Walks Of The Area
“A walk in the park,” we say, when we want to infer that something is easy, effortless. Indeed, how good does it feel to inhale the fresh Coromandel air and clear the mind with an easily accessed walk?
Unlike the spectacular hikes in mountainous terrain managed by the Department of Conservation, the walks listed here are largely on Thames Coromandel District Council land, with a few exceptions where walks lead to DOC tracks or traverse sections of private land, for which we are grateful to the owners and ask you to be respectful.
Taking in harbour and river margins, local heritage, playgrounds and playing fields, busy working wharves and along sandy beaches and coastal headlands, there is something for every level of fitness and plenty of treasures along the way.
The walks are unique, usually for a couple of hours or less duration and vary in the degree of difficulty - but they offer something wonderful just the same.
The following list includes walks from New Chum Beach (Wainuiototo Bay) and Whangapoua on the northern Coromandel coastline to the Broken Hills Recreation Area and Hikuai, southeastern Coromandel. Much of the information was taken from “Your Coromandel Local Walks Guide,” compiled by TCDC.
New Chum Beach (Wainuiototo Bay) from Whangapoua
Whangapoua Beach walk to South End Reserve & Opera Pt, Whangapoua
Moewai Bike Park Walk, Whitianga
Whitianga Town Walk, Whitianga
Maramaratotara Bay and Ferry Landing Track, Ferry Landing
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout to Flaxmill Bay
Lonely Bay Walk
Cathedral Cove Walk, Hahei
Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove Carpark, Hahei
Hot Water Beach
Te Karo Bay to Otara Bay, Tairua
Pumpkin Hill Summit, Tairua
Tairua Historic Trails, Tairua
Mount Paku Summit Walk, Tairua
Tairua Estuary Walk to Esplanade, Tairua
Pauanui Reserves to Beaches, Pauanui
Tangitarori Lane Walk to Wetlands, Pauanui
Broken Hills Recreation Area Walking Tracks, Hikuai
New Chum Beach (Wainuiototo Bay) from Whangapoua
From the north end of Whangapoua beach, cross the stream to begin your walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland to what was voted by The Observer newspaper as a top beach. The 1km long Wainuiototo Bay, or New Chum Beach, is approximately 30-40 mins walk via the Mangakahia Dr track over the saddle through spectacular nikau forest and huge pohutukawa. There is a public toilet at William Mangakahia Lagoon Reserve. Duration: 1 hr 45 mins return approx. Distance: North end to New Chum 2.4 kms return approx.
Whangapoua Beach walk to South End Reserve & Opera Pt, Whangapoua
From the playground, shop and public toilet at Meri Te Tai Reserve, walk along the beachfront reserve at the middle of Whangapoua Beach to South End Reserve. From here walk alongside the road toward the harbour and a DOC walking track sign on a small grassy reserve (alternatively park your car here to start the walk). Follow the track through native bush and groves of nikau up to 10m tall, down stairs and across a small stream with lookout points to the clear waters of Whangapoua Harbour. Steps lead down to the white sandy beach from which you can continue walking around the headland to a hole in a rock with outstanding views of the Matarangi Spit. Duration: 1 hr 45 mins approx. Distance: 4 kms return Meri Te Tai to Opera Pt.
Moewai Bike Park Walk, Whitianga
This bush walk is located at the rear of the town on TCDC land at the end of Moewai Rd. Signage explains the different native trees you’ll see on this walk and it is well signposted, however the track can get slippery after rain and in the wet months so wear sturdy footwear. Duration: 45 mins approx. Distance: 1.8 kms approx.
Whitianga Town Walk, Whitianga
Starting from the Whitianga Wharf, walk north along the Esplanade and enjoy the views over Buffalo Beach and the islands of Mercury Bay, past the public toilets to the next heritage sign and giant anchor on Buffalo Beach Rd. You can choose to continue along the beach on a formed path, cross to Halligan Rd, left into Cook Dr where you’ll pass The Lost Spring, a natural thermal spring that has been developed into luxury hot pools and a day spa. After The Lost Spring, walk through the signposted council walkway on Cook Dr to School Rd Reserve. Take School Rd to Eyre Street, right to Hannan Rd and left to end of Kenneth Ave through a signposted walkway and right onto Albert St. From here view old buildings on Coghill St and turn left onto Victoria St. Walk towards the harbour and complete your circuit. Duration: 1.5 hrs approx. Distance: 6.4 kms return approx.
