Maketu Beach has special character

A half-hour drive from Tauranga is a little piece of paradise called Maketu Beach, and it's tempting to say it has it all. The views, the activities, the water and the open space all make this a place you won't want to leave.
Maketu Beach's appeal starts at the estuary. The massive area encompasses sandy islands and calm waters, which are great for young children and families. Walk a bit further out to the north and there are gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Alongside the estuary is the children's playground and public toilets. When Bay Summer visits, a group of kids from the Maketu Health and Social Services holiday programme is there.
"Everything's here for the kids," says organiser Susan Butler.
The park has it all - swings, monkey bars and climbing frames - and of course it's right on the water, so it's easy to switch between the two for entertainment.
The park is not the only possibility for fun here - both at the estuary and the main beach adrenalin junkies use the great sea conditions to kite surf, wind surf, scuba dive and snorkel. It's also a popular spot for fishing and collecting pipis and cockles from the sea floor.
To the south is the main beach, which has surf for keen swimmers to duck and dive through.
The beach is littered with rocks for little feet to climb over and explore underneath.
This is not a pure white sand beach like its neighbours Newdicks or Pukehina beaches, but it has a character all of its own.
The scattered rocks and pebbles make for a beautiful setting, and that's not the only view Maketu Beach has to boast about.
To the north, some 40km away, you can see Mauao rising up from the water, and to the south are some incredibly sheer cliffs dropping off into the sea.
Perhaps the best part of this beach is the people - everywhere you go, the laughter of children fills the air. Nobody is in a rush and there is nothing to do but relax, take it easy and enjoy the sunshine.
NEED TO KNOW:
Where is Maketu Beach? Beach Rd, Maketu.
Public toilets: By the park on the estuary side of the coast.
Parking: Extensive - at the estuary, on the side of the road or at the beach itself.
Closest icecreams: The Seaside Cafe and Restaurant, Beach Rd.
Liquor laws: None.