Makara Beach and Makara Walkway

Makara Beach is a place to visit in a southerly. Its not a swimming beach but can be a place to have a picnic. Initially this walk starting at Makara beach, takes you along the coast and then on a steep climb to the cliff top and past a WW II gun emplacement. Down the hill, via the road, you meet the coast at Opua Bay which is a good spot for a picnic. Scramble back along the water's edge. Footwear with ankle support is helpful here. Distance: 8km. Allow 2.5 to three hours. Enjoy Cook Strait views and observe the bird-life. As the map shows, the cliffs are steep. A commercial tour is available if you would like a guide.
In 1958 a Moa hunting site was excavated in old sand dunes at the mouth of the Makara Stream. Moa bones and seven earth ovens were found with the site being dated with charcoal from one of the ovens. The carbon dating suggested the site dated from sometime in the 15th or 16th Century.

Makara Beach 11 Landscape by Melvin Day

WELLINGTON SOUTH COAST DISCOVERY HELICOPTER FLIGHT