Update as at Aug 2023. The Coromandel Walkway is partially closed as it was damaged during last summer’s extreme weather events, including Cyclone Gabrielle.

A middle section of track, above Shag Bay, is closed as it is impassable due to slips. This has severed the connection between Fletcher Bay and Stony Bay. There are now only return tracks from Fletcher and Stony Bay. The loop track cannot be completed. The slips remain active, and DOC strongly urges visitors not to try and cross them. Please check DOC FOR UPDATES. We suggest you explore the area with a LOCAL GUIDE

The Coromandel mountain bike track is open.

Track Information
  • The return walk from Stony Bay will take 2.5 hrs return for an able-bodied person.
  • The return walk from Fletcher Bay will take 4hrs return for an able-bodied person.
  • Track Conditions
  • Reasonable Fitness Required
  • A temporary reroute around the closed section is being worked on
Mountain Bike Track
  • 2 hours 30 mins return
  • 8km return
  • Track is challenging & suitable for advanced rider
Safety First

The Coromandel Coastal Walkway takes in the remote northern part of the Coromandel Peninsula, the last frontier.

Local guides and drivers provide safe passage along the stunning Port Jackson, Port Charles and Stony Bay roads. This allows travellers to relax and take in the stunning sights past the last outpost of Colville. From here the road becomes a gravel ribbon along the rocky shoreline with dramatic views into the surrounding ocean. Ducking under giant Pohutukawa trees and passing old granite wharfs, Mount Moehau looms above on your journey to the northern bays. Your guide will recount the legends of the sacred mountain, often shrouded in mist and home to the endangered Archey’s frog.

The journey home often coincides with the stunning sunsets across the Hauraki Gulf, allowing enough time to freshen up for a well-earned dinner in Coromandel Town.

Please note rental cars do not provide insurance beyond Colville. Shuttles and guides are safer, allow for photo stops, provide refreshments, save you time and stress (and often money) on your Coastal Walkway adventure.

Distance

The walkway can be navigated in either direction, starting at either Fletcher Bay or Stony Bay with your local transport providers or guides

Getting There

The Coastal Walkway Tour begins with guided/shuttle services in Coromandel Town. Pick up and drop off can be arranged from Whitianga, Colville and Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat. Please note rental cars are not insured beyond Colville.

From Fletcher Bay

The return walk from Fletcher Bay will take 4hrs return for an able-bodied person.

The walkway sets off across farmland, over a fence and then an upper track branches off to the right, taking mountain bikers higher along the ridges, following the same route. The path soon takes you through pristine native bush as you climb around several headlands to peer cautiously off the sheer cliffs into clear, sparkling water many metres below.

The track descends to small rocky bays, often with a trickling stream to cross before remounting the headlands where the views are expansive.

From Stony Bay

The return walk from Stony Bay will take 2.5 hrs return for an able-bodied person.

Taking the trail from Stony Bay heading towards Fletcher Bays you will cross farmland and head through coastal forest with views of the Pinnacles, Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) to the north and Cuvier Island (Repanga Island) in the east. The track follows an easy gradient with a short steep section in to and out of Poley Bay.

A signposted lookout 1 hr 15 min along the track makes a shorter walking option, and gives outstanding views along the coast north to Sugar Loaf and Pinnacles area and south towards Port Charles. 45 min on from this lookout, the track descends steeply to Poley Bay. Swimming here is hazardous because of submerged rocks. A short steep climb out of Poley Bay brings the track out on to farmland where it heads down to Fletcher Bay.

Mountain Bike trail

An 8km mountain bike trail utilises part of the Coastal Walkway, but is only suitable for advanced riders as the track is a steep traverse, often slippery and challenging.