The car park is almost full and a steady stream of visitors is walking down the track to the sandy half-moon of Mataitai Bay. Many are armed with fishing gear, and head straight on from the beach, disappearing through a cutting at northern end.
We decide to explore there later, and take the opportunity to have a swim in the glassy calm waters of the bay.
The tide is out, but my 4-year-old son Florian and I wade way, way out, our toes squelching in mud for about 50m before we even reach pre-schooler chest-level.
A very gentle breeze ruffles the water as we wade back ashore for an early lunch.
As the park is still being developed, and the tree planting is very new, the only shade we can find is on the large deck of the new amenities block, but the comfortable picnic table has a great view.
Interpretive panels show images of what the bay looked like when it was a bach community in the 1940s and 50s, then during its half century as a depot and testing site for explosives used in construction and mining.
Much of the land around the bay is steep and was until recently largely covered in pine trees, including on the Koherurahi pa site at the northeastern end of the bay. The pines have been felled and native trees planted, but at the moment the hill look a bit rough and scrubby.
Next to the picnic table is what we initially conclude is a tsunami warning siren. However, once we wind the handle -- Florian wants to see what happens -- it turns out to be an oral history player. You select which story you want to listen to with the numbered dial, wind up the dynamo handle and voila, the voice of a past resident of the bay is talking to you about their experiences there. Very cool.
Lunch over, we walk through the cutting to find out what lies beyond.
The road leads to the old wharf, which once received explosives ships from Australia. It still bears painted lines directing truck movements, but today is busy with fishermen young and old. More interpretive panels tell the story of the explosives-importing operation, which I have heard may possibly have led to the odd bit of smuggling as well, as ships bypassed Customs to dock here.
There is a shelly beach to fossick about on and rock pools to explore, but eventually the heat gets too much for us and we head back to the cars.
There is a lot more park to explore; however, that will have to wait for another day. Instead, we head to nearby Kawakawa Bay for an icecream.
Waitawa is a fantastic addition to the regional parks network. It will be great to watch it develop and mature in the future.
Need to know
For more information, see regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitawa
• The Waitawa Regional Park is about 50km from central Auckland, on the Clevedon-Kawakawa Rd.
• The park's emphasis is on active recreation, with walking tracks, mountain bike trails and a large section designated for horse riding. The disc golfer who visited with us confirms that there is plenty of fun to be had on the disc golf course, too -- 18 holes, with beginner and advanced tees. A bach will be available for rent later this year.
• The park is one of the stops on the Te Ara Moana sea-kayak trail along the southeastern coast, and kayakers can overnight at the Waitawa Bay campground.
• You can help with the development of the park by volunteering for tree planting, weed and pest control, and track construction and maintenance. Contact Auckland Council on (09) 301 0101 for more information on how to get involved.
