Discover Papatu Point
There is a charming little-known beach located at the base of Papatu Point, which is on the south side of Bowentown Heads. The heads are at the northern end of the Bay of Plenty, on the edge of the Tauranga Harbour mouth. Known for its fishing, Paptu Point transforms into a near-perfect white sand beach as the tide recedes. The area is adorned with giant pōhutukawa trees that cling to the cliffs above, creating a picturesque setting. Additionally, the cliffs feature several small caves, adding an element of interest for visitors.
Swimming Safety
While Papatu Point may appear to be a safe swimming location, caution is advised. The beach is situated in a harbour entrance channel, which is subject to strong tidal currents. It is important to avoid venturing too far from the shore to ensure your safety.
How to get there
To reach Papatu Point from Waihi Beach, take Seaforth Road south on the 8 km sandspit to Bowentown Heads. After passing through the small hamlet of Bowentown, the road turns left and winds up to a car park at the top of Papatu Point. From the car park, there is a walkway with steps down the cliff, to the beach.
Nearby, you can visit the beach at Bowentown, before the heads, walk to the top of Bowentown Heads and its historic pā site and visit Anzac Bay. There are also several parking bays in the dunes of the sandspit as you drive along Seaforth Road. These provide access to the continuous beach that runs from Waihi Beach to Bowentown.