Maramaratotara Bay and Ferry Landing Track, Ferry Landing
This walk can be done from the carpark at Ferry Landing or take the ferry from Whitianga to begin the journey. From the Ferry Landing carpark head right (in the direction of the river inlet) and follow formed track for 5-10 minutes to Whitianga Rock or 10-15 minutes down to Back Bay. The walk continues through wetland and native bush with steep sections and tree roots, often making it slippery. Ascending through the bush near the top, the track improves. There’s several seats overlooking Shakespeare Cliff before descending down the hill toward Front Beach, Flaxmill Bay. Alternatively, start at walkway signpost on Purangi Rd to walk to hilltop and lookout seats before returning back down to the road, along the footpath back to the ferry. Approx 3km walk requiring good fitness. Duration: 1 hr 30 mins. Distance: 3 kms loop approx.
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout to Flaxmill Bay
A horse shoe-shaped lookout at the top of iconic Shakespeare Cliff makes this, one of the Coromandel’s most outstanding vistas, safer and more accessible for visitors to enjoy. Parking is available at various points starting at Flaxmill Bay. A track at the eastern end of Flaxmill Bay leads up along the headland to a large grassy reserve with pohutukawa groves, before linking at the opposite end with a gravel road to the lookout and toilet at the top of the headland (this is the end point and is no further access from the lookout). Allow at least an hour for this approximately 3 km return loop. Distance: Road to lookout - 1.5 km return approx. Distance: Lookout to Flaxmill Bay over reserve - 2 kms return approx.
Lonely Bay Walk
It’s approximately 30 mins return to walk down to Lonely Bay from the start of the track either at the road leading to Shakespeare Cliff lookout or from the Lonely Bay carpark. The track starts off the road to the lookout and includes some steep sections with steps carved from rock. It crosses a small stream. Duration: 30 mins return approx. Distance: 1 km return approx.
Cathedral Cove Walk, Hahei
This is a popular DOC track leading visitors from the carpark to Cathedral Cove. The 1 hr 30 min return walk covers 2.5 km and boasts some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery. A walking track gives access to Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay and the beautiful sandy beaches at Cathedral Cove separated by a rock arch. Duration: 1 hr 30 mins approx. Distance: 2.5 kms.
Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove Carpark, Hahei
Start at the north end of Hahei Beach and head left into the dune track just before the surf lifesaving rescue tube into Tutaritari Reserve. Across the reserve, a track begins at an ancient pohutukawa tree that’s a recognised Tree of Distinction for its fascinating woolly roots. The track features steep but well-formed steps leading to sweeping views over Hahei Beach and crosses private driveways but is well signposted. Continue up the footpath as you reach the end of the steps to reach the Cathedral Cove carpark, which features information signs on the history and natural features of the area. Return along the DOC track from the carpark to Hahei Beach, which starts to the right of the open grassy reserve. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hr for the loop. Part of the beauty of Cathedral Cove is its lack of development, including facilites. There are no rubbish bins or picnic tables at the cove and only basic toilets, so please follow the Environmental Care Code and remember all marine life is protected (no harvesting allowed). Duration: 45 mins - 1 hr approx. Distance: 1.7 km loop.
Te Whanganui-A-hei (Cathedral Cove) is one of the Coromandel’s most popular visitor attractions and is within the district’s only marine reserve or “no take” area. There is so much to explore here including a variety of fish in their protected habitat at Stingray Bay on the track to Cathedral Cove, so allow a half day to full day excursion.
Hot Water Beach
Park at Bull Paddock carpark opposite the campground entrance on the road in to Hot Water Beach and follow the walkway sign below the pa headland, along the stream through groves of young nikau, under a large pohutukawa trunk to sand dunes and the beach. The thermal springs are to your left here. Stroll right along the beach, rock hop across the stream and follow the walkway sign left along the base of the headland on a path that leads to some steep sections and steps before opening up to Pye Pl. Walk the footpath back to the shops and follow the signposted estuary walk back to Hot Water Beach Rd and the carpark. Allow 1 hr plus diversions for a hot soak at low tide and visits to the local art gallery, surf shop and cafes. Duration: 45 mins - 1 hr approx. Distance: 2 km loop.
Hot Water Beach is a natural thermal wonder that draws people from all over the world to share in the delight of digging your own pool of hot water fed from an underground spring that surfaces 2 hrs either side of low tide. It’s located off the headland in the middle of the beach and caution is needed when digging as temperatures can be extremely hot.
