Coromandel Coastal Walkway/MBT 20.4 km

COROMANDEL WEEKEND — Saturday 12/ Cathedral Cove Walkway and Sunday 13 December 2026/ 20 KM RETURN Coastal Walkway

NOTE: IT IS POSSIBLE TO JOIN ON SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER AT 8.00 AM.

Join us for a weekend exploring Coromandel, with time to enjoy the area on Saturday and a full day walking from Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay and back on Sunday.

Attendees will arrange their own accommodation in Coromandel Town.
Maximum participants: 15. All participants initially join the waiting list; Rafick’s approval is required.

SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER — AUCKLAND TO COROMANDEL TOWN

We aim to arrive in Coromandel Town around 10 am, with time for coffee and a short wander before driving to Hahei. After an early lunch, we will take the public Park & Ride shuttle to the Cathedral Cove track entrance.
We will walk to Cathedral Cove, adding the Tokawhakairo McHands Lookout side trip for panoramic views over Mercury Bay. The lookout involves a steep climb and adds approximately 25 minutes / 1.25 km return. Allow around two hours of walking overall, plus time to enjoy the Cove and take photos. Our afternoon visit will be on the falling tide.
Parking at Hahei Visitor Car Park is free. Attendees purchase their own return shuttle tickets on the day—currently $8 per adult, separate from the event contribution. Bring lunch or buy something in Hahei, along with drinking water, sun protection and suitable walking shoes.
We plan to leave Hahei by 3:30 pm and return to Coromandel Town for accommodation check-in around 5 pm. Attendees must book their own accommodation for Saturday night. Dinner will be at our accommodation or a local restaurant—TBC.
The itinerary is subject to weather, sea conditions and track access.

SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER — COROMANDEL COASTAL WALKWAY

We will check out early and drive to Stony Bay, ready to start walking no later than 8 am. Our departure time from Coromandel Town will be confirmed beforehand to allow enough time for the drive.

From Stony Bay, we will follow the coastal walkway to Fletcher Bay and return along the same track, enjoying coastal forest, farmland and views across the northern Coromandel coastline.

Distance: Approximately 20 km return.
Walking time: Approximately seven hours; allow extra time for lunch, rests and photos.
Fitness: Good fitness and the ability to comfortably walk 20 km in a day are essential.
Terrain: Generally an easy gradient, with a short steep section into and out of Poley Bay. Some sections are narrow and require care.

After returning to Stony Bay, we will drive back to Auckland.

ACCOMMODATION

Please book and pay for your own accommodation in Coromandel Town for Saturday 12 December.

You are welcome to arrange shared accommodation with other attendees. Please coordinate in the event comments and ensure your arrangements allow for an early departure on Sunday.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable daypack.
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip.
Approximately 3 litres of drinking water for Sunday.
Packed lunch and plenty of snacks for the walk.
Sunday breakfast, or arrangements to eat before our early departure.
Waterproof rain jacket and warm layers.
Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Headlamp and spare batteries.
Personal first-aid kit and any medication.
Charged phone.
Overnight essentials, toiletries and a change of clothes.

Saturday meal arrangements will be confirmed once the itinerary and dinner plans are settled.

TRANSPORT

Carpooling from Auckland will be coordinated through the event comments. Please indicate whether you can offer a lift or need one.
Passengers should agree on a fuel contribution with their driver. This is separate from the event contribution.

The access roads include narrow, winding gravel sections, so drivers should be comfortable with these conditions.

CONTRIBUTION

A $10 contribution per person is required.
Please transfer to:
Wakahi.com Limited
02-0200-0260173-000
Accommodation, meals, transport and any paid Saturday activities are additional and paid separately.

SAFETY & TRACK CONDITIONS

This is a long walk in a remote area with limited mobile reception. Please arrive properly equipped and ready for a full day outdoors.
The trip is subject to weather, road access and track conditions. We will check DOC updates before departure, and plans may change if necessary. Clean your footwear and use any kauri hygiene stations provided.

Please read the DOC Coromandel Walkway information before attending.

REGULARS ONLY. Others please join day hikes first.