Orokawa Bay is one of the hidden gems on the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is located near the town of Waihi and is a scenic reserve preserved with 145 hectares of native bush, including kauri trees. The walk to the bay from Waihi Beach is an easy 3 km track that follows the edges of the coastal headlands and offers stunning views of the beach and the overhanging pohutukawa trees. Although swimming is not recommended due to the steep grade of the seafloor, Orokawa Bay is well worth visiting for its pristine white sand beaches and picturesque landscape.

I visited Orokawa Bay at sunrise and there was not another soul about and the scenery was beautiful. Take your wide angle lens with you for this one and enjoy some seascape photography.