Exploring the Waikato River Mouth
The mouth of the Waikato River, where it meets the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato, is a captivating spot to witness stunning sunsets. This location, facing west for a short stretch, provides a unique opportunity to see the sun's reflection on the river's surface, creating a breathtaking visual experience.
Best Spots for Sunset Views
To capture the best views, drive along Port Waikato Road. You can stop at the pier next to the general store at the town's entrance. Alternatively, a small reserve located about a kilometre back along the road offers an even better vantage point. These spots are ideal for enjoying the river's reflective sunsets, arguably the most impressive along its entire 425 km length.
How to Get There
To reach the Waikato River mouth from Auckland, take the southern motorway to the Ridge Road offramp, shortly before Pōkeno. Follow scenic Ridge Road southwest, which becomes Whangarata Road. Continue on Whangarata Road to the end, then turn south onto River Road, which will take you across the Waikato River on the Tuakau Bridge. From there, head west on Port Waikato Road to Port Waikato. From Downtown Auckland, the drive takes about 85 minutes and is around 85 km.
While there, explore Sunset Beach and the dunes, and take a drive along the incredibly scenic Port Waikato Waikaretu Road.
