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Awaroa Pioneer Trail #9

Itinerary

Walk 2 hours Awaroa to Tonga Quarry. Discover what attracted Māori and European settlement on the granite coast.

9.20am Depart Kaiteriteri to take a scenic cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve to see its resident seal colony

11.05am  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, then start your 5km (3 mile) walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti (gentle grade up to maximum elevation 85m/280ft)

Walk along the spectacular golden sands of Onetahti Beach, then continue for around 20 minutes along the coastal track to picturesque Tonga Quarry cove

3pm  Depart Tonga Quarry

4.15pm  Return to Kaiteriteri

For a beach stop at historic Awaroa see our Dine and Explore option.