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Houghton Bay Beach

Location:  South coast, The Esplanade

Suitable for:  Short walks, picnics, dogs

Brief description:  Houghton Bay is just around the corner from sheltered Princess Bay, but is exposed to big southerly swells that can cause a dangerous undertow.  Unlike Princess Bay, it can be unsafe for swimming. Surfers can sometimes be seen when conditions are good.

Parking: Off-road car park next to beach

Toilets and changing facilities: None

Accessibility:  Short sand path to beach

Dogs:  Off-leash dog exercise area

Check our dog exercise areas map

Features: Houghton Bay is the first point where the Southern Walkway meets the coast. It is a short walk up Houghton Valley Road to Sinclair Park, where a track leads up to Buckley Road and outstanding views. There is also a track on the right side of the road that leads to View Road Park and the Te Ranga a Hiwi Track.

Fires: At Houghton Bay, you can have an open fire or non-gas barbecue if you have a fire permit.