Whitireia Park is a headland with commanding views over Mana Island and Porirua Harbour. The park comprises around 180 hectares of coastal cliffs and beaches, open grasslands, streams, wetlands and regenerating scrub with a remnant of native bush.
At the southern end of the park, Te Onopoto Bay estuary is a good place to observe coastal birds feeding at low tide.
Around on the northern side of the peninsula, Onehunga Bay is a safe swimming location and excellent place to come and have a picnic. There is a good walk/cycle track that runs from either parking location around the eastern side of the park. Dog walkers are welcome, but pooch is to remain on a lead and please clean up after them.
For more information on the park please refer to the Park Brochures in the following links. The brochure is courtesy of the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Park Brochure pg1
Park Brochure pg2
Getting there
The closest parking is at Onepoto Bay. You can depart from here for an extended walk or bike ride either around the bays (3.9km) or by taking the inland route (2.8km) to Onehunga Bay. It is an enjoyable walk around the coastline. A kilometer in from the start the track splits to commence the Te Onepoto Loop track which is 4.7km.
To drive to Onehunga Bay - follow Titahi Bay Road to the end of Main Road, turn right into Bay Drive and then next left into Thornley Street. Keep heading up the street then turn left into Whitireia Road to enter the park. Follow the road to the car park in Onehunga Bay but take care for oncoming traffic as the road is narrow in places.
Park is open daily from 6.00am to 6.00pm and 6.00am to 9.00pm during daylight saving times.
The "cache"
A small cache for the many people that bring their K9 partners out to enjoy the beach and water around the bays. Small trackables can be accommodated. If it won't fit, there are other caches nearby that will take them. A pencil is in the cache but as always we recommend you carry a pen. (You will need it for other caches on this loop track.) Please rehide well to keep the location fresh and free from muggles.