Makara Beach Walkway is a loop walk that starts and ends at Mākara Beach, 16 km north of Wellington, at the end of Mākara Road. It climbs to vantage points with views over farmland, the beach and Ohariu and Wharehou bays, then returns along the beach. Gun emplacements at the top of the cliffs mark the position of Fort Ōpau, which was garrisoned by 100 soldiers in World War II. The walk also passes a Ngāti Ira pā site on the promontory at the western end of Fisherman's Bay.
Dogs are not allowed, and other pets follow conservation land rules. Part of the track closes for lambing from 1 August to 30 September, and during that time the gun emplacements are reached via Mākara Beach. There is no drinkable water on the track. Mākara Beach is sheltered from southerly winds but very exposed to northerlies, and the hilltops are prone to gale-force winds. The concrete roofs of the gun emplacements are in poor condition, and the fenced-off areas are closed.