đż Enjoy a Coastal Walk to a huge secret mermaid rockpool ! đż
Update: 15.02.26 track is currently closed due to slips. Please keep note of the DOC website for updates (we will also)
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/whananaki-area/things-to-do/motutara-recreation-reserve-walk/
đïž Easy 1 -2hr return walk with stunning coastal views. (3.4km return)
đïž The blue lagoon is at the end of the track & is a scramble rock climb down. Only go at low tide.
đ¶ââïž Start at Whananaki village on the east coast, signposted from Rockell Bay Road
đ Limited roadside parking, so be careful when parking
đ§ââïž This secret lagoon is known to the locals as 'Harryâs Lagoon' after a bull fell down into it from the paddocks above and had to be winched out. This was around the 1950's and made the local newspaper! (We have a copy of the article if you'd like to see it)
đŁ What to Expect:
đŸ First part of the official track passes through private farmland and a campground (no dogs, respect the land as we are privileged to access this area).
đïž Secluded beaches and great spots for fishing and diving once youâre in the reserve
đ§ The pool requires some 'rock climbing' to reach, please take your time and be careful.
Hint: (For the advanced adventurers):
đ Thereâs a deep rock pool towards the sea edge of the lagoon â locals jump off a tall rock in the rockpool (if safe to do so).
đșïž You can see the lagoon very clearly using Google Maps, so you can follow the track and use Google Maps also as your guide.
đ Wasps and wasp nests may be present in this area.
đȘ Leave gates as you find them, leave only footprints.
đ Northland reserve bylaws apply to Motutara Recreation Reserve.
Handy sites:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/whananaki-area/things-to-do/motutara-recreation-reserve-walk/
https://whangareionline.co.nz/listings/the-rock-hole-via-the-motutara-farm-track-whananaki-north
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/northland/motutara-recreation-reserve-walk
đŹ Let us know if you make it to the lagoon and what you find! :) Tag us in your pix!
