From historic Awaroa Beach walk 4 hours to Medlands via Onetahuti, Tonga Quarry and Bark Bay waterfall trail.
9.15am Depart Kaiteriteri for the scenic cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve with its resident seal colony
10.55am Disembark on the Awaroa sandspit – a long stretch of golden sand with panoramic views of the largest estuary on the coast. Explore this historic area, with relics from Māori and European settlement. Continue exploring on the 5km (3 mile) walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti (gentle grade up to maximum elevation 85m/280ft). Here a unique board walk and bridge – designed by local Māori – leads through the forest to spectacular golden sands.
Walk along the beach and over the headland to explore historic Tonga Quarry. End your walk here (see Awaroa Pioneer Trail #9) or continue 4.1km (2.5 miles) over Tonga Saddle and around the Bark Bay inlet with its spectacular suspension bridge, along the waterfall trail to Medlands Beach.
5.05pm Depart Medlands Beach
6pm Return to Kaiteriteri