December 13, 2013
Mimiwhangata has a long stretch of white sand beach backed by grassy dunes and hilly pastures. The beach is bracketed by rocky headlands covered with dense green vegetation and pohutukawa trees. This is both a marine and a bird sanctuary, and the shoreline is dotted with oystercatchers, paradise shelducks, and other sea birds. Beautiful shells lie scattered along the shoreline.
This is another one of those areas with a remote feeling, but in a warm, pleasant, and dreamy way. The afternoon had this magical light that is one of New Zealand’s signatures, a soft glow that comes courtesy of the cloud formations here. We walked along in the daze of sea and sun and grass and trees and beautiful light.
At the far west end of the beach, steps lead up and over the headland to Waikahoa Bay, another beautiful bay with a white sand beach backed by a grassy area where hikers can set up camp.
In all there are three beautiful beaches here, and because it’s so remote and only viable in good weather, it’s easy to end up having the area to yourselves. This is definitely one of our favorite anchorages in New Zealand.
Above is a gallery of photos that include the headland at the east end of the beach, Mimiwhangata’s beach and dunes, and the west headland and neighboring Waikahoa Bay. Click any picture to enlarge and scroll. –Cyndi
