Waionui Inlet, South Kaipara (access?)

[Brendan T]

Hi all,

I'm looking at accessing Waionui Inliet on South Kaipara Head sometime in the next few weeks. I understand access can be tricky for a number of reasons so just want to check that the info I've scoured the forums for is accurate. Much of this, I pulled from this 2009 thread (gripped!), so some of this info may very well be out of date? viewtopic.php?t=3464

Here's my understanding:

* Step 1: call 0800 732738 to ask about forest closures
* Step 2: call the Whenuapai Defence Force base on 09 417 7441 to ask about bombing range closures (verify on the drive up by looking for a red flag hanging at the intersection of State Highway 16 and Rimmers Road, just out of Parakai - if present, bombings are happening).
* Step 3: Check the tides. It has been suggested the tides listed for Muriwai should be within 1 hr of the tides at Waionui. Either access in and out over low tide, or prepare for a long stay over high tide, accessing at least 4 hrs prior to high tide.
* Step 4: Drive to here (36°27'20.3"S 174°11'59.0"E) by turning off South Head Road onto Trigg Road, preferably in a 4WD. (I don't have one, so presume I'd be in for a longer walk? Unsure quite how long, though).

There are no eBird reports there for the current summer season, but I was told surveys were still taking place, and that sanderlings had been seen. If anyone can confirm, I'd love that.

And finally, if anyone would be willing to show me around, I don't expect this, but I'd be very grateful. It seems like the sort of site that has enough access issues and current dangers that it may be prudent to go for the first time with someone who knows the place.

Cheers

[Brendan T]

Just bumping this one in the hopes of some guidance. Cheers

[Ian Southey]

Brendan

My understanding is that the road was washed out a few years ago and has still not been repaired. I believe there are different opinions on who should foot the bill but, to be honest, I never really got a straight answer. Initially I asked for access and was turned down although I've not tried in a while.

It's a good place and I hope someone has a better answer.

Ian

[Brendan T]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. Seems like quite a tangle!

[zarkov]

Hi Brendon,
The road along the foreshore was damaged/closed by cyclone Gabrielle, and has never been repaired as far as I know. I think the road fell under DOC jurisdiction, but access through the forestry is controlled by the Iwi owners, who still allow some public access for hunters/pest control etc. It seems to me that DOC had other priorities after Gabrielle, and weren't encouraged by the forest owners to re-open the road anyway. It's always been subject to fire restrictions and bad behavior by the public which meant there was little enthusiasm to let people back in there. I thought Ian had some special access because he used another point of access, as did DOC staff working to protect fairy Terns, and could get their vehicles right to the Lagoon. Best alternative would be by small boat from Shelly Beach, I know the area pretty well from a kayakers point of view, but it's too far to paddle from Shelly beach.
Hope this helps.
Oliver.

[Brendan T]

Thanks Oliver,
Tricky without a boat, hey. I'd looked at Mosquito Beach, much further north than Shelley's, and wondered if the shoreline would be walkable on a good low tide. Looks to be about 3km from Mosquito, north around the head. Inflatable kayak may work, since I don't have roof racks. You have kayaked the area a bit? It seems like a wild place re. current and sharks, but perhaps you'd know if it's somewhat safe if you hug the shoreline, either on foot or by kayak? I certainly wouldn't want to mess with any of the deeper water there.

[zarkov]

Definitely not walkable along the coast. There's a rocky NE point just before you reach the eastern outlet that's rocky and site of an occasional seal rookery that feels a bit sharky, with pups in the water etc, but definitely impassable on foot. Problem is, once you get there you need access at high tide to the sand island that forms the northern boundary to the lagoon. At low tides the birds are dispersed around the harbour. Attached is a link showing my buddy in the western channel of the Lagoon, with Godwits lifting off etc. :
Vid is taken from the sand island, at 43seconds shows the eastern entrance to the lagoon, also shows the DOC workers green sit on top kayak, and my beached kayak. I've been there many times, it's a wonderful place.

[Brendan T]

Really appreciate the video. I'm super visual, so I can picture it much better now. It looks like I'll need to kayak, get on an official survey, or contact the military, forestry, and local iwi myself.

[zarkov]

Hi Brendon,
If you can carry an inflatable kayak down the track to Mosquito beach, it's only kilometre to the eastern entry of the Lagoon. With a kayak you can also access the northern end of the bombing range [across from where my mate is paddling in the vid]. Don't worry about permits /range operations etc, you won't be anywhere near them. SW wind is best. Great place. I assume you've been to the Big Sand Island at Tapora? That's a bit similar.

[Brendan T]

Hey Oliver, appreciate it, now just to acquire said inflatable kayak! And yes, Big Sand is an amazing place. Hoping for something similar with its own little twist/bit of magic. Cheers