Cornwallis Low-tide Loop

LOW TIDE ROUTE ONLY. Starting from the carpark, follow the well developed gravel track through bush to the beach. You may see dog walkers and fishers.

Turn left across the sandflats and then onto the rocky fringe. Rock hopping all the way. Mix of rock experiences - round slippery boulders, oyster and barnacle covered scrambles, small beaches. Good idea to take some waterproof dressings in case of cuts. Be prepared to clamber, scramble and wade. There is one point where there is a deeper water crossing. Only attempt this if the sea is calm, not surging and time yourself for dead low tide!!

Eventually you will come around to Cornwallis Wharf. Continue along the beach or on the grassy fringe to the carpark and gravel road. Hopefully the Jubilee Track will have re-opened which means you can stay off the dust up the hill. At Huia Road, turn left and run back to the starting carpark - about 1.5k of sealed road - a moderate but short climb and then descent. There is a reasonable shoulder but be aware of cars. If the sea conditions are doubtful you may want to start in the opposite direction, in which case it is possible to get up to the headland road by bush crash/fishers' track before the deepest water crossing.