Te Karo Bay to Otara Bay, Tairua
From the Te Karo Bay (Sailor’s Grave) beach carpark, cross the estuary and walk north toward the headland. The historic Sailor’s Grave is signposted and just a few metres into the bush. Alternatively, park at the bottom carpark at end of road into Te Karo and follow the track to the beach to avoid crossing the stream. From the beach you will need to walk another 100m to the start of the Otara Bay track over the headland, a walk of approximately 25 mins each way with a well-formed track and great views. Duration: 50 mins return. Distance: 700m one way.
Pumpkin Hill Summit, Tairua
From Tairua, drive north on SH25 toward Te Karo Bay/Sailors Grave and turn into Pumpkin Hill Rd immediately to your right at the Sailors Grave Rd turnoff. A small parking area is located 2km down this road. Walk up the wide gravel path to a series of steep wooden steps and a summit with sweeping views of Tairua and Pauanui. The track still requires some work to make the lookout point safe for all visitors and is not recommended for people with small children. Duration: 20 mins return. Distance: 250 m.
Tairua Historic Trails, Tairua
Head to the Tairua Information Centre on the main road, SH25, Tairua and ask about the walking map for the Tairua History Trail. From the centre you can head either north up the main road or south over the Pepe Bridge following the plaques that tell some of the stories of Tairua. Both walks are suitable for pushchairs and people with disabilities. Toilets: at Pepe Playground, SH25, Mary Beach Reserve by Wharf, Paku Drive. Duration: 1 hr and 1.5 hr each circuit. Distance: 1.5 - 2.5 km each circuit.
From the oldest remaining building in Tairua to the site of perhaps the oldest human artefact ever found in New Zealand, the trail features 40 plaques with fascinating stories from the past.
Mt Paku Summit Walk, Tairua
Although only 30 minutes’ duration, this is a more challenging walk not suitable to those unsteady on their feet as it includes steps and steep rocky sections with no barriers. The reward is sweeping vistas of Pauanui, Tairua and the outer islands including Slipper Island. Local legend is that anyone walking to the Paku Summit is destined to return to Tairua. Park at Tirinui Crescent where a signpost marks the start of the track. Duration: 30 mins return. Distance: 640m return.
Tairua Estuary Walk to Esplanade, Tairua
Starting at the Tairua Information Centre, cross the road to the Pepe playground on the harbour side and continue along the estuary. Stroll along the estuary to the base of Paku, linking up with the Surf Club to Paku Hill walk. This is a flat, easy walk on grass reserve. Toilets are located on the main road at the start of the walk, and opposite the surf club on Tairua’s ocean beach. There are additional toilets at the Tairua Esplanade. Duration: 1 hr return. Distance: 3.2kms approx loop.
Pauanui Reserves to Beaches, Pauanui
In 1967, brothers Tony, Ian and Bill Hopper had a vision for a beachside town with unique street environments that recognised external landscape features and incorporated meandering parks and pedestrian walkways. It was the foundation of what was to become a unique and much-loved community rich in character and a perfect place to walk and cycle from town to harbour to beach. Follow the formed pathways from the beachfront reserve to Pauanui’s many parks and playgrounds. Pram and mobility scooter friendly.
Tangitarori Lane Walk to Wetlands, Pauanui
Local volunteers have carved the continuing sections of this track that can take up to 2 hrs. It starts as an easy, flat walk on grassy reserve, through a delightful boardwalk section, and gets progressively more challenging and swampy in places. Start either at Waterways Parade or further down at the boat launching ramp and follow the walkway signs. You’ll traverse a section of boardwalk over mangroves in the harbour and enjoy fresh perspectives of the Tairua Harbour. Continue past Tangitarori Lane (another starting option), where another boardwalk leads through stands of pine, across a makeshift bridge (council is working on replacing it) and through wetlands to a basic track that’s steep and wet in sections and requires sturdy waterproof boots most months of the year. This track leads all the way to Hikuai Settlement Rd where it ends opposite the entrance to Lakes Resort. Duration: 1 hr 10 mins. Distance: 5 kms approx.
Broken Hills Recreation Area Walking Tracks, Hikuai
A range of walking tracks of varying distances are located within the Broken Hills area at the end of Puketui Valley Road in Hikuai.
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