From Whakatane head east through Opotiki and change from State Highway 2 onto State Highway 35. Take this all the way along the coast through Whangaparoa. When you reach the coast at Hicks Bay, Continue on over the small hill and take the next left down to the beach. Alternatively, From Gisborne town centre drive east on Gladstone Road, onto Wainui Road, State Highway 35, towards Wainui. Continue past Wainui on Moana Road and onto Whangara Road and keep heading north. Continue past Tokomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay, then turn left onto Te Araroa Road, State Highway 35. At Tikitiki turn left and left again to stay on Te Araroa Road, State Highway 35. Continue past Te Araroa and Tokata is at the other end of the beach, turn right just before the hill to Hicks Bay, down to the beach.