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.
Your journey on the Coromandel Coastal Walkway begins from the moment you start driving on the gravel road north of Colville. You can take the 20km eastern route via Port Charles to commence the walk at Stoney Bay, or the 30km western route hugging the coast north through Fantail Bay and Port Jackson, arriving at the walk’s other access point at Fletchers Bay. Don’t be fooled by the distance; allow just over an hour to get to either destination. If you prefer not to drive the remote unsealed roads of the Northern Coromandel, a guided tour is an excellent option, offering transport and collection from either access point.
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway borders the northern Coromandel coastline between Stony and Fletcher Bays, following an old bridle path formed by early pioneers. It is a 10km (one way) hike that encapsulates the best scenery The Coromandel has to offer. It offers plenty of variety as it winds through regenerative native forest, farmland and rocky shoreline. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Mt Moehau, Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) to the north and Cuvier Island (Repanga Island) to the east. The majority of the walk follows a gentle gradient, however there is a steep valley to conquer enroute to Poley Bay. Arrival at Poley Bay is an ideal spot for lunch and a rest, however submerged rocks make it unsafe for swimming.
- The return walk from Stony Bay will get you 200m’s away from the slip site and will take 2.5 hrs return for an able-bodied person.
- The return walk from Fletcher Bay will get you to the lookout, and will take 4hrs return for an able-bodied person.
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.
Dogs are not permitted on the Coastal Walkway.
There are Department of Conservation campgrounds at both Fletcher Bay and Stony Bay. Camping overnight will allow plenty of time to complete the hike without first having undertaken a lengthy drive to the walk’s entry point.
Where to Find Us
Location
