Waipaparoa / Howick Beach, Coastal beach in Howick, New Zealand.

Waipaparoa, also known as Howick Beach, is a sandy stretch along the Tamaki Strait. From here you can see Waiheke Island, Motukaraka Island, and the waters of Hauraki Gulf beyond.

European Fencible settlers arrived at this location in 1847 and established Howick as a defensive settlement under British military authority. This garrison served as protection for the growing colony and played a role in early British settlement of the country.

The beach holds deep meaning for Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, who built two fortified paa structures on this shore. These sites shape the landscape today and speak to the enduring connection between the indigenous people and this place.

The beach sits at the end of Howick's foreshore, a short walk from the village centre, with boat ramps at hand for launching craft. The sand is usable at both high and low tide, though the sandstone reef made landing hazardous for early ships. The Howick Volunteer Coastguard has patrolled these waters since 1956.

The 1896 wharf was 240 metres long, replacing an 1854 structure usable only at high tide. Many ferries still chose to land passengers at the Shelly Park sandspit instead, despite it being farther from Howick.