With the kids off school and the sun (hopefully) shining, the festive season is the perfect time to get out and explore the Waikato area’s backyard. Over the next two weeks, we’re revisiting some of the region’s best tramps and sights according to adventurer, writer and mum Ceana Priest. First
Five best family walks in Waihī
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Enjoy five family-friendly walks in Waihī. Photo / Bay of Plenty NZ
Need to know: The beach is not suitable for swimming because of its strong undertow. Allow 45 minutes each way and plenty more for relaxing. Parking is available at The Esplanade, Waihī Beach. Walking only. No dogs.

Bowentown Domain | Bowentown Heads
Plenty of tribes have battled for this headland, and it's easy to see why with its formidable views across the northern entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Two pā sites remain, including Te Kura a Maia, which appropriately translates to "the training ground for young warriors". Many of the pā's features, including terraces and large defensive ditches, are still visible near the car park. The steep trig path at the eastern end of the car park is only suitable for walking or buggy-pushing extremists. It flattens off after the first gut-busting paved section, and you can take a breather and watch boats navigating the churning waters between Matakana Island and the headland. Allow five minutes to the top for postcard views of Waihī Beach.
Need to know: Parking is available at the Bowentown Domain upper car park off Seaforth Rd. Toilets at Anzac Bay. Only suitable for walking. Dogs on leads.

Cave Bay | Bowentown Heads
Explorers will love poking around tall volcanic rock columns and small sunbeam-lit caverns at this secluded bay beneath the headland. Visit near low tide for the best experience as most caves become accessible. Steep stairs from the car park sidle past sheer rocks before emerging on a small rock-strewn boulder field which you'll need to rock-hop across to get to the beach. Unfortunately, this is not a swimming destination; nearby Anzac Bay is a much better alternative.
Need to know: Allow five minutes one-way from the Bowentown Domain upper car park off Seaforth Rd. Toilets at Anzac Bay. Walking only.

Trig Walk and Water Reservoir Loop | Waihī Beach
The Water Reservoir Loop is a picturesque 20-minute dose of nature, and the easy flat trail is ideal for little legs. But for some glute-burning action, branch off the loop and ascend past shady pine forests and mature tree ferns to the 151m-high trig. The vantage point has impressive views of the township and offshore volcanoes poking through the bay. Allow 90 minutes return for the three-kilometre-long trail.
Need to know: Signposted off Pacific Rd. Toilets available. Walking only to the trig. Bikes and buggies suitable for Water Reservoir Loop. Dogs on leads.

Athenree Wetland Loop Walk | Athenree
When the appeal of beach-lazing wanes, this 20-minute stroll around an ecological reserve provides a leisurely alternative. Binocular toting bird-twitchers could glimpse threatened wetland species matuku/Australasian bittern, moho pererū/banded rail or tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterel. At just over one kilometre, this short adventure on land gifted by a local farmer, the late Maurice “Snow” Garde-Browne, isn’t taxing. Follow the wooden trail markers through regenerating shrubs and flax and between avenues of sprawling flax fields.
Need to know: Steele Rd between Athenree and Waihī Beach. Take it easy on the pot-holed car park road. Only suitable for walking. No dogs allowed.

For more things to see and do in the region, go to bayofplentynz.com.
Ceana Priest is the author of family-friendly Outdoor Kid guidebooks outdoorkid.co.nz.
For more travel inspiration, go to newzealand.com/nz.