The Waikareao Estuary walkway is a flat, well-formed loop of boardwalk and path that rings a large tidal estuary right on the edge of the city. The long boardwalk sections, built to carry walkers and cyclists out over the water and mudflats, opened in the 1990s and have made the full circuit one of Tauranga's most popular everyday routes.
The loop is around nine kilometres all the way round, with shorter options, completely flat, and rich with estuary birdlife feeding along the tidal margins. It is the local go-to for a morning jog, a family bike ride or an easy sunset stroll, and the western side faces the setting sun beautifully.
Best of all, it is only about five minutes from Coastal Cottage, so close that you can simply ride there on the cottage bikes rather than driving. Flat, traffic-free and pram-friendly, it is ideal for a relaxed loop on two wheels.
Highlights
Flat estuary loop
A level boardwalk-and-path loop that is easy for all ages and abilities.
Cycle on the cottage bikes
Smooth, flat and traffic-free, it is ideal for a relaxed ride.
Birdlife and sunsets
Wading birds feed along the estuary, and the western light makes for great sunsets.
Tips for your visit
- Ride straight from the cottage on the bikes rather than driving.
- It is flat and pram- and bike-friendly the whole way.
- Time the western section for sunset over the water.
Getting there from the cottage
About 5 minutes by car, or a short ride from the cottage on the bikes.
Best time to visit
A morning jog or ride, or late afternoon for the sunset.