Waitara's name comes from the Maori language, although there is some dispute over what it means. Whai-tara translates to "path of the dart" while Waitara means mountain stream. The beach is on the west side of the mouth of the Waitara River. The mouth of the river is popular for swimming, boating, fishing and surfing. A boat ramp is available at this monitoring location.
The Whitecliffs Walkway provides a historical tour of the west side of the Waitara River and the site of the First Taranaki War. A carved stone commemorating Te Rolmata O Te Atiawa (the teardrop of Te Atiawa, a Maori Chief named Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitaake, who was respected by Maori's and Pakeha European Settlers), the Waitara Bridge, the Waitara Pill Box (a concrete machine gun pillbox used during WWII for defence) and Hurirapa Pa are a few of the points of interest on the walking trail. The trail is closed during the lambing season from July - September.
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is essential right now. Follow the advice of the health experts. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Heading to the beach should only be considered an option if social distancing practices can be followed. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter the efforts to curb the virus’ spread.
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization public resource on COVID-19.
- Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time
Historical Status
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is essential right now. Follow the advice of the health experts. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Heading to the beach should only be considered an option if social distancing practices can be followed. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter the efforts to curb the virus’ spread.
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization public resource on COVID-19.
- Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time
- Historical Status
Waitara's name comes from the Maori language, although there is some dispute over what it means. Whai-tara translates to "path of the dart" while Waitara means mountain stream. The beach is on the west side of the mouth of the Waitara River. The mouth of the river is popular for swimming, boating, fishing and surfing. A boat ramp is available at this monitoring location.
The Whitecliffs Walkway provides a historical tour of the west side of the Waitara River and the site of the First Taranaki War. A carved stone commemorating Te Rolmata O Te Atiawa (the teardrop of Te Atiawa, a Maori Chief named Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitaake, who was respected by Maori's and Pakeha European Settlers), the Waitara Bridge, the Waitara Pill Box (a concrete machine gun pillbox used during WWII for defence) and Hurirapa Pa are a few of the points of interest on the walking trail. The trail is closed during the lambing season from July - September.
