Last Updated: 1st Feb 2026
Daisy Hardwick Loop
Easy, scenic loop in the middle of town.
Waikareao Estuary
Last Updated: 1st Feb 2026
Grunt Factor: 5 ?
Gnarl Factor: 6 ?
8.5km
25m
25m
24m
Last Updated: 1st Feb 2026
Last Updated: 1st Feb 2026
Grunt Factor: 5 ?
Gnarl Factor: 6 ?
8.5km
25m
25m
24m
Urban
Loop
Totally/mostly flat
Dog Friendly
Coastal
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +1.60%
Average Downhill Gradient: -1.70%
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1:15
Slow
0:55
Moderate
0:40
Fast
This trail is a perfect way to get off the tarmac and into a little bit of nature, right in the middle of town. A great lunchbreak loop.
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Starting at Maxwells Road, head down the gravel path in front of the houses.
Follow the trail around until reaching Coach Dr, keep left here to stay on the Waikareao estuary walk. The trail becomes predominantly boardwalk from here until Waihi Road.
Once at Waihi Road, turn left to go over the bridge and immediately left again to join back to the trail
Follow the gravel along side the expressway until reaching Chapel Street (under the motorway overbridge), turn left to stay on the footpath.
Keep on the footpath, crossing the Chapel Street bridge, turn left on Maxwells Road and the start/finish point.
Waikareao Estuary is a mixture of boardwalks, gravel and sealed footpath, you will pass through tidal mangrove and marshland.
The small island you can see out in the middle Waikareao estuary is Motuopae, it is a sacred burial ground so keep off.
Public toilets at Coach Drive (2km approx from start) and Ngai Tamarawaho Crescent (3.7km approx). There is also a public toilet block on Maxwells Road across the main road near the railway line about 400m from the start.
Small carpark (approx 10 parking spots) on Maxwells Road.
2 km
5 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Stay left at Coach Dr to stay on the trail.
Once at Waihi Road, turn left to go over the bridge and immediately left again to join back to the trail.
When at Chapel St (under the motorway overbridge), turn left to stay on the footpath.
Perfect throughout.
Cellphone, Map
Water fountain at Toilet block at Coach Drive.
None
None
Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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