Sunset Beach is a local name for the west-facing beach at Port Waikato. It is a typical west coast black sand surf beach. Just before the main road to Port Waikato becomes Port Waikato Waikaretu Road, turn right into Maunsell Road. There is a reasonably sized car park at the top of the eroding cliff above the south end of the beach. This is also the location for the surf patrol.
To the left of the beach access is a relatively rocky and stony area with high yellow-orange cliffs. The rock platforms are interesting to explore as the tide goes out.
Heading right, it is about a 4 km walk to the river mouth at the north end of the beach. The further north you go, the more rugged it feels. You will come across some impressive pieces of driftwood, then a seabird sanctuary including dotterels. The dunes are also interesting – access from the beach is prohibited until you are a fair way along, but then there is a marked path, with an obvious entrance.
As you would have guessed from the name, Sunset Beach is a great spot to watch the sunset, whether from the car park, shoreline, or top of the dunes.
