Wainamu Beach is located on the south side of Whaingaroa Harbour, west of Raglan, and within the mouth of the harbour. It is a safe, black sand beach protected from the Tasman Sea by the Raglan Bar. Consequently, it is popular for those who prefer idyllic beach activities over surfing at the vast sandy expanse of nearby Ngarunui Beach.
To reach the beach from Raglan, head south along Wainui Road for four km, then turn into Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive. Continue past the kohanga reo; you will see a parking area on the side of the road with a toilet block. From there, you can find some steps that take you to the beach. It is also a short walk west from the beach to the edge of the harbour mouth and the north end of Ngarunui. If you continue along the road for 300 metres, there is a large parking area with better access to this ocean-facing beach.
You can also walk along the coast to Wainamu Beach from Raglan via Putoetoe Point. Allow about 80 minutes.
