Exploring Bowentown Heads
Located at the southern end of Waihi Beach, where it transitions into Ocean Beach, Bowentown Heads is on the north side of the Katikati Entrance to the Tauranga Harbour. Bowtown Heads is also a scenic spot, with a historic pā site, stunning views and access to one obvious and one hidden beach.
Walking to the Peak and Historic Pā Site
A short, steep 20-minute hike takes you to the top of the point, 88 metres above the harbour entrance and the Pacific Ocean. From there, you can enjoy panoramic vistas to the south, overlooking Anzac Bay, Matakana Island, and towards Mount Maunganui. The view north is the long white sand beach towards Waihi Beach.
This is also home to the Te Ho Pā site, a strategic location overlooking the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. The surrounding area is traditionally associated with Ngāi Te Rangi and its hapū, including Ngāi Tauwhao. The site is thought to have been occupied during the pre-European period and likely abandoned by teh time of the Musket Wars. There are also pā sites in the two small points on the western side of Bowentown Heads, on either side of small Shelly Bay, and reachable on short loop tracks.
It’s a perfect location for photography or simply soaking in the scenery, as well as an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic.
Discovering the Hidden Beach
One of the highlights of Bowentown Heads is the small beach located next to Papatu Point. To reach this secluded spot, descend the steep steps from the east side of the parking area. This hidden beach, known locally as Cave Bay, is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat by the water, with sheltering pōhutukawa trees and small caves and fishing in the harbour mouth.
How to Get There
To reach Bowentown Heads from Waihi Beach, drive from the southern end of Waihi Beach on Seaforth Road, continuing all the way to the Bowentown Lookout car park. The drive takes 11 minutes and is 8.3 km. From the car park, follow the signposted track to the top of the point.
Other places to explore around Waihi Beach include Waihi and its gold history, the Orokawa Bay Track and Orokawa Bay, and Homunga Bay.
