About | Whatipu Beach
Escape the crowds and go enjoy a day out at this rugged beauty. This is another great west coast beach to explore. There’s so much to see and the little ones will love a good adventure. I find these beaches to be great in summer and winter, whenever we go we hardly touch the water – we go to enjoy the wild beauty of this place. And no matter how many times you go, there’s always more to see and discover.
During low tide you can reach the rocks where the small lighthouse was built.
There are a few good walks in the area. For a short walk go and explore the sea caves that were once used as a ballroom in the 20th century. There are other longer walks that have fantastic views over Whatipu Beach.
Auckland Council advises against swimming here and for good reason. Whatipu Beach is known for New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster to date when the HMS Orpheus sunk killing 189 crew and passengers on board in 1863. With rips and no lifesavers, this beach is best enjoyed on land.
Again, there is no surf patrol in this area and it is not suitable for swimming due to rips.
Nearby
Location
At the end of Whatipu Rd. A bit out of the way and down long and windy roads but well worth it.
Photos
It was so windy the day we went, the sand was being blown around so fast that it hurt when it hit our legs – we ended up wrapping a towel around Ashton’s legs.
