Waipatiki Beach has one of the few remaining areas of native coastal forest. It is noted for its good number of Nikau Palms and general diversity of vegetation, which makes it a desirable home for many native birds especially the Tui and Kereru (wood pigeon). There are a number of walking tracks you can explore but you will need sturdy footwear.

The beach is popular with local surfers and there are dressing sheds and toilets for your convenience. In the early days before the earthquake Waipatiki was an estuarine valley and good source of fish for the local Maori. It is still a great place for surfcasting and shellfish.