery being a significant payoff.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic or a refreshing dip in the ocean, Otarawairere Bay delivers. Its accessibility via the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Track makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this scenic part of New Zealand.
Capturing the Views: Photography on the Track
Timing is key for the best photographic results. Visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – will bathe the landscape in warm, soft light, creating dramatic and memorable images. Midday sun can be harsh, leading to blown-out highlights and deep shadows, so consider this when planning your walk.
Beyond the main viewpoints, keep an eye out for smaller, less obvious spots along the track that offer unique perspectives. The interplay of light on the water, the rugged coastline, and the lush greenery provides endless opportunities for creative shots. Don't forget to capture the details too, like native flora or the texture of the coastal rocks.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit