Akeake Historic Reserve Track

The main Akeake Historic Reserve track begins at the boat-ramp end of Opito Bay beach. Look for the track sign at the start of a right-of-way located between two houses.

A series of steps climb to a four-way junction. You have three choices of track at this point.

Lizzie (Lizard Bay)

Time: 15 min

Go straight ahead to the pebble beach known locally as Lizzie (Lizard) Bay. This bay is sheltered from most winds and is a popular swimming and fishing spot.

Tareha pa

Time: 30 min

Turn right along the well-marked track over a pre-European defensive ditch to the viewing platform on Tareha pa. A great spot to watch the sun rise over the Te Puna and Kerikeri inlets, Moturoa and Cocked Hat Islands and east toward Rakaumangamanga and the Cape Brett peninsula.

Before the ditch, there is another sign, which directs you to a track to your right. This short walk has great views but steep drop-offs, so care should be taken. The track then joins the top end of Opito Bay Road and drops back down to the boat ramp.

Views of Tareha Point and the Akeake Historic Reserve

Time: 30 min one way

Turn left at the junction and the track takes you westward to a seat with a view of Tareha Point and the Akeake Historic Reserve. Continue for another 5 minutes, the track exits on to a private (shared) driveway, follow this to Opito Bay Road. Turn left downhill to the beach and then back to the beginning of the Akeake Historic Reserve track by the boat ramp.

Getting there

Akeake Historic Reserve is 13 km north east of Kerikeri. Leave Kerikeri on Landing Bay Road. Turn left onto Karipo Rd, right onto Redcliffs Rd, right into Rangitane Rd, then left into Opito Bay Rd.

Follow the road east to Opito Bay. The main entrance to the reserve is opposite the boat ramp at the eastern end of Opito Bay beach.

Look for the Akeake Historic Reserve sign on the Ake Ake Rd corner. It marks the entrance to the track, which leads between houses and enters the Akeake Historic Reserve.