Queen Elizabeth Park
http://www.gwrc.govt.nz/QEP
Queen Elizabeth Park
Mackays Crossing, SH 1
The Mackays Crossing entrance off SH1 gives access to Whareroa Beach and surrounding dunes, picnic areas, walking, cycling and horse riding trails, the Tramway Museum, WWII Marines displays, several wetlands and the kahikatea forest remnant.
For more information about other entrances check the Getting there tab in left hand menu.
Opening hours
8am till dusk
Dogs are welcome in some areas.
Dogs are not permitted on or near farmland.
Please keep your dog on a leash in the picnic areas.
Fireworks are prohibited in all Regional Parks and Forests
Park notices
COVID-19 update
Posted 1/3/21
At Alert Level 2, we need to play it safe. Park trails are very busy at present, be aware of other walkers and bikers.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Keep a 2m distance from people you don’t know
- Dogs must be on leads
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home if you are unwell
About
Queen Elizabeth Park has something for everyone; stop in at our award winning arrival centre, Ramaroa for information on what’s on offer.
We have picnics, sand dunes and wetlands, bird watching, walking, cycling, horse riding trails, a pony club and a historic tram to take you to the beach where you can swim and fish. The tram operates 11:00 am - 4.30pm Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays (except Christmas Day).
Park history
US Marines camp at Mackays Crossing
The coastal setting, plentiful food and central location of what is now Queen Elizabeth Park have long attracted people to the area. Maori have been living here for hundreds of years and there were major settlements at Wainui and Whareroa up until the mid-1800s. Although the land was covered in forest, the numerous waterways were deep enough for canoes to be paddled from Paekakariki to Waikanae.
