Tora Beaches on the South Wairarapa Coast
Located at the end of Tora Road on the southeast coast of the Wairarapa in the North Island, Tora Beaches are a remote and stunning destination. This area is perfect for those interested in geology, with fascinating rock formations and pools to explore. Additionally, the sandy shores of North Tora Beach are a beautiful, remote spot for relaxation.
Discovering Tora Beaches
Access to the area is on Tora Road. Upon arrival at the coast, you can choose to turn right onto Tora Settlement Road to cross the Awhea River and visit North Tora Beach Reserve. There is freedom camping in designated locations. Alternatively, turning left onto Te Awaiti Road will take you to a scientific reserve at the point, or, further along, to the Sandy Bay Recreational Reserve.
If time permits, it's worth exploring each of these options. The scientific reserve is a delight for geology enthusiasts, with rock pools and intriguing stones. Meanwhile, North Tora Beach provides a more relaxed environment with its sandy shores. During the summer, Tora hosts the Tora Bombora music festival, which includes overnight camping.
How to Get There
To reach the Tora Beaches from Martinborough, take the scenic White Rock Road. When White Rock Road turns southwest towards White Rock Beach, continue on Tora Road, which goes from sealed to gravel, until you reach the coast. The drive takes about 50 minutes and is 45 km.
Other places to visit on the southern Wairarapa coast include Pahaoa Riverhead, Whāngaimoana Beach, Puturangi Pinnacles, Cape Palliser and Ngaiwi.
