A shady loop walk through Nikau forest and native bush in Whakanewha Regional Park, Omiha, on Waiheke Island. The walk takes in the Cascades, and the website describes it as a year-round favourite with locals, shady in summer and sheltered in rain.
The start point is the Sculpture car park on Gordons Road, which is the easiest way to get there by car. Without a car, the Rocky Bay bus goes to Omiha Memorial Hall, and the walk from there adds about 20 minutes. The tracks are gravel and dirt with some steps, mostly gentle inclines. Dogs are not allowed on this loop, because of nesting rare New Zealand dotterels near the beach. The walk passes ferns, rata vine and tūī and kererū, and there is a picnic area under pōhutukawa about 300 metres along the beach from the bridge. Our pick on Waiheke for a shady bush walk in any weather.