Wonderful Walks on Waiheke

There a number of enjoyable trails and walks around the Island worth checking out during your stay- whether it's a 10min beach stroll or a more substantial 2hour hike, there is no shortage of choices. Waiheke is also home to an annual Walking festival, the Waiheke Walking Festival, held each year in the Spring, so if you time your trip right you can enjoy some of more unique walks, which open up especially for the event. You can find out more about the Festival at www.waihekewalkingfestival.org. 

Here are some of our local walk picks, please refer to the Waiheke walking maps for more details. 

Rocky Bay & Whakanewha Loop

This track passes Maori archaeological sites and passes through bush to the waterfalls in Whakanewha Regional Park. Rocky Bay and Whakanewha Loop is a 7.9 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and bird watching. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Oneroa Beach Track

Oneroa Beach Track is a 4.0 kilometre moderately trafficked loop that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Northern Walk: Matiatia - Owhanake - Oneroa

Good for those wanting to see Waiheke but not wanting to veer too far from Oneroa and the ferry terminal. This track starts from Matiatia wharf. It offers views of Haukari Gulf and western Waiheke. Northern Walk: Matiatia, Owhanake, Oneroa is a 8.5 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Southern Walk: Matiatia - Church Bay - Oneroa

This track has an alternative track once you reach Church Bay Road. You can continue on Church Bay Road or go through Pio Rehutal Reserve through Blackpool. Both tracks meet at Alison Park and then loop back to Matiatia wharf. Southern Walk: Matiatia, Church Bay, Oneroa is a 8.2 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Onetangi Track

Walk along the beach and walk up to the cliffs for beautiful views of Great Barrier and Little Barrier islands. Onetangi Track is a 3.7 kilometre moderately trafficked loop trail that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and bird watching. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

And for those a little more serious about walking, here is Waiheke's longest walk option which would involve a little pre planning before your stay on the Island.

Te Ara Hura Walk Waiheke Network

Description Te Ara Hura Walk Waiheke Network

This collection of walks is the perfect way to explore Waiheke Island and discover its natural beauty. On the Te Ara Hura walking track network you can explore the coastline, pass through native bush and visit historic sites. There's a great range of walks, from short and easy through to more challenging, and all of them are now connected. You can start at any point, finish wherever you want and go in any direction. A Te Ara Hura adventure can be built around overnight stays, tastings or great meals at vineyards, and top-up stops at cool cafes.

Simply follow the Te Ara Hura marker posts to stay on the trail.

The four areas of Te Ara Hura

• Headlands - The headlands walks are an introduction to the highlights of the island, all in one accessible space.
• Beaches 'n' Baches - This walk is off the beaten track. You will encounter the island character of the villages.
• Forest Heart - Escape the hustle and bustle and walk through beautiful native bush, old trees safe from possums, regenerating forest and streams, wetlands and birds aplenty.
• Far End - The Far End of the network is a place apart from the rest of the island. Here, you'll get big skies, big views, and fresh air therapy.

Distance

100km

Dog access

Dogs are not permitted on parts of the walk, so make sure to check the map before you go.

Download the map here

Guided Walks

If you are interested in a guided walk, we highly recommend the following:

• Terra & Tide | 021 669 722
• I Walk Waiheke 021 960 690

Posted by on September 01, 2020