Most Hawkes’ Bay beaches are quite dangerous for kids due to the undercurrent but beaches both north and south of Napier sometimes have a lagoon at a river mouth which can be safer for family swimming. This is the case at Waimarama beach although kids will still need to be actively supervised even in the lagoon. Life guards patrol near the watch tower from October to Easter (weekends only during term time). If going into the sea, always swim between the flags.

Waimarama is a typical east coast wide sandy beach, good for boogie boarding but with rips that can make it extremely dangerous. Plenty of bucket and spade opportunities on the beach for all ages! There’s a playground with a surf life saving boat for climbing in, swings, a flying fox, various climbing frames and monkey bars just behind the surf life saving club and watch tower. There are toilets and a changing area here too.

If you need food including an ice cream the dairy on Airing Road ‘Waimarama Store’ is well stocked and also has a takeaway including pizza and fish and chips.