Pangea Guides

Whatipu is the southernmost beach, and the most isolated. The last 7km of the road there is unsealed, but in good condition. There's a track from the carpark to the beach conservatively signposted as 15min walk. There are several volcanic outcrops surrounding the beach, and native vegetation including cabbage trees along the path. Manukau Harbour is just to the south of the beach, separated by Paratutae Island. Paratutae is joined to the beach except at high tide. There are caves signposted 20min walk from the car park; the track is muddy during winter. The caves are less spectacular than they once were because they've partially filled up with sand.